In a surprising move, a tech retailer in Singapore has sparked a wave of mixed reactions online after encouraging customers to use their Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers to buy PlayStation 5 consoles.

The Gadget Mobile outlet in Tampines took to TikTok on May 20, featuring a staff member presenting the coveted gaming console alongside text that urged viewers to spend their CDC vouchers on this luxury item.

The promotional video quickly went viral, with many viewers expressing excitement over what some saw as a novel way to utilize their vouchers. However, not everyone shared this enthusiasm.

Critics of the campaign voiced strong disapproval, emphasizing that CDC vouchers were established to alleviate everyday expenses and support heartland merchants and hawkers—not encourage spending on luxury items like gaming consoles.

Many argued that the spirit of the vouchers should focus on essential goods, urging better guidelines on what items can be purchased. Some even called for government intervention, asserting that the intention behind the program was being compromised.

CDC vouchers are designed specifically to aid in daily living costs and are accepted at local shops and hawker centers that display the CDC decal. Residents are encouraged to use these vouchers for essential purchases, which supports local businesses in providing everyday necessities.

The debate over this tech retailer's promotional tactic has opened a broader conversation about the responsible use of community support initiatives and the influence of advertising in our spending habits.