Picture this: In the heart of Singapore's vibrant, skyscraper-lined cityscape, where towering buildings and underground mazes can turn GPS into a frustrating game of guesswork, Grab is revolutionizing navigation with ultra-precise technology that could redefine how we move around. But here's where it gets exciting—it's the first time in Southeast Asia that high-accuracy GPS is being integrated directly into smartphones and apps, promising smoother rides and deliveries like never before. And this is the part most people miss: This isn't just about getting from point A to B; it's paving the way for innovations that might even rival those in self-driving cars and racing circuits. Let's dive into the details of this groundbreaking initiative and explore what it means for drivers, deliverers, and everyday users.
Grab Singapore has kicked off an innovative pilot program that harnesses cutting-edge lane-level GPS positioning to elevate the navigation experience for its driver-partners and delivery-partners across the island nation. This initiative, developed in partnership with OPPO, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., and Swift Navigation, represents Southeast Asia's inaugural rollout of high-precision GPS technology embedded into mobile devices and applications. Launched on November 11, 2025, it delivers unmatched outdoor positioning accuracy, directly benefiting Grab's vast network of partners.
As Grab continues to refine its GrabMaps platform—think of it as the backbone of its navigation tools—the company is constantly investigating fresh technologies to boost precision and dependability for those on the road. In densely packed urban settings like Singapore, with its array of high-rises, multi-tiered highways, and subterranean tunnels, traditional GPS often loses its edge, yielding inaccuracies exceeding 20 meters. This can make locating pick-up spots or drop-off points a real headache, leading to imprecise arrival estimates and potential delays.
By uniting expertise from top-tier tech collaborators, Grab has crafted an advanced navigation framework that allows driver- and delivery-partners to pinpoint their exact whereabouts with remarkable fidelity. The result? Streamlined navigation in GPS-hostile zones, facilitating easier pick-ups and cutting down on cancellations. For newcomers to the tech world, imagine GPS as a digital compass that gets scrambled by city chaos—like how a radio signal warbles near tall structures. This pilot uses smarter tools to 'correct' those errors, much like how a map app learns from traffic patterns to suggest better routes.
The pilot draws on the specialized strengths of its partners to make this magic happen:
- OPPO supplies its sleek Find N5 foldable smartphone, equipped with Dual Frequency GNSS—a fancy term for a system that captures multiple satellite signals for better tracking, supporting the most advanced positioning tech out there.
- Qualcomm Technologies powers up the Meter-Level Positioning feature within the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Mobile Platform that runs the OPPO Find N5, sending real-time corrections to GPS signals for instant accuracy.
- Swift Navigation offers its cloud-powered Skylark™ Precise Positioning Service, which employs sophisticated atmospheric modeling to iron out GPS glitches and amplify positioning precision by up to 10 times. Built on a global network of ground-based reference stations—including those from Singapore's Land Authority (SLA)—Skylark taps into the Singapore Satellite Positioning Reference Network (SiReNT) for ultra-reliable GNSS data, perfect for fine-tuning last-mile ride-hailing and logistics in the city.
When combined, these elements fuel the pilot: The OPPO Find N5 foldable phone, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, and Swift Navigation's Skylark collaborate seamlessly to provide navigation that's as precise as a surgeon's scalpel. Drawing from insights gained here, Grab intends to roll out this enhanced positioning to its custom Karta devices soon, expanding access and empowering even more partners with top-tier navigation tech in the near future.
“Grab is pioneering this ultra-accurate positioning tech in Southeast Asia's ride-hailing scene,” remarked Nilofer Christensen, Head of Consumer Product at GrabMaps. “Our driver- and delivery-partners are now equipped with state-of-the-art tools akin to those in autonomous vehicles and high-speed motorsports. By fusing advanced hardware with pinpoint GPS adjustments, they can conquer urban landscapes more effectively, boosting productivity and opening doors to greater income opportunities.”
Gary Dong, President of OPPO Asia Pacific, added, “At OPPO, our innovation stems from our Benfen philosophy—focusing on users, understanding their needs, and delivering genuine value through tech to enrich their lives. This teamwork with Grab, Qualcomm Technologies, and Swift Navigation proudly pushes OPPO's device advancements into precise navigation territory. Utilizing the dual-frequency prowess of the OPPO Find N5, backed by the Snapdragon 8 Elite platform, we're empowering Grab's partners to navigate Singapore's intricate city vibes with poise and precision.”
“This joint effort with Grab, OPPO, and Swift Navigation signifies a major leap in embedding high-accuracy positioning into handheld gadgets,” said Francesco Grilli, Vice President of Product Management at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “We're thrilled to witness how this pilot sparks creativity to elevate driver experiences and uncovers fresh avenues for navigation and location services in crowded urban hubs.”
Holger Ippach, EVP of Product and Marketing at Swift Navigation, noted, “This venture with Grab, OPPO, and Qualcomm Technologies is a game-changer for worldwide mobility. Grab stands among the earliest globally to weave precise GPS into a mobile application, turning lane-level exactness into everyday reality for users. While Skylark already supports over 10 million advanced driver-assistance and self-driving vehicles, outdoor robots, and mapping tools, Grab, OPPO, and Qualcomm are setting the gold standard for future mobile navigation—a model the whole sector will emulate.”
To tackle navigation hurdles in GPS-dead zones like underground areas, Grab is actively charting basements and parking garages throughout Singapore with its in-house KartaCam tools and LiDAR scanners—a laser-based tech that creates detailed 3D maps. This project is steadily expanding coverage, sharpening accuracy in spots where signals vanish. Grab's upgraded system provides a rock-solid location fix as vehicles approach these areas, smoothly transitioning to dead-reckoning methods for subterranean guidance. Paired with smart map-matching algorithms, it maintains step-by-step directions below ground, ensuring pick-ups are effortless and time-efficient. By November 2025, they've mapped out basement garages at several hotels—including the Mandarin Oriental, Park Royal Marina Bay, and Ritz-Carlton—as well as shopping centers like Marina Square, Millenia Walk, and Millenia Singapore in the Marina Bay district.
On the surface, this pilot promises to enhance driver- and delivery-partners' daily routines. Armed with finer positioning, they can deliver uninterrupted service, even in the most demanding spots. For instance, consider a driver weaving through a maze of overpasses or a deliverer pinpointing an exact gate in a sprawling mall—accuracy like this turns potential chaos into clockwork.
Launched in October 2025, the pilot involved about 250 selected driver- and delivery-partners, with around 60 receiving complimentary OPPO Find N5 foldable devices courtesy of Grab and OPPO sponsorships. Each device runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform and integrates Swift Navigation’s Skylark, granting partners entry to Grab’s elite high-precision GPS ecosystem. When these drivers open the Grab Driver App and engage GrabMaps, the system intuitively pulls in hyper-accurate location data, transforming real-world navigation.
One participant, 47-year-old Grab driver-partner Santho Rudy Peter, shared, “Previously, GPS would falter in the Central Business District amid skyscrapers, causing signals to scatter. This pilot brings sharper, steadier accuracy with instant updates, helping me reach pick-ups quicker, minus the uncertainty, and arriving for riders with total assurance.”
For customers, the perks translate to spot-on arrival predictions, reduced wait times, and fewer no-shows due to wrong turns or convoluted paths. Whether grabbing a ride from the precise entrance of a hectic mall or receiving a meal delivery to the correct high-rise unit, this lane-level precision ensures services hit the mark, underscoring Grab's dedication to trustworthiness.
This pilot marks the initial stride toward Grab's ambition of lane-level navigation across Singapore and further afield. Teaming up with leaders in devices, processors, and signal corrections, Grab is building the groundwork for journeys that are not only faster and more dependable but also more enjoyable throughout Southeast Asia.
But here's where it gets controversial: As we embrace this leap into hyper-precise tracking, are we sacrificing privacy in the name of convenience? Some might argue that such detailed location data could be misused by tech companies or even governments, raising questions about data security and consent. And this is the part most people miss—what if this technology widens the gap between 'haves' and 'have-nots,' where only those with the latest gadgets benefit? Do you think the benefits outweigh the risks, or should there be stricter regulations on how our movements are monitored? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments—do you see this as a thrilling step forward or a potential slippery slope?
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About Grab
Grab stands as a premier superapp across Southeast Asia, spanning deliveries, mobility, and digital finance. It serves more than 800 cities in eight countries—CAMBODIA, INDONESIA, MALAYSIA, MYANMAR, THE PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, THAILAND, and VIETNAM—empowering millions daily to order meals or groceries, ship items, book rides, make online payments, or tap into services like loans and insurance via one app. In Malaysia, it runs supermarkets under Jaya Grocer and Everrise for convenient grocery deliveries. Financially, it offers digital banking through GXS Bank in Singapore and GXBank in Malaysia. Founded in 2012, Grab's mission is to propel Southeast Asia by fostering economic opportunities for all, balancing shareholder returns with societal good and environmental responsibility.
About OPPO
OPPO is a global leader in smart devices, starting with its iconic "Smiley Face" phone in 2008. It relentlessly blends beauty with innovation, offering a lineup led by the Find and Reno series, plus the ColorOS OS and online services. With a presence in over 70 countries and 40,000+ employees, OPPO aims to elevate everyday living worldwide.
About Qualcomm
Snapdragon and Qualcomm products stem from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and its affiliates. Qualcomm and Snapdragon are registered trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated.
About Swift Navigation
Swift Navigation is an international tech firm leading in accessible, high-fidelity satellite positioning to scale autonomy and automation. Its Skylark™ Precise Positioning Service refines standard GNSS like GPS from meters to centimeters. It supports over 10 million vehicles and gadgets from top automakers, suppliers, robotics firms, and IoT experts, available in North America, Europe, and Asia. Discover more at swiftnav.com.
Hotels mapped around the area include Mandarin Oriental, Park Royal Marina Bay, Ritz Carlton.
Shopping malls mapped around the area include Marina Square, Millenia Walk, Millenia Singapore.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b643d71c-7443-4826-89f1-a0e55892e211.
