Deep Dive Singapore's hawker culture can thrive but we need to embrace that it is evolving, says Grace Fu
Mar 20, 2025
In this lively discussion, Grace Fu, Singapore's Sustainability and Environment Minister, explores the future of hawker culture. She shares insights on a massive S$1 billion initiative aimed at modernizing hawker centres while preserving their cultural significance. Grace emphasizes the challenges of cleanliness and accessibility, particularly for the elderly and disabled. The conversation touches on adapting to changing consumer preferences and the importance of the Hawker Succession Scheme, showcasing a collaborative approach to keep this beloved culinary tradition thriving.
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Support Hawkers
- Support hawkers by paying fair prices for their food.
- Consider the value they provide and be willing to pay more than a few dollars.
A Day in a Hawker's Life
- Crispina Robert shadowed a hawker for a day, from 5 am to 9 pm.
- The experience highlighted the hard work involved in hawking and the low profit margins.
Hawker Aspirations
- Not everyone aspires to be a hawker, despite it being a cultural icon.
- Make it easier to enter and exit the trade to attract more people, perhaps those disillusioned with other careers.