Press release: Asia Startup Network Partners with Excelerate.sg to Launch 3-Day Hawkerpreneur Workshop, Fusing Heritage with Tech Innovation
- elisetanyeeling
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
This press release is also on The Business Times
Singapore, 19/08/2025— In an era where traditional hawker culture faces manpower shortages, rising costs, and generational decline, two entrepreneurial forces — Excelerate.sg and Asia Startup Network — are joining hands to address the challenge head-on.
The collaboration will see the launch of a 3-Day Hawkerpreneur Workshop, a fully-funded skills and business training programme designed to groom a new wave of profitable, tech-enabled hawkerpreneurs.
Tackling a Growing Problem
Singapore’s hawker scene, a UNESCO-recognised cultural heritage, is struggling to attract younger operators as many shy away from the long hours, physical demands, and uncertain returns. With many veterans nearing retirement, the need for fresh entrants — equipped with modern business strategies — has never been more urgent.
“We want to remove the barriers that stop aspiring hawkers from taking the leap,” said Bobby Yeoh, Founder of Excelerate.sg. “By combining industry mentorship, proven F&B concepts, and financial accessibility, our programme makes hawker entrepreneurship a viable and rewarding career path.”
Finally, a Hands-On, Fully-Funded Programme
The 3-Day Hawkerpreneur Workshop equips participants with end-to-end knowledge — from stall setup and menu engineering to cost control, marketing, and customer engagement. Beyond learning operational skills, participants are also guided to conceptualise and develop their own unique hawker business models, whether they wish to launch a fresh concept or modernise a traditional recipe.
Key benefits include:
Up to 100% Funding via WSQ and SkillsFuture schemes, making the course financially accessible.
Practical, Market-Ready Skills — training covers menu planning, pricing strategy, cost efficiency, branding, and customer retention.
Lean Hawker Model Development — students learn to integrate software, streamlined processes, and automation into their stall design to maximise efficiency and profitability.
Empowering the Next Generation of Hawkerpreneurs
Asia Startup Network’s involvement will bring in strategic investors, tech solutions, and mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs to help hawkerpreneurs not only survive, but thrive.
“Singapore’s hawker culture is more than just food — it’s a shared identity,” said Elise Tan, Co-Founder of Asia Startup Network.
The first intake for the Hawkerpreneur Workshop is now open for registration. Interested participants can learn more at www.excelerate.sg/byd.
“We’re redefining what it means to be a hawker in today’s economy — it’s about profitability, efficiency, and innovation, without the punishing hours.” — Bobby Yeoh, Founder, Excelerate.sg
"Our goal is to empower a new breed of hawkerpreneurs who blend tradition with innovation, ensuring this heritage thrives for generations.” — Andrew Tan, co-founder, Asia Startup Network.
Interested participants may sign up on www.lu.ma/Excelerate1.
Quick Facts:
Programme Name:
3-Day Hawkerpreneur Workshop
Sign up on www.lu.ma/Excelerate1
Organisers:
Excelerate.sg & Asia Startup Network
Funding:
Up to 100% via WSQ & SkillsFuture
Who It’s For:
Aspiring hawkerpreneurs, career switchers, culinary students, food entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to start or modernise a hawker business
Core Modules:
Menu planning & pricing strategies
Cost control & profit optimisation
Branding & customer engagement
Lean Hawker Model Development (software, processes, automation)
Outcome:
Participants leave with a ready-to-launch business concept, operational plan, and tools to run a lean, profitable hawker business
Website:
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