Kid-focused tech startup myFirst picks Fu Yu as exclusive contract manufacturer

SINGAPORE startup myFirst has appointed Fu Yu Corporation : F13 0% as its exclusive contract manufacturer, both parties said in a joint statement on Thursday (Apr 4).

The startup is known for its kid-safe platform that allows children to socialise using its products, which include watchphones, cameras, earbuds, 3D pens, and headphones.

Fu Yu, which manufactures high-precision plastic products, will provide “a full suite of solutions” to manufacture and assemble myFirst’s products, supported by its smart factory in Tuas. It will begin mass production this month for the S$15 million contract. 

Depending on requirements, manufacturing components for myFirst can also take place across Fu Yu’s six facilities in Singapore, Malaysia, and China.

The partnership will help myFirst drive the major North American expansion of its kid-safe digital platform, following a pre-Series A funding round from Lynx Asia Partners and angel investors.

It plans to boost its number of locations to 20,000 from 4,000, including those owned by major retailers such as Walmart, Costco, and Best Buy. It already operates in 40 countries and previously received funding in 2022 from tech founders and executives from PatSnap, Google, Rainforest, TNB Aura and Zopim.

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Both parties also plan to explore using bio-rated materials to manufacture certain components to enhance sustainability across the production line.

MyFirst’s co-founder and chief executive G-Jay Yong said: “Every time myFirst has expanded, we have faced a sudden surge in demand. We are globally available but the US is a big market and this partnership has given us the backing to be able to cater to this demand surge.”

Fu Yu group chief executive and executive director David Seow added: “Over the past year, Fu Yu has been tirelessly evolving, developing new production introduction capabilities to provide early-stage engagement and enhancing our capabilities with cutting-edge manufacturing techniques.”

Shares of mainboard-listed Fu Yu were trading 4.9 per cent or S$0.006 higher at S$0.128 as at 11.15 am on Thursday, following the announcement.