Balancing inflation, competition, and social responsibility of NTUC social enterprise

by Teo Kueh Liang (Mr)

I refer to The Independent Singapore’s featured news “FairPrice will absorb GST hike for 500 essential items for first half of 2024, discounts for seniors extended” (Nov 27) and “More are seeking free food as food prices rise: Volunteer groups” (Nov 28).

I am definitely glad to learn that the NTUC FairPrice is acknowledging significant inflationary pressures and the rising cost of daily essentials that have affected the cost of living for most people to a certain extent.

For many middle-and-lower-class and vulnerable people in Singapore, this decision by the management of NTUC FairPrice is undoubtedly a welcome temporary relief.

However, the following points are puzzling and preferably for further improvement :

1) Why not extend this decision to one year regardless of the classification of age?

2) Could it be a coincidence that the specific “discount event” is tied with the upcoming General Election?

3) Could the list of staples, such as eggs, fish, cheese, potatoes, cassava, yams, toro, and various cooking oils, be expanded?

4) Due to the push and stiff competition from its rivals, such as Sheng Siong and Giant Supermarket, will NTUC FairPrice continue to insist on the quality and price concessions of its various products in the competition and duel? For example, of its fresh produce?

5) Or, will NTUC keep on exploring and seeking breakthroughs in terms of supply chain diversification, product variety, quality assurance and competitive price to better meet the different tastes and requirements of the broad consumer groups?

6) Would NTUC FairPrice consider converting its net annual earnings profit to some form of returns to its vast membership and granting more benefits to its employees? As it is amid the shocking news: –

According to a report by TODAY on 26 January 2021, Sheng Siong employees’ bonuses range from 4.68 months to 15.72 months, depending on the workers’ grades. This was due to Sheng Siong Group’s pre-tax profit for the first nine months of 2020 being 81% higher than in 2019.

Besides, although FairPrice had just made S$99.8 million from almost S$4.3 billion in the turnover of 2021, and Sheng Siong announced S$133.6 million in profits from a revenue of S$1.4 billion.