GE2025
Hamster Society S'pore criticises PAP Edward Chia's fun fact of breeding hamsters as a kid, Chia responds
According to the booklet, Chia bred and sold hamsters to pet stores at S$3 each when he was 10.
April 26, 2025, 03:34 PM
The Hamster Society Singapore (HSS) has criticised People's Action Party (PAP) candidate and former Member of Parliament (MP) Edward Chia for a fun fact he included in a campaign booklet.
The booklet described Chia, who will stand as part of the party's slate for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, as someone who used to breed and sell hamsters.
Chia sold the hamsters to pet shops at S$3 each. This transformed into a "lifelong passion for creating value", and was the start of his entrepreneurial career.
Photo via Mothership reader
In response, HSS criticised his framing of his childhood venture.
"So when politician Edward Chia publicly shares that he bred and sold hamsters at 10 years old, and frames it as the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey, it's not something to celebrate. It's something we need to talk about."
The organisation also pointed out in an Instagram post that the unlicensed breeding and selling of pets is illegal in Singapore.
It added that animals are not products, and breeding without a license is "irresponsible".
HSS said it rescues numerous hamsters that are dumped in boxes and bins, with a range of health issues, and many of them come from irresponsible breeders.
While the organisation acknowledged that entrepreneurship is important, "compassion and responsibility must come first, especially when lives are involved."
Chia's response
In an Apr. 26 Facebook post, Chia said that he has had "a good conversation" with HSS regarding his childhood venture.
"They expressed concerns that the sharing may inadvertently encourage the breeding of hamsters.
I will look for opportunities to support the work of Hamster Society Singapore in the future."
Animal breeding in Singapore
According to the Animals and Birds (Licensing of Premises for Pet Shop and Other Purposes) Rules, there are exceptions to the licensing of residential premises for breeding pet animals or birds for reward.
It states that any residential premises for the breeding of pet animals or birds for reward without a licence must meet certain conditions, such as giving the animal away only for adoption or fostering instead of for sale, and that the individual does not advertise or promote the fact that they are breeding the animal, among others.
If found guilty, offenders face a fine of up to S$10,000, imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.
Top photos via Mothership reader & Canva
