ASSESSMENT OF UPGRADED HAWKER CENTRE

Abstract

Hawkers had existed in Singapore since the early days of colonization. With the development of Singapore, living standard in Singapore has increased and the requirement of cleanliness and hygiene has differed from early 1970s. Thus, markets and hawker centres have to upgrade so as to keep up with the environment and also the expectations of Singaporeans. In 19 February 2001 (Straits Times), Minister for the Environment Lim Swee Say announced that the Government would spend $420 million to overhaul Singapore’s hawker centres. This is to preserve the unique characteristics of each hawker centres. This study assesses stallholders’ and customers’ satisfaction of upgraded hawker centres, and also their expectation towards the future upgrading. The results found that majority of respondents were satisfied with the upgrading programme and the upgraded items and will increase their patronizing trips to upgraded markets and food centres. But customers were concerned about the increase of the price and this will alter their patronizing habits. Thus, most stallholders absorbed the rental increase in order to retain customers. In addition, younger generation was more likely to purchase goods from internet. Stallholders were negative with the idea of providing service through internet.