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Century Bakkwa manages to fulfil all CNY orders despite fire, gives staff 2 months bonus
Updates.
February 18, 2026, 07:07 PM
Following the fire at Century Bakkwa in Little India, the owner decided to give her staff a two-month bonus.
On Feb. 18, the second day of Chinese New Year, Simbian Chua was the only staff on duty at the Century Bak Kwa retail shop in Wisma Atria.
Speaking to Mothership, Chua said she felt relieved to have fulfilled all Chinese New Year orders.
She previously informed customers that orders would be delayed by a day or so.
When asked how she managed to fulfil all the orders, Chua said it was a secret.
After the fire, Chua said she could only offer her staff a two-month bonus because many customers requested refunds.
However, she will review the profits from the festive period to determine whether she can grant a third-month bonus.
Looking back on the whole incident, Chua shared that she realised she was surrounded by benefactors who wanted to help her.
"So don't be dejected, because this year has just begun."
Two days before CNY
On Feb. 15, just two days before Chinese New Year, a fire broke out at Century Bakkwa in Little India.
Chua posted on Instagram shortly after the fire broke out, noting that “there is 500kg of charcoal” on the premises.
Firefighters were on site to tackle the blaze in the early afternoon.
Chua said orders scheduled for Feb. 15 might be delayed by one to two days.
Customers who wish to request a refund could do so.
The fire is believed to have occurred at the shop’s 1,000 sq ft shophouse on Dunlop Street, according to The Straits Times.
A short video shared by Chua showed smoke filling the back alley where the row of shophouses is located.
Top photos via Zheng Zhangxin/Mothership
