Hwa Chong to refine SATS canteen meals, add preordering after online backlash over hybrid model

SINGAPORE: Hwa Chong Institution is working with food caterer SATS to revise recipes and improve the presentation of meals after public criticism of its new hybrid canteen model, principal Lee Peck Ling said on 15 January 2026.

Lee said the school would also introduce preordering options at live food stalls from the next semester. An on-campus kitchen will be established to produce bento meals.

“We want to address and identify some of the issues earlier, as well as to work together collaboratively to improve our canteen,” he said.
He added that the school was “refining the menu”.

Lee was speaking to reporters during a media visit to the school. According to state media CNA, journalists were invited to tour the new hybrid canteen and sample the bento meals.

The controversy surrounding the canteen model began last week.

Photos of prepacked bento meals prepared by SATS circulated widely on social media, attracted significant attention and criticism..

Online commentators questioned whether the meals met adequate nutritional and quality standards.

When CNA interviewed students outside the school on 7 January 2026, they said the photos accurately reflected the meals being served.

This contradicted the school’s initial position that the images did not reflect actual food standards.

After the initial reports, a screenshot of a message sent by a teacher began circulating online.

The message warned students not to participate in the canteen food controversy or face consequences.

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

Hwa Chong later said the teacher had sent the message in a class chat out of concern for students’ well-being.

The school said it was not intended to silence students.

Rumours subsequently spread online that some students were issued demerit points for speaking out about meal quality concerns.

The claims intensified scrutiny of the school’s response.

On 8 January 2026, Hwa Chong issued a statement denying that any students were reprimanded or penalised.

It said no disciplinary action had been taken against those who raised concerns.

Further speculation emerged after claims that students could not access their discipline records through the school’s digital portal.

Some suggested the system had been taken down to hide penalties.

In a press release issued on Thursday, the school said these allegations were untrue.

It clarified that the discipline module had been taken offline in October 2025.

According to the statement, the takedown occurred before discussions about the canteen controversy.

It was part of an ongoing review of the school’s demerit system.

“The temporary takedown was part of an ongoing review of the school’s demerit system, with the aim of making it more developmental in nature,” HCI said.

The school added that the move was not intended to restrict access to information.

HCI said the system was taken offline to facilitate updates and internal review. Access to discipline records has since been restored.

The school reiterated that no students were punished for speaking to the media. It said no demerit points were issued in relation to canteen matters.

Hwa Chong said the hybrid canteen model was introduced to address long-standing operational challenges.

These include persistent queues and sustainability issues with a stall-only system.

The school also cited difficulties in retaining stallholders. Manpower shortages and rising costs were among the pressures highlighted.

When transitioning to the new model, HCI said stallholders were given options. They could continue as self-employed operators or join SATS as employees.

According to CNA, five stallholders chose to continue operating live stalls. Three opted to work under SATS, while others retired or moved to other schools.

The school said it had engaged more than 2,600 students through dialogues since 2024. Food tastings were also conducted with students, parents and staff.

HCI added that it is forming a canteen review committee. The committee will include staff, students, parents and a SATS representative.

Lee said he welcomes feedback from parents and students. He encouraged them to approach staff with suggestions.

Students, community, and food critics call for improved school meals at Hwa Chong

Earlier, Students at HCI have expressed significant dissatisfaction with the shift from traditional canteen stalls to SATS central kitchen catering, citing concerns about food quality, portion sizes, pricing, and the online ordering system.

In an open letter, some students pointed out that while some menu items were received more positively, many students feel the changes have negatively affected canteen culture and lack consistent standards and transparency.

They are urging clearer communication, more robust feedback channels, and improvements to ensure daily meals better meet student expectations.

Netizens echoed these worries online, criticising the meals’ appearance and value for money and calling for more variety and culturally rich options.

Veteran food critic KF Seetoh also weighed in, saying hardworking students deserve enjoyable, well‑balanced meals that reflect Singapore’s food heritage rather than merely functional fare.