Hawkers' Development Programme (HDP)
The Hawkers' Development Programme (HDP) is jointly developed by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) to equip aspiring and existing hawkers with the relevant skills and competencies to run their hawker businesses. The programme also encourages hawkers to take advantage of social media platforms to market their business effectively. The programme represents a key initiative under NEA's broader hawker management strategy, which aims to sustain and develop Singapore's hawker culture — inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It addresses the aging hawker population and the need to attract new entrants to the trade.
Eligibility Criteria
- 01
Open to aspiring and existing hawkers in Singapore
- 02
Experienced hawkers can participate as Hawker Mentors
Frequently Asked Questions
The full course fee is $2,300. With the 70% SSG subsidy, Singaporeans and PRs pay approximately $690 (+ GST). Singaporeans aged 40 and above can receive an additional 20% Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy, reducing the cost to approximately $230 (+ GST). SkillsFuture Credits can also be used.
Stage 1 (Training): up to $50/day. Stage 2 (Apprenticeship): up to $1,000/month. Stage 3 (Incubation): up to $1,000/month. Stage 1 and 2 allowances are paid together at the end of Stage 2. Minimum 75% attendance is required.
No. The HDP is not compulsory for applying to NEA's Incubation Stall Programme. You can also qualify via ITE's 'Introduction to Managing a Hawker Business' course or tertiary business management courses.
Yes, but existing hawkers are only eligible for Stage 1 (Training) — the 5-day course covering business and culinary fundamentals. Stages 2 and 3 are reserved for aspiring hawkers.
Experienced hawkers interested in mentoring can register at https://go.gov.sg/hdp-mentor. Hawker mentors receive up to $500/month during Stages 2 and 3 of the programme.