REACH (Telegram) 42 - What are your views on Singapore’s hawker culture? How can we continue to have good and affordable hawker food while enabling hawkers to earn a fair livelihood?

(SK)

14 Nov 2024 (10am - 7pm)

REACH (Telegram)

REACH Singapore, [14/11/2024 9:40 AM]

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REACH Singapore, [14/11/2024 9:50 AM]

📢 Topic 📢

MPs on both sides of the aisle voted on 13 Nov in favour of an amended Progress Singapore Party (PSP) motion to continue the government's support for hawkers and to grow Singapore’s hawker culture. 

💬 What are your views on Singapore’s hawker culture? How can we continue to have good and affordable hawker food while enabling hawkers to earn a fair livelihood?

“While hawker culture must be nurtured and supported, doing so requires balancing between inherent tensions that sometimes pull in different directions”, said SMS Koh Poh Koon.

📌 Manpower issues

NCMP Leong Mun Wai suggested that each cooked food hawker stall should be allowed to employ one work permit holder as a stall assistant, to help with the manpower crunch. 

Responding to this suggestion, SMS Koh Poh Koon said that a “full liberalisation” for foreign manpower may “alter the nature of our hawker centres significantly”, a change that some Singaporeans may not be able to accept. 

He added that the recent announcement that hawker stalls will be allowed to hire long-term visit pass holders as assistants from 1 Jan next year is a way the government is trying to strike a balance.  

📌 Addressing rental costs

PSP suggested to replace the current tender system with balloting to address the issue of competitive tenders leading to high stall rents.

SMS Koh said that while balloting could provide an equal chance to all to obtain a stall at an upfront fixed rate, it could also encourage frivolous applications and excess demand for stalls at popular locations. Those who genuinely want to set up a stall would see their chances dwindle, and such a situation will not benefit patrons.

NCMP Hazel Poa also suggested a fixed rent model to keep rental costs under control. But this would lead to nearly half of all tenderers paying higher rent than they do today, given that based on 2023 data, the tenanted rent for about 44 per cent of stalls is below the assessed market rent, said SMS Koh.

SMS Koh said the current rental process is open, transparent and straightforward for prospective hawkers to understand, and has created a hawker centre landscape that is responsive to consumer demands and changing expectations, and is fair for both hawkers and consumers.

📌 New breed of hawker centres

NCMP Leong also proposed that the current social enterprise model be phased out as the contracts of today’s operators expire.

In response, SMS Koh noted that the socially conscious enterprise hawker centre model (SEHC) was started in 2011 when the Government resumed building hawker centres. This was to help the new breed of hawker centres succeed, and to do so, they would need to have good visitorship, a diverse food mix that responds to evolving needs, and long-term viability.

Today, 14 out of 121 hawker centres are managed by SEHC operators appointed by NEA. Based on recent surveys, over 97 per cent of patrons and stallholders were satisfied with SEHCs, which is comparable to the satisfaction level at NEA managed centres.

👉 https://str.sg/E8XF

👉 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/hawkers-support-parliament-motion-cheap-food-cost-pressures-4747001

👉 https://str.sg/wJ5ou

----

LCL (Danny 心), [14/11/2024 10:11 AM]

I feel that hawker culture should apply to 4 levels:-

1. Hawker centres

2. Neighbourhood coffee shops

3. Air con food courts

4. F&B and restaurants 

My patronage are usually 2 & 3.

My family members patronage occasionally include 4.

LCL (Danny 心), [14/11/2024 10:13 AM]

1. Also I wish to support the central kitchen for schools as individual schools see more and more food stalls operators dwindling and retiring as well as more difficulty in operating and earning in keeping food stalls viable in schools.

2. Many central kitchens are under stress. Some have folded.

3. Hence this schools food catering needs will give a new lease of life to central kitchens.

REACH Singapore, [14/11/2024 11:02 AM]

[ Poll : 1. I agree that hawker centres provide Singaporeans with affordable food options. Please share the reason for your answer in the chats! ]

- Yes

- No 

- To some extent 

REACH Singapore, [14/11/2024 11:02 AM]

[ Poll : 2. I believe the government is providing sufficient support for hawkers. Please share the reason for your answer in the chats! ]

- Agree 

- Neutral 

- Disagree 

Khai Mun L., [14/11/2024 11:14 AM]

I don't have a good solution for this situation.

It's the same for other F&B, cleaner, security industry. Not many locals willing to work these type of jobs.

Increase wages too much, pass costs to consumers.

Open to more foreigners, more resources usage (housing, food), loss of local culture.

Stigma by public towards the industry e.g. would you let your child work long term or find your life partner there?

Adam, [14/11/2024 11:21 AM]

I feel like having a separate class of food establishments will cause its own issues if handled badly. Look at hdb system in conjuction with private housing. We all know its flaws and its something we have to deal with now.

LCL (Danny 心), [14/11/2024 11:54 AM]

1. Hawker culture food, be it hawker centres, coffeeshops and food courts must meet the following requirements:-

a. Affordable prices 

b. Tasty food with sufficient portion 

c. Food operators must have sufficient profits to keep going.

2. I think keeping a balance of all the 3 are increasingly difficult - due to raw materials price inflation, overhead costs such as power and water, higher salaries etc.

Jun Wei, [14/11/2024 12:00 PM]

Personally, I feel that SG hawker culture is dying, especially when you have SEHCs framework. 

An article titled "The Problem with Hawkers" By KF Seetoh - Tuesday, May 07, 2024, shows that it is challenging to have affordable hawker food while enabling hawkers to earn fair livelihood, especially when there are other profiting stakeholders. 

Gov wants people to join as new hawker, but with SEHCs, it becomes like working for them as hawker. Why then will I want to start my career as hawkers? 

Supports by Gov should be focus on removing, striping, and reducing unnecessary costs and expenses, not add on to them and then provide examples of the benefits SEHCs brings. Do you really think there is a need for a management team of non-hawkers to sit in office to think how to bring in patrons? 

I really wonder what's the ratio of patrons and stallholders of the 97% satisfied with SEHCs and in what way are they satisfied specifically.

Noor Naffissah, [14/11/2024 12:01 PM]

I hope the government will give more grants to hawkers despite all the things very expensive

Noor Naffissah, [14/11/2024 12:01 PM]

If not they got no earnings

LCL (Danny 心), [14/11/2024 12:01 PM]

3. Food prices inflation is a real issue as we can see the big jump pre-covid to current.

4. Once the food prices increases, it stick and won't go back to the pre-covid prices.

5. Hence population abilities to finance the day to day meals will have to hinge on:-

a. Higher income - for those who are working 

b. Cost of living support for retirees, care givers, children - those not working. (Eg. GST vouchers, CDC vouchers)

c. Budget meals offered by some of the food stalls.

LCL (Danny 心), [14/11/2024 12:36 PM]

1. Pre covid time, food prices are $3, $3.50, and $4 consider atas.

2. Post covid $4 are few and far in between. $4.50, $5, $5.50, $6, $7, $8, $9 and above are now the norm.

3. 50% to 100% increase in prices.

4. A heavy burden to any household who need to eat 2 to 3 meals a day.

5. Household cutting down to 2 meals a day is one way to save costs.

LCL (Danny 心), [14/11/2024 12:46 PM]

1. When recently happily announced, inflation rate has come down from more than 7% to 2.5%.

2. But food prices still stick at 

Post covid prices of $4 are few and far in between. $4.50, $5, $5.50, $6, $7, $8, $9 and above are now the norm.

3. Still 50% to 100% increase in prices.

4. It doesn't come down back to $3, $3.50 or $4.

Or even come down to slightly higher $3.80, $4 to $5.

5. Hence food prices once increase - stay and stick. 

Food prices is inelastic.

6. Fluctuating prices based on economic principles of demand and supply - don't apply to food prices - because demand is inelastic.

7. Everyone has to eat everyday to survive.

xXx.SCAR.xXx, [14/11/2024 1:12 PM]

I think one aspect of hawker culture in the past is that although life was tougher, the hawkers are friendlier and more familiar with their community and regular customers. 

I remember the hawker centers at Cuppage (behind centrepoint), near Botanical Gardens, Margaret Dr, Tiong Bahru (the old cramped, circular one), and Ghim Moh were all a bit dirty but the food was superb and the hawkers know me and family by name, plus our favorite dishes.

Now, with higher cost of living, new citizens and PRs, high rents, and declining quality of ingredients - everything becomes transactional and even hawkers don't want to look you in the eye when serving your food or collecting money.

Promoting the culture of anything, not only of hawkers, cannot be viewed through purely economical sense. 

Just a humble opinion from an old man.

LCL (Danny 心), [14/11/2024 1:14 PM]

1. Unlike luxury goods that are more elastic.

2. If prices rise, demand fall. Don't buy can. Buy a cheaper alternative can. But food got no cheaper alternatives.

3. This will force luxury business to reduce their prices in order to chalk up their sales.

4. Food prices on the contrary is inelastic.

The moment prices increases, it stay and stick and won't come down.

Because human got to eat whatever the price.

Buyers are price taker, not price setters.

5. Hence government "invisible hands" need to be involved to cushion the food prices increase - as it impact all strata of population. Rich need to eat, middle income need to eat, poor need to eat.

6. Taking a cue from US election, Democrats celebrate early when Fed manage to bring down inflation of more than 9% to about 2.4% just before their election.

7. But Democrats fail to take note of the price inelasticity of food prices - and in fact thought they are on the way to win the election. But the result turn out -  they lose dearly in all 3 Houses - White House, Senate and the Congress.

8. Hence, we should learn a lesson from the US and not let this affect our coming General Election.

9. US post election assessment reveals, many voters don't like the new candidate but still vote for him - because everything the prices are so high despite inflation coming down to 2.4%. 

To the voters, prices where got come down? Still have to live paycheck to paycheck.

10. It is the same situation that Singaporeans are facing today.

Cost of living is really the deciding factor that help to win or lose elections - regardless of whatever ideologies or political inclination.

11. It is the "Hard Truth" and nothing but the Truth.

12. Government who focus on Economic - always win most of the time if not all the time.

Jun Ming, [14/11/2024 1:57 PM]

Yeah it's our daily survivor thing and how well we can live

Jun Ming, [14/11/2024 1:57 PM]

Waffle still stick from 1.50-2.00

REACH Singapore, [14/11/2024 2:00 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

Jun Ming, [14/11/2024 2:06 PM]

How about we allow street food

Jun Ming, [14/11/2024 2:07 PM]

Those trolleys pulley cart where they provide food

Jun Ming, [14/11/2024 2:11 PM]

Where they randomly go to street to sell food 

Maybe in today's context Milo van and old Chung kee van. But yes instead of deep fried food they sell nasi lemak, fried rice etc

Jun Ming, [14/11/2024 2:14 PM]

Talking about food may I know why pasarmalam food so ex ah

xXx.SCAR.xXx, [14/11/2024 2:18 PM]

That's a good idea, might solve the school canteen issue as well since these food van/trucks can be deployed in school during recess timings, and go elsewhere for more income after school-hours or during school holidays. Can also be contracted for cheaper student meals which gives these food operators some basic income assurances.

LCL (Danny 心), [14/11/2024 2:37 PM]

1. I guess is very difficult to get the food stall to decrease their prices.

2. The only way the government can do to cushion the high food prices and tackle the high cost of living are to:-

a. Make GST vouchers a permanent feature.

b. Continue with CDC vouchers if Budget permits.

3. This is the only way to neutralize the inelastic sticky high food prices.

LCL (Danny 心), [14/11/2024 2:54 PM]

1. Looking ahead come 2025, the headwinds show that inflation will again rise and spike.

It will not come down.

2. US economy is tightly link to the world economy - being the largest consumption economy - at US$27 trillion.

3. The new president is already announcing inflationary measures to boost its economy.

4. The inflationary measures are unprecedented - if taking by his words when he campaign during the election.

5. His intended fiscal policy of tax cut, tariff and monetary policy of interest rate cut, quantitative easing etc will trigger a phenomenal inflation not only in US domestic economy but the global economy.

6. Because whatever interest rate set by US Fed, it will impact our interest rate here as we are an interest rate taker.

If we keep our interest rate high when Fed drop its interest rate, MNCs will leave and go back to US as the business cost of borrowings become more expensive.

So if we keep our interest rate low,  business and individuals will borrow more for spendings and drive up product prices.

7. Conversely, if US apply a 10% tariff on our export of US$120 billions, our export business will be affected. Other countries being tariff will retaliate. If we buy from US, the price of goods will be high because of compounded tariffs of many countries build into the product prices.

8. When US decouple its cost effective supply chain, goods prices will rise - triggering global inflation.

9. With quantitative easing, hot money will again flood the global financial market - whereby there will be too much money chasing after too few goods and result in higher good prices.

10. All these will affect the prices of goods and services that we buy from the global market.

11. Hence come 2025, our government will again face the unpleasant situation of high inflation during the election period.

12. The finance ministry will again need to draw on its financial power to cushion the impending inflation hike. 

Not a sweet spot.

Jun Ming, [14/11/2024 3:02 PM]

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15FmRkhuRg/

Jun Ming, [14/11/2024 3:02 PM]

Hawkers be like this haha

LCL (Danny 心), [14/11/2024 3:04 PM]

13. If Budget 2025 is announced on Feb 2025, the effects of inflation will still not kick in yet as the new president has just assume the post on 20 Jan 2025.

14. Hence come mid year, around Jun 2025, another Budget assessment will need to be made to determine if imported inflation hit our shores or not, because any US government policies will need a few months for us to feel the effects.

Nicholas, [14/11/2024 3:33 PM]

Singapore is doing well in this area, please keep it up, may hawker food continue to be tasty, hygienic and affordable, and may hawkers be able to earn a decent living.

REACH Singapore, [14/11/2024 4:03 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

LCL (Danny 心), [14/11/2024 4:16 PM]

"What Donald Trump’s Win Means for Inflation "

 https://time.com/7175083/donald-trump-presidency-inflation/#:~:text=What%20Donald%20Trump%E2%80%99s%20Win%20Means%20for%20Inflation%C2%A0

LCL (Danny 心), [14/11/2024 4:17 PM]

Yes inflation will be coming come 2025.

LCL (Danny 心), [14/11/2024 4:25 PM]

Poly student who spends $20-30 on food daily says, “Singapore’s cost of living is so depressing these days”.

This is $930 a month just for food. 

Not a small sum for a student without income.

https://theindependent.sg/poly-student-who-spends-20-30-on-food-daily-says-singapores-cost-of-living-is-so-depressing-these-days/

LCL (Danny 心), [14/11/2024 4:38 PM]

"Eligible S’poreans to get cash payouts and MediSave, CPF top-ups in Dec".

 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/eligible-adult-singaporeans-to-receive-cash-payouts-medisave-and-cpf-top-ups-in-december-2024#:~:text=Eligible%20S%E2%80%99poreans%20to%20get%20cash%20payouts%20and%20MediSave%2C%20CPF%20top%2Dups%20in%20Dec

G, [14/11/2024 5:51 PM]

😂 weren't you claiming previously that a single income household today can afford HDB, and get by without struggling etc?

LCL (Danny 心), [14/11/2024 5:52 PM]

Yes.

Still can.

G, [14/11/2024 5:54 PM]

Dispute your CPF miscalculations? (reminder: 100% of CPF contributions do not go into OA)

LCL (Danny 心), [14/11/2024 5:54 PM]

I month 5 figure salary why cannot?

LCL (Danny 心), [14/11/2024 5:55 PM]

My household everytime is single income.

LCL (Danny 心), [14/11/2024 5:55 PM]

When I speak, I speak on behalf of average Singaporeans.

Not about myself.

LCL (Danny 心), [14/11/2024 5:58 PM]

Not 100% go to OA, but still go to SA which is my account that attract 4% interest - very good bargain.

Then just use my bank savings.

What is the problem.

SA still my savings, my money.

Got spare money, I still top up to my CPF for higher interest.

山不转， 路转。

路不转。人转。

人不转。脑转。

REACH Singapore, [14/11/2024 6:03 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

G, [14/11/2024 6:03 PM]

Forgot to mention: U did the calculation for $5,000 monthly salary, and made that bold, albeit miscalculated claim

LCL (Danny 心), [14/11/2024 6:03 PM]

That's for average Singaporeans.

LCL (Danny 心), [14/11/2024 6:04 PM]

$5,000 just buy a 3 room flat.

More than enough for single income.

I know of people of such salary with single income that own a flat without problem.

Many can attest to it.

G, [14/11/2024 6:13 PM]

Your claim was for 5 room flat

LCL (Danny 心), [14/11/2024 6:14 PM]

If you want 5 room flat, then eat less. Everyday sandwich, home cook food or Maggie mee.

Instead of loan duration 20 years, make it 30 years or 35 years. Then monthly repayment amount about $1,500.

Still can afford if you want 5 room flat.

REACH Singapore, [14/11/2024 6:47 PM]

Dear Contributors,

⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰

Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

REACH Singapore, [14/11/2024 7:00 PM]

Dear Contributors

We will be closing the chat for today.

Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

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