Adequate Mix of Food Options at Local Universities

Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Education whether guidelines can be provided on food options in local Universities to ensure that (i) an adequate mix of food options is provided to meet the diverse dietary needs of students, such as halal and vegetarian diets, and (ii) places with high footfall and residential areas on campus have a minimum quota of such food options.

The Autonomous Universities (AUs) regularly engage their student and staff communities on their well-being, including on the availability of food and beverage (F&B) options. To ensure there are sufficient food options to meet the different needs of students and staff, the AUs require both halal-certified and vegetarian options to be included in tender bids submitted by prospective food court operators.

The decisions taken by F&B tenants are also driven by business viability considerations. In some circumstances, this may affect the mix of F&B options on AU campuses. Where this is the case, the AUs will source for replacement operators and work closely with their campus community to provide other options, such as through food delivery apps, or by providing free internal shuttle bus services to enhance access to F&B options across the campus.

The AUs will continue to work with their communities to help ensure there are enough food options on campus to cater to different dietary needs.