Singapore Kopitiams Promote Traditional Chinese Ethics

In a country where hawker centres and coffee shops serve as daily food hubs for all walks of life, a small group of Singaporean kopitiam owners are doing more than just selling kopi and toast—they’re quietly infusing traditional Chinese moral teachings into the everyday dining experience.

At two Singapore coffee shops, walls and pillars are adorned with phrases from 'Di Zi Gui' ('Standards for Being a Good Student and Child'), including 'When your parents call you, answer them right away' and 'Do not talk about others’ faults behind their backs.' These quotes, rarely seen in such settings, have sparked interest among parents and children alike.

How Two Coffee Shop Owners Brought ‘Di Zi Gui’ Into Their Businesses

The initiative began with 42-year-old coffee shop owner Suh Seng Thiam, who, after encountering personal and financial struggles, found guidance through traditional Chinese teachings. Introduced to Confucian philosophy and the 'Di Zi Gui' text via a business contact, he enrolled in classes and experienced a personal transformation. Motivated to share what he learned, he invested over S$10,000—supported by his business partner—to print and install wall quotes and establish a 'cultural book corner' at his coffee shop in Ang Mo Kio.

Though Suh later stepped away from managing that location, his former partners kept the 'Di Zi Gui' decorations intact. The messages, meant to instill values like humility, respect, and self-discipline, became a talking point for parents walking their children to school.

The Role of Community and Shared Values Among Kopitiam Owners

Suh’s efforts inspired other like-minded business owners. One of them is 51-year-old Neo Yoke Hup, owner of a Chaozhou porridge stall in Upper Serangoon Road. Though initially unfamiliar with 'Di Zi Gui,' Neo had long planned to create a 'cultural book corner' in his shop as a way to give back to his Confucian teachers. After visiting Suh’s decorated coffee shop, he decided to take action.

With Suh’s help, Neo sourced books and educational materials, and together with other shop owners, funded the printing of 'Di Zi Gui' booklets and virtue-focused DVDs. These are available for customers to take freely. Neo also installed wall quotes from the text and set up a 24-hour loop of educational videos in his 'cultural book corner.'

Why These Shop Owners Believe in Teaching Through Daily Spaces

Both Suh and Neo view their coffee shops not just as commercial spaces, but as community touchpoints where values can be quietly reinforced. For Suh, 'Di Zi Gui' helped him through a personal 'dark period' when he admits he was lost in materialism. Learning its principles guided him toward a more balanced and giving life. He credits the teachings with helping him overcome business failures and personal trials.

Neo echoes this sentiment, seeing the 'cultural book corner' as a way to contribute to society. “We want to give back what we’ve learned,” he said. “This kind of humanistic education has been lost, and we just want to play a small part in reviving it.” The space is designed not to preach, but to let values seep into daily life—through a quote on a wall, a book on a shelf, or a video playing softly in the background.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'Di Zi Gui' and why is it displayed in these coffee shops?

'Di Zi Gui' is a traditional Chinese text that outlines moral conduct, particularly for young people, based on Confucian principles. Phrases from the text like 'When your parents call you, answer them right away' and 'Do not talk about others’ faults' are displayed in two Singapore coffee shops to promote ethical behaviour and cultural values among customers, especially children.

Which coffee shops in Singapore feature 'Di Zi Gui' decorations?

The two coffee shops are located at 672 Hougang Avenue 4 Block 672 and 1014 Upper Serangoon Road in Singapore. One is a general coffee shop formerly managed by Suh Seng Thiam, the other is a Chaozhou porridge stall owned by Neo Yoke Hup.

How did the idea of displaying 'Di Zi Gui' start in these shops?

The idea originated with Suh Seng Thiam, who was introduced to 'Di Zi Gui' and Confucian teachings through a business contact. After taking courses and experiencing personal growth, he decided to share the teachings by decorating his coffee shop with relevant quotes and creating a cultural book corner with the support of his partners.

What kind of materials are available in the 'cultural book corner'?

The 'cultural book corner' includes printed booklets and DVDs on virtue education, copies of 'Di Zi Gui' and 'Liao Fan’s Four Lessons,' all funded collectively by the shop owners. These materials are available for customers to take freely. The area also features 24-hour audio-visual teachings.

Did the original owner continue running the Ang Mo Kio coffee shop?

No, Suh Seng Thiam later stopped managing the coffee shop at 672 Hougang Avenue 4 Block 672, but his former partners chose to keep the 'Di Zi Gui' decorations and values in place even after he left.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Ethical Kopitiam Culture

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