Success of Hawkers' Development Programme

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment since the launch of the Hawkers' Development Programme, what is the number of applicants who have (i) successfully enrolled in the programme (ii) completed the training programme (iii) completed the apprenticeship (iv) started business operations and (v) continue to be in operation.

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: The Hawkers' Development Programme (HDP) was launched by the National Environment Agency in 2020. It combines training, apprenticeship and mentorship to equip aspiring hawkers with the relevant skills to run a hawker business. As of 30 April 2024, 566 aspiring hawkers have enrolled for HDP and completed the classroom training. Among them, 120 have moved on to complete their apprenticeship. Out of the 29 who proceeded to start their business within a hawker centre, 16 of them remain in operation.