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"Why no English?" — Are foreign businesses in Singapore leaving locals behind?

Independent Singapore

14 hours ago

Business
Independent Singapore

"Why no English?" — Are foreign businesses in Singapore leaving locals behind?

SINGAPORE: A viral Reddit post has reignited the conversation on language accessibility and integration, after a Singaporean user shared their frustrations about the lack of English signage in a growing number of Mainland Chinese eateries across the island. The post, which quickly surged past 2,200 upvotes on r/singapore, was written by a self-described Indian Muslim Singaporean who expressed interest in Chinese cuisine and cultural exchange, but felt alienated by the linguistic exclusivity of some retail outlets. 'I would love to try more Northern Chinese cuisines if there are halal options,' he shared. 'But I don't mind the vast majority of them not being halal. This isn't meant to be political, but rather a personal concern.' The user clarified that their frustration wasn't with major brands like Haidilao, Luckin Coffee, or Chagee but with the smaller PRC eateries popping up in areas like Bugis and Clementi, where menus, promotions, and even staff communication are often almost entirely in Chinese . 'Having only the Chinese language means you are excluding non-Chinese people and even some Chinese Singaporeans who struggle with their Mother Tongue… English is a common language here, and the lack of it makes it seem they do not really want to expand their business' clientele outside the PRC immigrant population,' the post continued. Even when English was present, it was often an afterthought: tiny fonts, poor translations, or only partial information provided — a situation the user found both unwelcoming and unnecessary. Many Singaporeans feel the same way What stood out in the comments was not just support from minority communities, but from Chinese Singaporeans themselves , who echoed concerns about social cohesion and national identity . 'As a bilingual Chinese, I feel you,' one user wrote, garnering over 1000 upvotes . 'To me, English is the language that's supposed to bridge the social divide between races… when businesses do not care to use English, it feels like we're taking a step backwards in social integration.' Another popular comment went further, suggesting deeper implications: 'The proliferation of such food stalls is part of a self-reinforcing loop that feeds a burgeoning PRC expat bubble…The key difference is the minimal use of English in storefronts, menus, signages, apps, and customer communications. Locals patronising such stores are bonus revenue . What if you, the local, were never their target audience to begin with?' This comment, too, wasn't alone in highlighting broader geopolitical concerns, suggesting that some PRC businesses may be setting up shop in Singapore not solely for profit , but due to external economic pressures in China or as vehicles for capital outflow. What about inclusion and citizenship? One particularly pointed comment asked why new citizens aren't required to meet a basic English language threshold , noting how the lack of shared language undermines efforts toward social harmony: 'I really wish there is an English test for new citizens to at least make the non-Chinese Singaporeans feel more included.' A call for common ground At its core, this thread was not a rant, but a collective call for accessibility, mutual respect, and cultural integration . While Singapore has always been a multiracial society with a rich linguistic heritage, English has long served as the default bridge between communities, and in a landscape where PRC eateries are becoming a daily fixture, many Singaporeans are asking for a baseline level of linguistic accessibility in shared public spaces. Because inclusion is not just about race or religion, it starts with language and the ability to read the menu. A general ruling to mandate that signs, menus, and storefronts carry both English and the preferred language of the business, many suggested, would go a long way in ensuring every Singaporean feels at home, not just the ones who speak the language.

Tea chain 'Chagee'-ng towards inclusivity with new NUS outlet

New Paper

a day ago

Business
New Paper

Tea chain 'Chagee'-ng towards inclusivity with new NUS outlet

As the second-oldest among four siblings, Mr Muhammad Salahuddin Omar was the only child in the family born deaf. The 27-year-old picked up sign language in kindergarten and now works at Chinese tea franchise Chagee's signing store located in the National University of Singapore (NUS). The store is staffed by Deaf and hard-of-hearing baristas employed through a partnership with SG Enable and the Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf). The term "Deaf", with a capital letter D, refers to people with hearing loss who prefer to use sign language, and identify as a part of the Deaf community. Speaking to The New Paper in Singapore Sign Language (SgSL) with the help of a sign language interpreter, Mr Salahuddin shared that he, fortunately, did not experience bullying growing up. "I feel like maybe it's because of my face," he signed with his nimble fingers before letting out a chuckle. Though a little anxious, Mr Salahuddin was very enthusiastic while sharing his experiences. TNP PHOTO: SEAH JUN DE The Deaf barista attended the Singapore School for the Deaf and Lighthouse School where he grew up alongside children with hearing disabilities and supportive teachers, he shared. Before joining Chagee, Mr Salahuddin worked in retail and F&B, roles he secured with support from SG Enable, a government agency aimed at assisting persons with disabilities and their caregivers. However, during his time at his previous two jobs, he did not have anybody he could communicate with as there was no one else who could understand sign language. When he first received the offer to work at Chagee's signing store last year through SADeaf, he was looking forward to being in a work environment where everyone could understand each other. "I thought it'd be interesting - I wanted the job because it'd be easier to communicate," he signed. Mr Salahuddin underwent three weeks of training conducted in sign language and aided by resource videos with closed captions before being deployed on the ground. Prior to the opening of the Chagee NUS store, Mr Salahuddin was working at the Orchard Gateway outlet - a high-volume store with long queues every day. "I need to be very focused at work because it's quite busy over there." Other Deaf and hard-of-hearing staff members at the signing store have also been previously attached to another store, ensuring a smooth transition to the newly opened NUS outlet that serves a large student crowd. Mr Lawrence Wen, general manager of Chagee Singapore, noted that the prior experience has equipped the team well for the high demand at the NUS outlet. "This store is actually a very high-volume store for us as well - there's a lot of delivery orders. Our store partners are more than capable of handling the high volume during lunchtime." The store is staffed by 14 baristas. TNP PHOTO: SEAH JUN DE The signing store had its soft launch last month and Mr Salahuddin has already become acquainted with some of the store's regulars. Faculty members visit the store so often that they have slowly picked up sign language, making it easier to communicate with them, he explained. Chagee NUS had its official launch on June 19, becoming the tea chain's first signing store in South-east Asia. The franchise has three signing stores in China. "Siting it at NUS was a deliberate choice - this is where future leaders are shaped, and we want to inspire more inclusive mindsets through everyday experiences," said Mr Wen in his opening address. The store was designed with the staff in mind. Walls are lined with cork to soften ambient noise and the open brewing area keeps the staff visually connected. "An inclusive society is one where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Initiatives like the Chagee signing store remind us that accessibility is not just about infrastructure - it is about mindset and intent," said Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development Eric Chua who was the guest of honour at the opening ceremony. To introduce customers to basic SgSL, a custom-made flip chart on the wall was developed with the help of SG Enable and SADeaf. Simple terms like "hello" and "thank you" in SgSL are displayed on the wall. Mr Salahuddin standing in front of the flip chart, signing the letter C. PHOTO COURTESY OF CHAGEE The store also features a mural by award-winning Deaf artist Angeline Chen Ziyue and photos taken by Singaporean Deaf photographer Isabelle Lim. "I hope that customers will be able to learn a bit more about sign language after their visit and be inspired to go for courses to pick it up," Mr Salahuddin signed in SgSL with a smile.

Chagee opens sign-language store at NUS supporting deaf community, Lifestyle News

AsiaOne

2 days ago

Business
AsiaOne

Chagee opens sign-language store at NUS supporting deaf community, Lifestyle News

Chagee unveiled its latest outlet at National University of Singapore (NUS) yesterday (June 19), possibly Singapore's first sign language-equipped tea-chain store. Located in NUS' Yusof Ishak House, the new outlet is also the tea chain's first-ever signing store in Southeast Asia. In a partnership with SG Enable and the Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf), the outlet is staffed by deaf and hard-of-hearing baristas. The store's official launch was attended by Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development and Law Eric Chua, where he highlighted the importance of inclusivity in Singapore. "An inclusive society is one where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Initiatives like the Chagee signing store remind us that accessibility is not just about infrastructure — it is about mindset and intent," he said. In a Facebook post later that day, he described such initiatives towards disability-inclusive employment as "encouraging". Not your average bubble tea store The 135 sq m outlet features cork-lined interiors that create a welcoming space for all. A layered step seating configuration also hopes to promote social interaction. One of its most eye-catching features is the custom-built flip chart wall. Developed in consultation with SG Enable and SADeaf, the flip chart wall is meant to be a simple step to introduce newcomers to basic sign language, and to foster meaningful exchanges between customers and staff. Another head-turner within the outlet is the vibrant wall mural, designed by award-winning deaf artist Angeline Chen Zi Yue, which adds an artistic touch to the space. To celebrate the opening of the store, Chagee has introduced two exclusive in-store merchandise bundles. They feature Chagee's signature Bo·Ya Jasmine Green Milk Tea and items such as canvas totes and keychains. For every bundle sold, the chain will donate $2 to SADeaf. Address: 31 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Yusof Ishak House, level 1, Singapore 119078 Opening hours: Daily, 10.30am to 8.30pm [[nid:716027]] amierul@

Singapore could soon see its first F&B store run fully by deaf persons

CNA

3 days ago

Business
CNA

Singapore could soon see its first F&B store run fully by deaf persons

Singapore may soon see its first food and beverage store run fully by deaf persons. Milk tea chain Chagee has just opened its first Southeast Asian signing store in Singapore and it aims to create a conducive environment for their deaf baristas. Singapore's Deaf Association says more companies have sought advice on adopting inclusive hiring processes. Richa Mathew reports.

Chagee initiated with a Buy at Deutsche Bank

Business Insider