Provision shops, hawker food, the kampung spirit: Some Singaporeans online share grim outlook 10 to 20 years from now

Recently, discussions on online forums have revealed Singaporeans' uneasy predictions for the next 10 to 20 years. The conversation began when a user on the r/askSingapore subreddit asked what would vanish in the coming years, referencing the loss of certain elements over the past two decades. One user expressed concern that the "kampung spirit" would disappear as people no longer know or care about their neighbors.

Other mentioned issues included the disappearance of colorful buildings, toys, and hawker food, especially the pastel-colored "big circular thin wafers" commonly found in local snack shops.

Some commenters pointed out that hawker centres are protected as UNESCO tourist sites, but the food served there could suffer if prices rise above fast food and restaurant prices. In December, a report by Channel News Asia found that nearly half of heartland residents felt the kampung spirit was fading due to the arrival of international chains and trendier neighbourhood shops.

Responding to this trend, KF Seetoh, founder of Makansutra, urged Singaporeans to support local businesses and preserve hawker culture, which he called "the heart of Singapore's identity."

Provision shops, which have also been closing due to high rents, increased competition, and a shortage of successors, have been another point of concern. Industry experts argue that these shops, often Tamil-owned and called "mama shops," contribute to a diverse retail environment and uphold neighborhood character. Experts emphasize that the loss of these shops would not only mean the end of individual businesses but also the loss of long-standing relationships between owners and their local communities.

Similarly, there are concerns about the future of ice cream uncles, with some predicting their disappearance within five to ten years. One commenter lamented that losing these figures would be a shame, as they contribute to the cultural relevance of Singapore for younger generations.