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Commentary
Can heritage trades survive in modern Singapore’s retail climate?
Keeping them going for 60 years more and beyond requires recognising what we lose when they go.
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(Clockwise from top left) Mr Kenry Peh, fourth-generation owner of Pek Sin Choon Tea Merchant; Basheer Graphic Books in Bras Basah Complex; VSS Varusai Mohamed & Sons’ Haji V. Syed Mohamed with his daughter Fauzia Rani; and Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant.
PHOTOS: BRIAN TEO, V. S. S. VARUSAI MOHAMED & SONS, ST FILE
Follow topic:
- NHB's SG Heritage Business Scheme supports 42 local brands with branding, marketing, and consultancy to boost visibility and consumer support, addressing low awareness.
- Heritage businesses face challenges like rising costs and manpower shortages; government support is needed to sustain traditional trades.
- Future plans could include expanding the scheme to more areas and nurturing talent, ensuring their long-term viability and competitiveness.
AI generated
In a quiet corner of Pek Sin Choon’s shophouse in Mosque Street, fourth-generation owner Kenry Peh rinsed a small clay teapot with hot water, then gently scooped in a measured portion of his signature “Charm of Buddha’s Palm” tea leaves.
As the 55-year-old poured steaming water over the leaves, he shared how his century-old business has produced its distinctive Nanyang tea – a flavour tailored specifically for local palates.
