Thinking about the service standards in Singapore reminds me of how sometimes when I'm at a wedding banquet and the waiters do not bother to top up the guests' drinks just before the celebratory toast to the couple. It really feels hypocritical to raise empty glasses (or cups) when cheering the classic "yam seng" - almost signifying empty wishes for the newly wed couple. Several friends commented that it could be due to the fact that banquets, being a labour intensive affair, usually engage part-timers that are predominantly made up of students eager to make a quick buck to supplement their allowances. These part-timers usually do not have any prior formal training and can't wait to finish job with minimum effort - the end result, wedding guests do not feel they are being served and the happy occasion may turn out to be not so pleasant for some after all. Raising the service standards in Singapore isn't easy, and a culture of extending good service needs to exist first - just like in the above scenario, beyond all the fancy tableware, little details like making an effort to top up the glasses just before a toast will make guests feel that the service staff cares and are committed to making the special day memorable for both the couple and all in attendance.
P!nk - Raise Your Glass
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