Kopitiam to deploy staff at 15 outlets to help customers switch from card to app

SINGAPORE: Food court operator Kopitiam will deploy more than 80 "digital buddies" at 15 outlets from March to June to help customers transition from physical stored-value cards to the FairPrice app.

The 15 outlets are at high-traffic locations such as Northpoint, VivoCity, Tampines Mall, Jurong Point and Plaza Singapura, said FairPrice Group on Monday (Feb 20). 

Users of Kopitiam cards get a 10 per cent discount at the operator's food courts and eateries.

It was announced earlier this month that the physical cards will be phased out after Jun 30. Card users will receive the same 10 per cent discount on the FairPrice mobile app.

They can also get a full cash refund of the stored value or transfer the amount to the FairPrice app in the form of Linkpoints. This can be done from Mar 1 at Kopitiam outlets with self-service top-up kiosks.

"The 15 outlets with digital buddies deployed will also have booths to facilitate cash refunds," said FairPrice Group, adding that top-ups to physical Kopitiam cards will end on Mar 1.

"Food court managers and supervisors have also been trained to look out for the elderly and address queries and concerns from diners."

For seniors who have no access to smartphones, FairPrice Group said special arrangements have been made for them to present their Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation cards to continue enjoying the 10 per cent discount at Kopitiam outlets from Mar 1.

The arrangement will also apply to all diners currently on the ComCare Assistance Scheme. 

Kopitiam is one of four social enterprises under the FairPrice Group, which was established in November 2019. The other social enterprises are NTUC FairPrice, NTUC Foodfare and NTUC Link.

FairPrice Group said it is "making every effort" to facilitate the transition from Kopitiam cards to the FairPrice app, especially for the elderly.

It added that bilingual posters have been displayed at all Kopitiam outlets. Leaflets in English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil will also be available. 

"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 company said.

"The remaining stored value in the cards can still be used in Kopitiam until Jun 30."