- Kopitiam card holders will be able to transfer stored value to the FairPrice app in Linkpoints at all outlets with self-service top-up kiosks; cash refund booths to be available at 15 outlets islandwide
- Top-ups to physical Kopitiam cards to come to an end on March 1 but card holders able to use cards to pay for food and drinks till June 30
- Customers using their FairPrice app to pay for purchases at participating Kopitiam outlets get added benefit of offsetting food and drinks with Linkpoints in addition to existing 10% discount
Singapore, 20 February 2023 – FairPrice Group (FPG) which manages the food court chain Kopitiam, today announced that it would be deploying more than 80 digital buddies at 15 of its high traffic locations islandwide[1] from March 1. This is to help Kopitiam card holders experience a smooth transition from their Kopitiam cards to the FairPrice app.
From March 1, Kopitiam card holders who have stored value in their cards will be able to transfer their stored value to their FairPrice app in Linkpoints at all outlets with self-service top-up kiosks. The 15 outlets with digital buddies deployed will also have booths to facilitate cash refunds.
Top-ups to physical Kopitiam cards will come to an end on March 1. To avoid long queues and overcrowding during the transition period, Kopitiam card holders are reminded that they have four months to use or transition their stored value in their Kopitiam cards to the FairPrice app – the remaining stored value in the cards can still be used in Kopitiam till June 30.
Digital buddies to lend a helping hand from March to June
For the month of March to June[2], 80 digital buddies will be on-site across 15 locations to help Kopitiam customers, especially senior citizens, download the FairPrice app and start benefiting from redeeming Linkpoints[3] to offset their Kopitiam purchases. This is in addition to the existing 10% discount[4] which card holders already enjoy at participating outlets.
Digital buddies will also be able to help facilitate the transfer of stored value in Kopitiam cards to Linkpoints at self-service top-up kiosks.
To cater to higher footfall over weekends when more multi-generational families dine out, digital buddies will also be on-site at the 15 identified Kopitiam outlets from 10am – 8pm every weekend.
Food court managers and supervisors have also been trained to look out for the elderly and address queries and concerns from diners.
Enhanced communication efforts
FPG is also making every effort to facilitate the transition from Kopitiam cards to the FairPrice app easier for elderly cardholders. Bi-lingual posters have also been printed and displayed at all outlets. Leaflets in all four languages, English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil will also be available. Instructional videos and leaflets with step-by-step guides of how to download and use the FairPrice app will also be played at selected Kopitiam stores. The instructional videos can also be viewed on the Kopitiam website – https://www.kopitiam.biz/kopitiam-goes-digital/ so that customers can download the FairPrice app and explore the benefits of the app from the convenience of their homes.
Peh Ah Eng, 79 years old, a retiree who downloaded the FairPrice app last week, found it easier than expected to use. “The FairPrice app is really convenient because I don’t have to queue at lunchtime to top up my Kopitiam card anymore. I was also pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to pay for my food. As I do my groceries at NTUC FairPrice every week, I’m looking forward to getting enough Linkpoints to pay for my meals in the coming weeks!”
For seniors who have no access to smartphones and diners on ComCare scheme
Special arrangements have been made for elderly diners who may not be able to move onto the FairPrice app. From March 1, Pioneer Generation (PG), Merdeka Generation (MG) card holders can continue enjoying the 10% discount by flashing their PG/MG cards at participating Kopitiam outlets/stalls that currently accept the Kopitiam card. This arrangement will also apply for all diners currently on the ComCare Assistance Scheme. All they have to do is flash their ComCare card to enjoy the same 10% discount on their meals at participating Kopitiam stalls.
FPG’s on-going digital literacy training for seniors
FPG has also been going into the community to train and help the elderly use various retail technologies over the years. Since 2021, it has collaborated with various partners such as Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP Singapore) The Organisation of Senior Volunteers Singapore to train and partner seniors in their digital journeys.
[1] For full list of outlets, please refer to appendix 1
[2] Please refer to appendix 2 for digital buddies schedule
[3] 100 Linkpoints = $1. For example, a $3 breakfast set at the food court for NTUC union members could be offset with 300 Linkpoints
[4] The 10% discount does not apply in addition to food and drinks already on promotion, promotional set items and fixed priced items
Appendix 1 – 15 outlets with digital buddies and cash refund booths
North | Northeast | Northwest | South | East | West | Central |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Northpoint | Compass One | Hillion Mall | Vivocity | Tampines One | IMM | V Hotel |
Cantine Causeway Point | Hougang One | Yew Tee Square | Lau Pa Sat | Tampines Mall | Jurong Point | Plaza Singapura |
Paya Lebar Quarter |
Kopitiam card holders will be able to transfer stored value to the FairPrice app in Linkpoints at all outlets with self-service top-up kiosks; cash refund booths will also be available at these 15 outlets islandwide.
Appendix 2 – schedule of Digital Buddies
March | April | May | June | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Weekdays | Mondays – Fridays 12 – 8pm | Fridays only – 12 – 8pm | Fridays only – 12 – 8pm | Mondays – Fridays 12 – 8pm |
Weekends and public holidays | 10am – 8pm | 10am – 8pm | 10am – 8pm | 10am – 8pm |
Appendix 3 – Benefits table of FairPrice App compared with Kopitiam card
Benefits | Kopitiam card | FairPrice app |
---|---|---|
10% discount at participating Kopitiam stalls | Yes | Yes |
Offset and redeem meals with Linkpoints | No | Yes |
Use for payment at both Kopitiam and FairPrice supermarkets | No | Yes |
Convenience (i.e. doing away with queuing to top-up cards) | No | Yes |
Personalised offers | No | Yes |