**SINGAPORE** – In an exciting development for the local food scene, the Singapore government has announced an extension of its subsidy program to encourage hawkers to adopt cashless payment systems. More than 11,500 hawkers have already jumped on board, marking a significant shift toward digital transactions in the vibrant hawker culture of the city-state.

The subsidy, part of the Hawkers Go Digital (HGD) programme, will now remain in effect until the end of 2025. It waives the 0.5% transaction fee for the first $20,000 worth of digital transactions each month for participating stallholders. Payments are predominantly made through QR codes, utilizing the Singapore Quick Response Code platform, simplifying the payment process for both hawkers and their customers.

Launched in 2018 by Enterprise Singapore and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), the initiative seeks to have about 18,000 stallholders in government-managed food centers, including those overseen by the National Environment Agency and Housing Board, fully onboard with digital payments. While the scheme was initially set to conclude on December 31, 2023, a recent announcement has pushed this deadline to the end of 2025.

The joint statement from Enterprise Singapore and IMDA highlighted that this extension is in response to hawkers' feedback, aiming to facilitate the transition to a non-subsidized payment landscape amid rising operating costs. The impact of the program is evident, as both the transaction value and volume of e-payments have surged in recent months. In August 2023, the monthly transaction value jumped to $60 million from $45 million the previous year, with transaction volumes increasing from 5.4 million to 7.6 million.

Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Ms. Low Yen Ling, expressed that the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to ensure hawkers are well-equipped to thrive in the digital age. This move not only strengthens financial inclusion but also positions Singapore's famed hawker centers at the forefront of modernization.

As the digital revolution takes hold, hawkers are embracing the change, streamlining operations, and enhancing customer experiences. With the continuing support from the government, the future looks bright for Singapore's culinary champions, ensuring their legendary street food remains accessible and relevant for years to come. Stay tuned for updates as we follow this exciting transformation in Singapore’s hawker community!