I am glad that much is being done to revitalise our food centres and attract young people to join the hawker trade (Hawker centres to get new look and roles; Feb 4). One important aspect worth addressing is the negative stereotype of hawkers.

Many people still have the impression that hawkers are, for example, poorly educated. Such negative stereotyping of hawkers has to end if we want to see more young people take up the trade.

Ultimately, parents play an important role in guiding their children in their career path. Thus, support or encouragement from family members is vital. If there is less negative stereotyping, more young people would enter this trade.

Raena Leang Ju Qin, 16, Secondary 4 student