Edward Chia on growing Singapore’s hawker culture

To ensure that Singapore’s hawker culture thrives, it is crucial that hawkerpreneurs can earn a sustainable income, said MP Edward Chia. Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday (Nov 13), he pointed out that hawker centres offer affordable food for Singaporeans. This affordability is Singapore's unique social compact forged out of a vocation to feed the nation, he said. He highlighted the financial pressures that hawkers face, and urged Singaporeans to consider how they can contribute to helping hawkerpreneurs earn a fair and sustainable livelihood. “Hawkers have expressed that while customers are willing to pay S$15 for a bowl of ramen, they hesitate to pay S$5 for a handmade bowl of fishball noodles,” said Mr Chia. He said as a deeper appreciation of hawkerpreneurs grows, consumers will understand what it takes to deliver good hawker food. He urged Singaporeans to support them to ensure they can continue this vital service without compromising their livelihoods. Mr Chia said it takes a ”whole-of-society” approach to support them - from Government policies to corporate initiatives and consumer attitudes. Mr Chia also sought amendments to the motion.