Octogenarian hawker pursues work passion despite family's retirement push

The veteran hawker, who spent decades perfecting his craft at a Chinatown location, has transitioned to a new base at People's Park Food Centre rather than stepping away from the food business entirely. Despite encouragement from family members to enjoy retirement, the octogenarian remains committed to his work, a testament to his dedication to the trade.

With physical demands increasing at his advanced age, the hawker has adapted his operations by recruiting assistants to handle the more strenuous aspects of food preparation and service. This arrangement allows him to maintain his presence in Singapore's hawker culture while managing the practical realities of aging.

The relocation reflects broader changes in Singapore's traditional food scene, where longtime vendors face pressures from rising costs and changing business conditions. Yet for this seasoned professional, the move represents continuity rather than conclusion—a chance to preserve both his livelihood and his identity as a craftsman in a beloved culinary tradition.

His determination to remain in the hawker trade underscores the personal significance many veteran food vendors attach to their work, viewing it as more than mere employment but as a life's calling worth pursuing despite the physical toll of advancing years.