Hwa Chong refutes claims students were punished over media comments on SATS canteen food

 SINGAPORE: Hwa Chong Institution has denied penalising students who spoke to the media about its new canteen programme, following online allegations that nine students were issued demerit points for their comments on school meals.

The school issued a statement late on 8 January 2026 after claims spread across social media and parents’ WhatsApp groups that students had faced disciplinary action for raising concerns about food quality.

Photos of meals trigger online criticism

The controversy began after photographs of school meals were posted on Reddit on 3 January.

The images showed food served in turquoise trays, comprising rice, vegetables and a protein item.

The photographs attracted sharp criticism from online commenters, who questioned whether the meals met expected standards of quality and nutrition for students.

Students contradict school’s initial defence

When CNA interviewed nine students outside the school on Wednesday morning, the students said the photographs accurately reflected the food being served, according to the report by CNA.

This contradicted the school’s earlier response that the images did not represent actual food standards.

Screenshots of teacher’s message circulate online

After the CNA article and other media reports were published, screenshots allegedly taken from a teacher’s message began circulating on social media platforms, including Reddit.

One screenshot showed a message warning students “not to participate in the canteen food controversy”.

It added: “Please do not circulate photos, messages and social media posts – we know what the consequences are.”

The message also stated that students required both parental and school consent before speaking to the media.

Allegations of warnings and demerit points

Another screenshot circulating online alleged that five students had received severe warnings for speaking to the media about the canteen food.

Separately, a Reddit post claimed that nine students were punished with five demerit points each for speaking to the media about the new SATS-operated canteen.

The author described the alleged punishment as excessive and unreasonable, arguing that the students had merely shared personal opinions and had not violated school rules.

The post also claimed that the students were interviewed outside school grounds and therefore should not have been subject to disciplinary measures.

Claims of wider dissatisfaction with SATS food

According to the same post, the alleged demerit points carried serious consequences, including potential impacts on students’ conduct grades and future opportunities.

The author further criticised the school administration as being unresponsive to genuine feedback and prone to poor decision-making.

The post alleged widespread dissatisfaction with the SATS food system, citing higher prices, smaller portions and reduced quality compared with what was initially promised.

These claims raised concerns among parents and online commenters about whether students were being discouraged from voicing legitimate concerns about school policies and welfare.

School says message was for student well-being

In response to CNA’s queries, a spokesperson for Hwa Chong Institution acknowledged that the message was sent by a teacher in a class chat group.

The spokesperson said the message was issued “out of concern for our students’ well-being while reminding students to be responsible in their online activities”, according to CNA.

“The reminder was not meant to discourage students from sharing their views or offering feedback through appropriate channels, nor were any students penalised or reprimanded for voicing their opinions,” the spokesperson added.

Clarifying communication and feedback channels

The school also said it would work with its teachers to ensure that messages to students are “conveyed clearly” to avoid misunderstandings.

“We value our students’ perspectives and encourage them to share their thoughts directly with the school so that concerns can be addressed constructively,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added that any media engagement involving students is coordinated with the school and parents in order to safeguard students’ well-being.

 However, the school’s statement did not directly address the message shown in screenshots circulating online that said students required both parental and school consent before speaking to the media.

The new meals form part of a hybrid canteen model launched on 2 January, in partnership with SATS.

According to the school, the model was introduced to address long queue times during meal breaks and to manage manpower shortages affecting canteen operations across the sector.