Skip to main content

Government officials will never ask you to transfer money or disclose bank log-in details over a phone call.

Call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 if you are unsure if something is a scam.

Ministry of Trade and Industry
  1. Home
  2. Newsroom
  3. Written reply to PQ on English Language Guideline Considerations towards F&B Outlets that Primarily Use Chinese Language in Stores
3. Parliamentary replies

Written reply to PQ on English Language Guideline Considerations towards F&B Outlets that Primarily Use Chinese Language in Stores

25 September 2025

This article has been migrated from an earlier version of the site and may display formatting inconsistencies.

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.

Back to top