In Singapore, a technological revolution is brewing within the city's famed hawker centers. Ang Chip Hong, 53, left his position at Singapore Management University two years ago to delve into the hawker trade full-time. He now operates his stall using a S$14,000 stir-fry robot. This innovation allows him to manage his business with only one staff member who requires no culinary expertise. Ang plans to expand by opening two more outlets and diversifying the robot's menu offerings.
Hawkers in Singapore increasingly turn to technology to combat staffing challenges. The allure of long hours over a hot stove for a relatively modest salary fails to attract many Singaporeans to the trade. Ang Chip Hong highlights the discrepancy between the arduous work of a hawker and the more comfortable office jobs available.
“It’s not worth the effort to them to make S$4,000 (US$2,950) a month with long hours standing over a hot stove when you can make S$3,000 a month as a clerk in an air-conditioned room behind a desk.” – Ang Chip Hong
A former engineer from Singapore shares Ang's sentiment and approach. He faced difficulties finding a chef willing to prepare Hokkien mee, a quintessential noodle dish. In response, he procured a robot from Wuhan and dedicated months to training it to perfect the dish. His efforts have paid off, with the robot successfully preparing Hokkien mee and showcasing the potential of automation in the hawker industry.
The trend of utilizing robots in Singapore's hawker stalls is gaining momentum. For many, the appeal lies in the ability to maintain operations with minimal staff while ensuring consistency in food quality. The growing reliance on technology highlights a shift in the traditional hawker culture, driven by pragmatic solutions to labor shortages.
For hawkers like Ang, robots provide a practical solution to the industry's staffing woes. With plans for expansion and technological advancements, these automated assistants may shape the future of Singapore's beloved street food scene.
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