Five Workplace Lessons We Can Learn from Iconic Singaporean Foods

Singaporeans love food—there’s no doubt about it! We’re so passionate about it that our hawker culture has even earned a place on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage.

Now that Singapore is 60 years young and counting, it is a great time to reflect on our food culture and how it tells the story of our nation.

Many of our favourite dishes were born from cultural exchanges, blending influences to create something uniquely Singaporean. And just like our food, the workplace thrives on collaboration, adaptation, and diversity.

So, what can we learn from our iconic dishes? Here are five workplace lessons inspired by Singapore’s rich culinary heritage!

#1 Embrace diversity for innovation, as Satay Beehoon proves.

Ever tuck into a plate of satay beehoon and marvel at how Chinese vermicelli and Malay peanut satay sauce make such a perfect match? Word has it that a Chinese hawker was inspired to cook leftover satay sauce with beehoon, giving rise to this popular fusion dish.

In the workplace, diversity works the same way. When people from different cultures, genders, ages, or career backgrounds come together, they bring unique perspectives and problem-solving approaches, sparking innovation. Take Johnson & Johnson, for example—their darker skin-tone bandages were created because a diverse team recognised a long-overlooked need.

#2 Take a cue from Bak Kwa makers: Adapt to stay relevant.

The beloved Chinese New Year snack of bak kwa (dried meat) has evolved far from its original form in China. When Hokkien bak kwa makers immigrated to Singapore, they quickly realised that the age-old method of air-drying marinated meat was not suited to the island’s humid climate.

Localising the snack to local conditions, they started grilling the meat over charcoal, creating a smokier, more intense flavour. Over time, Singapore’s bak kwa developed its own identity—sweeter, juicier and packed with the signature smoky flavour.

Adapting to current conditions and needs is key to providing relevant solutions. For instance, in this age of AI proliferation, we need to evolve and adopt new AI tools, just as pioneering bak kwa makers changed their traditional techniques in a new working environment.

#3 Simplicity can be a winner too, as Pandan cake demonstrates.

Sometimes the best solutions arise from simplicity—adapting what already works and enhancing it with fresh, cross-cultural insights. Pandan cake, our iconic must-buy dessert for overseas visitors, is one great example. By combining Western baking techniques and the local, unique Pandan flavouring, a world-famous chiffon cake was created.

Japan’s famous Shinkansen bullet train is another case in point. When the train used to travel through tunnels, it would create a loud boom. Observing that the kingfisher is able to dive at high speeds into water while barely making a splash, engineers redesigned the front end of the train to mimic the shape of the bird’s beak. This seemingly simple redesign led to a train that is much faster, quieter, and more energy-efficient!

#4 Laksa with no hum? Kopi siew dai? Customising solutions for different stakeholders is key.

Customisation is the hallmark of hawker food—think laksa without cockles, mee rebus with an added bergedil, or coffee with less sugar. Different customers have different palates that require tweaks to standard recipes.

A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works at the workplace and when it comes to serving diverse groups of Singaporeans. Just like having the ability to order tea with less sugar or evaporated milk, customisation is a powerful principle that drives connection.

Take another example: Netflix’s personalised recommendations based on viewing history and regional interests build customers’ loyalty. Similarly, tailoring our products and services to stakeholder needs and preferences can build stronger relationships, nurture trust, and help us stay ahead in a challenging operating environment.

#5 As food bonds us as a nation, create stronger communities through shared experiences.

Food is a profound unifying force in Singapore, bringing people together regardless of background. Whether it is debating where the best murtabak is, sharing a big pot of fishhead curry, or celebrating one another’s festivals through traditional dishes, food fosters a strong sense of belonging and identity.

Similarly, intentional efforts to create shared experiences at the workplace can foster stronger community bonds. One example is the annual Chingay parade, which brings together thousands of volunteers and performers from diverse backgrounds, creating shared memories for generations of Singaporeans!