Our short documentary focuses on Jack, co-owner of Anthony the Spice Maker, a family business selling local spices and spice blends located at a wet market in Mayflower, Ang Mo Kio. This topic is a relevant one because fewer young Singaporeans are willing to take over their parents’ stalls in the wet market. In fact, did you know that the number of National Environmental Agency (NEA) licensed hawkers who sold market produce has dropped 12.4 per cent from 2005 to 2016 (Lai & Tan, 2017).
At the rate at which this is falling, there is a chance that wet markets might shut completely before our children can see it. In fact, most family businesses in Singapore don’t last to the third generation, as a survey of more than 100 successful family businesses in Singapore found that only 13% of family businesses survive the third generation (Ying, 2017).
At the rate at which this is falling, there is a chance that wet markets might shut completely before our children can see it. In fact, most family businesses in Singapore don’t last to the third generation, as a survey of more than 100 successful family businesses in Singapore found that only 13% of family businesses survive the third generation (Ying, 2017).
Therefore, a story like Jack’s is a unique one, as it is rare to see someone so young (and with tattoos!) mending a stall on a daily basis at a local wet market. Further, it is a family business that has lasted to the third generation as it was first started by his grandfather just as wet markets in Singapore were starting to be set up. Our short documentary hence focuses on a social issue and encourages young Singaporeans to possibly take over existing businesses or set up most importantly, it looks at Jack’s growth through the family business. A dropout who got into trouble often, being a partner with his father on the business has helped provide him with a sense of purpose and has empowered him. Everything was not smooth sailing however and there was a period of time when he faltered and had to shut his business for a while. However, he has come out of that period stronger thanks to family support and has learnt how to value the more important things in life.
Here's the link to our short documentary:
Enjoy!
Group 5
References:
Lai, L., & Tan, S. (2017, November 06). Few willing to take over their parents' sundry, fresh food stalls; experts suggest making them hip. Retrieved November 20, 2017, from http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/manpower/few-willing-to-take-over-their-parents-sundry-fresh-food-stalls-experts-suggest
Ying, F. J. (2017, May 28). Only 13% of family businesses here beat third gen curse. Retrieved November 20, 2017, from http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/only-13-family-businesses-here-beat-third-gen-curse
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