Flea markets give migrant workers more bang for their buck

Social enterprise takes affordable goods to their dorms to help ease shopping experience

A flea market organised by social enterprise Barang For Your Buck for migrant workers at the D Wall dormitory in Changi East on Sunday. About 1,200 workers shopped at 10 stalls at the event, which included a year-end celebration with musical performa
A flea market organised by social enterprise Barang For Your Buck for migrant workers at the D Wall dormitory in Changi East on Sunday. About 1,200 workers shopped at 10 stalls at the event, which included a year-end celebration with musical performances, a lucky draw and free food for the workers.
A flea market organised by social enterprise Barang For Your Buck for migrant workers at the D Wall dormitory in Changi East on Sunday. About 1,200 workers shopped at 10 stalls at the event, which included a year-end celebration with musical performa
New and old clothes, shoes, bags, electronics and other products are sold at low prices at the flea markets. Mr Christopher Boey, founder of Barang For Your Buck, recommends that vendors keep prices low - about $1 for a T-shirt and $4 for a pair of jeans. PHOTO: BARANG FOR YOUR BUCK
New and old clothes, shoes, bags, electronics and other products are sold at low prices at the flea markets. Mr Christopher Boey, founder of Barang For Your Buck, recommends that vendors keep prices low - about $1 for a T-shirt and $4 for a pair of j
New and old clothes, shoes, bags, electronics and other products are sold at low prices at the flea markets. Mr Christopher Boey, founder of Barang For Your Buck, recommends that vendors keep prices low - about $1 for a T-shirt and $4 for a pair of jeans. PHOTO: BARANG FOR YOUR BUCK
Clara Lock 
Updated
Dec 31, 2019, 08:18 AM
Published
Dec 31, 2019, 05:00 AM
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Shopping is a luxury for migrant workers here.

It can take over an hour to travel downtown from their dormitories in more remote parts of the island and, once there, things usually cost more than what they can afford.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on December 31, 2019, with the headline Flea markets give migrant workers more bang for their buck. Subscribe

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