Latest news with #BukitCanberra
Independent Singapore
3 days ago
- Politics
- Independent Singapore
Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre operator to remove clause requiring stallholders to provide free meals
SINGAPORE: The issue of hawkers being obligated to provide free meals at Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre that was raised by food guru Kf Seetoh and addressed by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, appears to have come to an end with a social media post from the centre's operator. On Facebook on Aug 15, the operator explained that its Pay-It-Forward initiative, providing free meals that had been part of the stallholders' contracts, had been a charitable cause, but acknowledged that it should have been voluntary. 'But given the circumstances, we saw the arrangement as one that balanced both the voluntary involvement with the fulfilment of their promises,' the operator added, also writing that the number of free meals it had asked for had been significantly reduced upon discussions with the tenants. It also said that some of the hawkers have told them that they may no longer be able to provide the meals they had committed to, though they expressed the desire to do so if their circumstances had been better. See also Briton charged in Singapore in Wirecard-linked fraud 'We also learned that in the constituency we are in, the concept of the meal assistance programme is called 'Belanja a Meal', relies on voluntary contributions from patrons, instead of hawkers,' it added, explaining that it has now chosen to hold back on implementing the 'Pay-It-Forward' initiative, and may decide not to proceed with it. 'Hence, no hawkers have been penalised for not providing free meals under the tenancy agreements, and we also do not intend to enforce the obligation in the future. This is a commitment we are making publicly,' the post reads. Furthermore, the clauses requiring the provision of free meals when the tenancy agreements are renewed next month. Early last week, Mr Ong, who has been representing Sembawang Central in Parliament for the past 10 years, responded to posts from Mr Seetoh about conditions for stallholders at Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre. The hawker centre is part of his ward. On Aug 8, Mr Seetoh put up a post that said stallholders were 'contractually obligated' to offer 60 free meals each month, as well as budget meals costing S$3 to S$3.50 'Hawkers seem to be the ones obliged to help the poor and disadvantaged. Some don't mind helping; they know what it's like to struggle, but it's not just for the poor, even Elon and Gates are entitled to it,' wrote the Makansutra founder. When Mr Ong responded to the issues he raised, Mr Seetoh thanked the Minister but added that he would 'Love to Kopi with you on this so u get a fuller picture.' He also suggested that Mr Ong have a look at the stallholders' contracts to 'see if any of the points of contract contradict the roles a socially responsible hawker cte management team should practice and implement.' /TISG Read also: After rebuttal from Ong Ye Kung on Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre, KF Seetoh invites him to 'Kopi… so u get a fuller picture'
CNA
6 days ago
- Business
- CNA
Bukit Canberra hawkers contractually bound to provide free meals under pay-it-forward scheme, lawyers say
SINGAPORE: Hawkers' participation in a scheme to provide free meals at Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre is mandatory based on the language of their tenancy agreements, said lawyers consulted by CNA. A 2024 version of the contract seen by CNA states that a stall tenant 'shall participate' in the pay-it-forward programme 'as implemented and/or directed by the company', requiring them to set aside 100 meals at their own cost for the scheme. Another clause requires the tenant to provide at least two menu items below S$3 and display them prominently. The tenant shall also offer a 10 per cent discount on their other menu items to CHAS Blue, Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation card holders, another clause read. Managing partner of Lighthouse Law Adrian Wee said it does not appear from the wording of these clauses that the hawkers' participation in the scheme is voluntary. "The use of the word 'shall' suggests that the tenant is obliged to participate in the scheme and that this is one of the several obligations imposed on the tenant under the tenancy. "The fact that the scheme has not yet started has no bearing on whether the tenant will eventually be obliged to participate if and when the scheme starts," he added. Lawyer Chooi Jing Yen also agreed that the word "shall" means the hawkers legally have to participate in the scheme. "Technically, if the hawkers fail to comply, that would be a breach of the contract," he said. Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre is one of several social enterprise hawker centres in Singapore. In 2024, then-Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Koh Poh Koon said that all social enterprise hawker centre operators must propose ways to ensure affordable food options are available as part of their tender proposals. "So far operators have committed that all stalls in their centres will provide at least one value meal option. This is not an attempt to force hawkers to sell all of their dishes at low prices. "Instead, the intent is for operators to work with hawkers to offer a range of food offerings at different price points," he had said at the time. Value meals only account for about 5 to 20 per cent of meals sold in social enterprise hawker centres, he noted. "Hawkers are not expected to make a loss selling value meals." The operator of Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre took to Facebook on Tuesday night to address the free meals programme. According to Canopy Hawkers Group, it received 'overwhelming interest' during the stall application stage three years ago, and it was 'not easy' to select tenants. "Other than offering affordable and quality meals, we also incorporated into our selection criteria hawkers who shared our vision to pay-it-forward to the community, through the offering of free meals to the low income. "As hawkers were selected on this basis, we incorporated Pay-it-Forward into the tenancy contract," the operator said in its post. After the hawker centre opened, the operator discussed the programme with the stallholders further, and reduced the original arrangement of 30 meals per month to a total of 100 meals over the three-year tenancy period, the post read. This revised arrangement was reflected in a contract variation around August 2023, said Canopy Hawkers Group. In the Facebook post, it noted that the programme has not officially started and the preparatory work has not been done yet. "So there is no obligation on the part of the hawkers, and no penalties to speak of. "While hawkers have voluntarily agreed to participate at the point of selection, we also acknowledged the view that charity should not be contractual, and this is something to be reviewed again when the Pay-It -Forward programme is ready." Member of Parliament for Sembawang GRC Ong Ye Kung had said on Monday that there are no penalties if hawkers "do not or are unable to provide the meals". The health minister also said the initiative had yet to start. Mr Wee said if the tenants were selected on the basis that they were willing to participate in the programme to provide free meals, then it is not surprising that their participation is written into the tenancy agreement in the form of a "binding obligation". "In general, if something is voluntary, meaning the tenant has the option of not doing it, then that choice should be reflected in the terms of the agreement between parties, or, better yet, omitted altogether," he said. Mr Chooi pointed out that accepting tenants based on their willingness to participate in the programme and the operator's decision not to enforce the scheme seemed contradictory. If Canopy Hawker Group later decides to enforce the contract or the relevant penalties despite having said publicly that they will not do so, hawkers may rely on the legal principle of 'estoppel' as a defence, he added. "(This means that) the hawkers can say, 'sorry, despite what has been written in the contract, you have separately and publicly stated that this is a voluntary obligation'," said Mr Chooi. The fact that the hawkers are not providing free meals in accordance with the contract does not mean that the operator can penalise them for not keeping to the terms, he added. From its post on Facebook, it appears that the operator has also acknowledged this point, Mr Chooi said. He added that the post seems to imply that a voluntary charity scheme need not or should not have been included in the contracts in the first place, especially if they were not going to enforce it against the hawkers. Amarjit Singh of Amarjit Sidhu Law said if the scheme is for charity, it should be voluntary. 'If hawkers agree to participate and set aside free meals, then it should be ok. But the imposition of penalties is unreasonable,' he added, noting that Mr Ong has also confirmed that the hawkers will not be penalised for not giving out free meals. The terms of a contract need to be reasonable, fair and not onerous, and should not put either party at a disadvantage, he said, adding that in general, the courts would decide on the reasonableness of a contract.
Independent Singapore
12-08-2025
- Politics
- Independent Singapore
After rebuttal from Ong Ye Kung on Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre, KF Seetoh invites him to ‘Kopi… so u get a fuller picture'
Disclaimer: The following report contains statements and allegations made by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung and Mr KF Seetoh in their respective public social media posts. Claims regarding stallholder charges and contractual obligations are as stated by the individuals concerned. TISG has not independently verified these claims, makes no representations as to their accuracy, and does not endorse any opinion expressed. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgment. SINGAPORE: Health Minister Ong Ye Kung took to Facebook to respond to posts from food guru KF Seetoh about conditions for stallholders at Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre. Mr Ong has been representing Sembawang Central in Parliament for the past 10 years, and the hawker centre is part of his ward. On Aug 4, Mr Seetoh put up a social media post alleging that stallholders at Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre were being charged S$70 each month for a space at the back of each stall for a blue supplier basket. '$70 a mth just to use that space suppliers use to leave hawkers' orders for the day. Atrocious! What part of which heaven gave Canopy Hawkers Group Ltd, the gall to charge willy nilly as a social enterprise hawker cte management to do this?' he asked. Four days later, he put up another post that said stallholders were 'contractually obligated' to offer 60 free meals each month, as well as budget meals costing S$3 to S$3.50 'Hawkers seem to be the ones obliged to help the poor and disadvantaged. Some don't mind helping; they know what it's like to struggle, but it's not just for the poor, even Elon and Gates are entitled to it,' wrote the Makansutra founder. On Tuesday (Aug 11), Mr Ong said that while he acknowledged Mr Seetoh's 'concern for our hawkers and shared his passion for keeping our hawker culture alive and thriving,' he sought to clarify both points. He said there was 'no such practice' of charging $$70 a month for the use of the blue basket at the back of their stalls. Moreover, the allegation that hawkers need to provide 60 free meals per month 'does not present the full picture.' Mr Ong explained that stallholders had initially agreed to provide 30 meals a month for low-income residents when the hawker centre first opened, which was later adjusted to 100 meals over the three-year duration of their lease. 'There are no penalties if they do not or are unable to provide the meals. This simple, well-intentioned initiative was meant to encourage our hawkers to 'Pay-It-Forward.' In any case, the initiative has yet to commence,' he added. An hour later, Mr Seetoh put up another post, thanking Mr Ong for his response, but adding that he would 'Love to Kopi with you on this so u get a fuller picture.' He noted that the 60 free meals the hawkers are being asked to give are in stallholders' contracts and that he had been told about the charge for the blue baskets by a smallholder at the hawker centre who had 'no reason to make this up. I have seen the invoice n receipt of payment for it. It's called a Backyard Cluster. I'll show it to you if need be.' He also suggested that Mr Ong have a look at the stallholders' contracts to 'see if any of the points of contract contradict the roles a socially responsible hawker cte management team should practice and implement.' 'It is a proud and unique hawker food culture we have that even UNESCO recognizes. We can certainly do more for its sustainable future, its potentials and opportunities,' added Mr Seetoh. /TISG Read also: 'Retailers, hawkers and restaurants need to survive' — KF Seetoh says Urban Hawker NYC costs less to run than Orchard Road, MBS food halls
CNA
11-08-2025
- Politics
- CNA
Bukit Canberra hawkers will not be penalised for not providing meals for low-income residents: Ong Ye Kung
SINGAPORE: Stallholders at Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre will not be penalised for not providing free meals to low-income residents, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said on Monday (Aug 11). Mr Ong, who is a Member of Parliament for Sembawang Group Representation Constituency, was responding to claims made on Facebook by food critic KF Seetoh about hawkers there being "contractually obligated" to offer 60 free meals every month. After being alerted to Mr Seetoh's posts, Mr Ong said that he looked into the matters raised. Mr Seetoh's claim "does not present the full picture", said Mr Ong. When the hawker centre first opened, the stallholders had initially agreed to provide 30 meals a month for low-income residents. This was later adjusted to 100 meals over the three-year duration of their leases, Mr Ong said. "There are no penalties if they do not or are unable to provide the meals," he said, adding that the initiative, which was meant to encourage hawkers to "pay it forward", has yet to commence. Mr Seetoh had also claimed that the hawkers were being charged S$70 (US$54) a month for the use of a basket, placed at the back of their stores, for suppliers to place their wares. "This is not true, as there is no such practice of charging for the use of the blue baskets at the back of their stalls," said Mr Ong. Responding to Mr Ong's post, Mr Seetoh on Monday said that the cost of using the baskets was "shown and told to me by a hawker there". He claimed to have seen the invoice and receipt of payment for it. The hawker "has no reason to make this up", he added. Mr Ong said that he appreciated Mr Seetoh's "concern for our hawkers" and that he shared his "passion for keeping our hawker culture alive and thriving". "However, let's do so without putting down anyone, whether they are patrons, hawkers, the hawker centre operator, or government agencies.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
SINGAPORE TO HOST THE THIRD EDITION OF THE STARLIGHT INTERNATIONAL YOUTH BASKETBALL OPEN (SIYBO 2025)
SINGAPORE, July 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Starlight International Youth Basketball Open (SIYBO) returns for its highly anticipated third edition this year. Organised by Touchdown Sports Pte Ltd, SIYBO 2025 will take place from August 15 to 17 at Bukit Canberra ActiveSG Sport Hall, Singapore, welcoming top youth basketball talents from around the world to compete and connect through basketball. Since its debut in 2023, SIYBO has rapidly grown into one of Asia's leading youth basketball tournaments, combining elite competition with cultural exchange, education, and community engagement. "SIYBO is more than a tournament—it's a platform to inspire, empower, and connect young athletes globally," said Adam Chen, CEO of Touchdown Sports. "With each edition, we're proud to see the impact this event has in uniting diverse communities through basketball." SIYBO 2025 will host players in the following categories: U10 Mixed Gender U11 Mixed Gender U12 Boys & Girls U13 Boys & Girls U14 Boys & Girls U15 Boys & Girls The tournament is expected to welcome teams from over 20 countries and regions including the United States, mainland China, Japan, Spain, Germany, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Australia, Hong Kong and host nation Singapore. KEY HIGHLIGHTS FIBA-endorsed tournament rules Opening and closing ceremonies featuring cultural performances and special guests MVP and All-Star recognitions, as well as skills challenges Coaching clinics, youth leadership sessions, and development workshops Professional livestreaming and digital content coverage Community outreach and volunteer involvement through local platforms PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS SIYBO 2025 is proudly supported by returning main sponsor, China Life Singapore in collaboration with Sport Singapore. It is also officially endorsed by FIBA Asia. GET INVOLVED Teams, coaches, sponsors, and fans are invited to be part of this meaningful and growing movement in youth basketball. Register your team today before July 20, 2025 at Venue: Bukit Canberra ActiveSG Sport Hall SingaporeOfficial Website: & Media Enquiries: siybo@ Social Media HandlesInstagram: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Touchdown Sports Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
