Boy, 12, helps grandma sell porridge at Holland Drive hawker centre, wins praise

A 12-year-old boy has won praise for helping his grandmother out at her porridge stall in Holland Drive Market and Food Centre.

Chong Meng Yew has been seen helping with cashiering and taking orders on weekends and during school holidays at Congee House.

His grandmother, Setoh, 70, is suffering from back and leg pain owing to the long hours she has to spend standing at the stall.

She told Shin Min Daily News that she has been running the business for more than 10 years and usually does everything by herself.

Started to help out in 2024

Her grandson started helping out at the stall in 2024 during his spare time, with his parents' blessing.

Setoh lives near the food centre, while her grandson lives in Toa Payoh.

He would usually take the bus from his home and arrive at the stall at 8am.

Young boy lauded

Chong's precociousness was previously featured in a video by Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing on May 25, when he was making the rounds in the estate.

Chan's post showed the Primary 6 student peeling three preserved eggs in 1 minute.

Got the hang of it quickly

Chong is also tasked with collecting payment, wiping the table, as well as handling some ingredients.

Setoh said her grandson got the hang of counting money within two to three weeks.

She would spend her time overseeing the cooking when Chong is around.

Made sensible

Some diners who saw Chong praised him for being thoughtful and well-behaved.

However, Setoh revealed that her grandson had a rather mischievous personality before helping out at the stall.

He then learned how to behave and became more sensible, she said.

"His parents and I both agreed to let him come to the stall to help out. While reducing my burden, it also gives him a chance to hone his skills. I believe it will be useful for him in the future," she said.

Granddaughter helped out at stall previously

Previously, before Chong helped out at the stall, another grandchild of Setoh's would do the same when she was in her teens.

However, the granddaughter has since grown up and is now attending university and does not have as much time as before.

Top photos via Shin Min Daily News & Chan Chun Sing Facebook