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 evening guide to the day's most important topics — navigate the key events in politics, business, markets, wealth management, and top investment opportunities. Keeps you informed and ahead of the curve, daily.

Money Matters is your guide to navigating the day's most important topics, from politics and current affairs to wealth management and trending issues. Every evening, the team delivers insightful discussions on business news, market movements, and the latest in alternative assets. Whether navigating the political landscape, understanding the economy, or uncovering emerging investment opportunities, Money Matters keeps you informed and ahead of the curve. Tune in daily to Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian from 4 pm to 7 pm on MONEY FM 89.3.

Money Matters is your guide to navigating the day's most important topics, from politics and current affairs to wealth management and trending issues. Every evening, the team delivers insightful discussions on business news, market movements, and the latest in alternative assets. Whether navigating the political landscape, understanding the economy, or uncovering emerging investment opportunities, Money Matters keeps you informed and ahead of the curve. Tune in daily to Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian from 4 pm to 7 pm on MONEY FM 89.3.

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