The iCard Kopitiam was issued in 2015 by the Ministry of Health to Singaporeans and Permanent Residents aged 60 and above. Over 700,000 iCards were distributed islandwide in celebration of Singapore’s 50th anniversary. Each iCard contained 500 SG50 pre-stored credits, which entitled its user to a 30% discount off drinks, fruits and desserts at participating Kopitiam outlets and all Kopitiam outlets at Changi Airport’s Terminal 3. The Kopitiam card signifies a change in Singaporeans perspective and preference towards traditional ‘kopitiams’ or hawker fare. It helps to signify the popularity of food courts which aim to be cleaner, air-conditioned hawker centres or coffeshops. It shows the transition of hawker culture over the years as more people seem to prefer and opt for comfort then the traditional setting with all the heat, smells and noise around during their meals.
