Supporting the "Ice-Cream Uncle Economy" one ice-cream at a time!

Supporting the "Ice-Cream Uncle Economy" one ice-cream at a time! 😁

As a self-identifying Singapore Uncle, I firmly believe we need to support our own. Today, I popped downstairs from the office and bought myself a classic block of "potong" (or block) ice-cream from a traditional ice-cream pushcart. Its pure, unadulterated joy - I decided not to choose the durian flavour out of consideration for my colleagues in the office.

While munching on my ice-cream, it got me thinking about a few things:

1. The Human Touch Beats Vending Machines Every Time

People talk about high-tech vending machines being the future of retail. You can get pizzas, sugar cane juice, etc from vending machines. Sure, they are efficient, but where is the soul? A smart vending machine doesn't hand you a block of ice cream and say, "Be careful ah boy, it will melt very fast."

Never mind that my hair is turning white and thinning and I'm clearly an Uncle myself—to the Ice-Cream Uncle, I am forever 'Ah Boy'. That ego boost alone is worth the price of the ice cream! You just don't get that top-tier banter from a touch screen.

2. An Endangered Species

Also, this profession is going the way of the dinosaur. In 10 years, these pushcarts will probably be completely extinct in Singapore. Which young person today wants to stand out in the 32°C humidity (feels like 39°C!), sweating through their t-shirt, slicing ice cream on the pavement? It’s tough but honest work. The younger generation has entirely different career aspirations, and you can't really blame them.

3. The Ultimate AI-Proof Career

Every day on my LinkedIn feed, someone is panicking about AI taking over their job. But let me tell you, this Ice-Cream Uncle has the ultimate job security! You think Claude or ChatGPT can flawlessly chop a block of sweet corn ice cream, balance it between two crispy wafers, and deliver the perfect amount of street-level sass and call you Ah-Boy? No chance. AI might be able to launch multiple missile and drone strikes against an enemy, but it cannot replicate the hustle, the sweat, and the nostalgic magic of a traditional ice-cream cart.

So, the next time you hear that familiar bell ringing, step away from your desk. Go down and buy a block of potong ice-cream. Enjoy the personal touch...... while it’s still here.

Now the real controversy: Are you Team Wafer or Team Bread? Coloured bread or white bread?

Let me know in the comments! 👇

#Singapore #UncleEconomy #FutureOfWork #AI #SupportLocal #Nostalgia