Question

Mr Yip Hon Weng: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry in view of more F&B outlets primarily using Chinese language (a) whether there are guidelines on language requirement for shop displays, menus, and hiring English-speaking staff; (b) whether outlets will be required to have English menus and English-speaking staff; and (c) whether the Ministry will address this issue considering the large non-Chinese population among citizens, foreign workers and tourists.

Written Answer by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong

1. There are no guidelines or regulations requiring the use of the English language for F&B shop displays, menus, or the hiring of English-speaking staff. Businesses are free to decide on these matters. However, many businesses recognise that the English language is a common medium of communication in Singapore, and choose to utilise it in its displays, menus, and operations in order to serve a wider and diverse customer base.