Hawkers at several Socially-conscious Enterprise Hawker Centres are questioning why they continue to shoulder the costs of budget meals and app-driven discounts, despite recent changes easing other obligations.

At Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre, management recently scrapped a controversial clause requiring stallholders to provide free meals for the needy at their own expense, a move that was initially met with relief.

Yet many hawkers remain frustrated that they must still absorb costs tied to budget meals priced under $3.50 and 10 per cent discounts given through operator apps.

While operators frame such schemes as customer loyalty initiatives, hawkers argue that the discounts eat into already thin margins amid rising ingredient and utility costs. 

So, is it fair to treat social initiatives as a mandatory responsibility for hawkers?

On The Hot Seat, Hongbin Jeong speaks with KF Seetoh, Makansutra Founder, Street Food Advocate and Entrepreneur and George Wong, Assistant Professor of Sociology, SMU, to find out more. 

Hawkers at several Socially-conscious Enterprise Hawker Centres are questioning why they continue to shoulder the costs of budget meals and app-driven discounts, despite recent changes easing other obligations.
At Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre, management recently scrapped a controversial clause requiring stallholders to provide free meals for the needy at their own expense, a move that was initially met with relief. Yet many hawkers remain frustrated that they must still absorb costs tied to budget meals priced under $3.50 and 10 per cent discounts given through operator apps.
While operators frame such schemes as customer loyalty initiatives, hawkers argue that the discounts eat into already thin margins amid rising ingredient and utility costs.&nbsp;
So, is it fair to treat social initiatives as a mandatory responsibility for hawkers?
On The Hot Seat, Hongbin Jeong speaks with KF Seetoh, Makansutra Founder, Street Food Advocate and Entrepreneur and George Wong, Assistant Professor of Sociology, SMU, to find out more.&nbsp;

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4–8pm drive companion,

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4–8pm drive companion, guiding you through the day’s biggest headlines, trending conversations and the issues shaping Singapore and the world.

From news and current affairs to lifestyle insights and generational perspectives, the show helps you make sense of what’s happening — with clarity, context and a touch of personality.

Whether you’re catching up after a long day or tuning in on the move, Your Way Home keeps you informed, engaged and connected — all the way home.

And she closes the day with a song that says it all.

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4&ndash;8pm drive companion, guiding you through the day&rsquo;s biggest headlines, trending conversations and the issues shaping Singapore and the world.
From news and current affairs to lifestyle insights and generational perspectives, the show helps you make sense of what&rsquo;s happening &mdash; with clarity, context and a touch of personality.
Whether you&rsquo;re catching up after a long day or tuning in on the move, Your Way Home keeps you informed, engaged and connected &mdash; all the way home.
And she closes the day with a song that says it all.