Impact of COVID-19 on Chinatown Businesses and Expected Support from Chinatown Digitalisation Initiative
Ministry of Trade and IndustrySpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the COVID-19 impact on Chinatown businesses and support through the Chinatown Digitalisation Initiative. Mr Leon Perera inquired about revenue data, extending SingapoRediscovers Vouchers to retail and food sectors, and the digitalisation initiative's expected impact. Minister Chan Chun Sing acknowledged the decline in international visitors and detailed support through marketing campaigns and local experience initiatives. He explained that retail and food businesses can participate in the voucher scheme by bundling offerings with eligible hotels, attractions, or tours. The digitalisation initiative targets 250 businesses to adopt digital solutions by April 2022 to drive physical and digital traffic.
Transcript
22 Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (a) whether the Government collects data on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Chinatown businesses in terms of revenue decline or number of merchants closing and, if so, what does the data show; (b) whether the Government will allow the use of SingapoRediscovers Vouchers for Chinatown-based businesses, including retail and F&B operators; and (c) whether the Chinatown Digitalisation Initiative is expected to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on their business and, if so, how many businesses are targeted to be so assisted.
Mr Chan Chun Sing: The significant decline in international visitors in 2020 due to COVID-19 has impacted Singapore’s tourism businesses and precincts, including Chinatown. STB has been working closely with the Chinatown Business Association (CBA), as well as precinct stakeholders and businesses, to support businesses through this difficult time.
To attract locals to visit Chinatown, STB has worked with CBA and other stakeholders on initiatives, such as Hawker Day Out, special weekend workshops, new innovative experiences, in addition to annual cultural festivities and events. STB’s SingapoRediscovers campaign, which has encouraged locals to rediscover hidden gems and new experiences in our neighbourhoods, has provided additional marketing and publicity support for these Chinatown initiatives.
The SingapoRediscovers Vouchers (SRV) scheme is primarily targeted at businesses that derive most of their income from tourists – hotels, tourist attractions and tours. Thus, all Chinatown-based hotels, tourist attractions and tours which have been approved to operate may apply to participate in the SRV scheme. F&B and retail businesses can work with eligible merchants to develop bundles that qualify for the SRVs.
Beyond these initiatives, it is also important to support businesses to transform the way they operate so that they remain relevant in this fast-evolving market. The Chinatown Digitalisation Initiatives help Chinatown businesses engage new customers by building their digital presence and leveraging digital solutions. This helps them drive physical and digital traffic both locally and from overseas. The scheme aims to encourage 250 businesses or 25% of businesses in Chinatown to adopt at least one of the digital initiatives by April 2022.