TO SERVE OR NOT TO SERVE
I was in Singapore recently for work (yes, I'd only step foot in that tiny kiasu republic only for work), a short stay made bearable only by dear, dear friends who made the time to visit and catch up (thanks Kak Mush, Kak Ruzi, Zak and Ming).
I was in Singapore recently for work (yes, I'd only step foot in that tiny kiasu republic only for work), a short stay made bearable only by dear, dear friends who made the time to visit and catch up (thanks Kak Mush, Kak Ruzi, Zak and Ming).
Despite what the country is, I was very much impressed with the level of service I experienced this time around (my last trip there was in April). Not counting the grumpy Immigration lady at the passport control, everyone was courteous and polite, from the taxi driver, to the hotel's check-in clerk, to the hotel's waitress, and some shop assistants.
I stayed at M Hotel on Anson Road, right in the middle of Singapore's central business district. The check-in personnel (can't remember his name now) was extremely professional and efficient, the waitress at the hotel's cafe -- I think her name is Amelyn -- was extremely courteous and attentive. Her conduct made up for a not so pleasant prior reception Ming and I received at another outlet at the hotel.
I guess these people understand their role as service personnel, and they must love and are proud of their job. Unlike some people in KL. For example, some of the staff at a Malay kuih/delicacy outlet at KLCC are horrible -- they think they are doing you a favour when they serve you.
I have a breakfast meeting with my colleagues every Friday, a very informal affair to update each other on things. We take turns to pack breakfast, and this particular kuih shop is one of the most convenient places for us. But the attitude of the staff, ai yoh, they made me want to swear. In French. Now I have stopped patronising this shop completely.
Another place that I would never set my foot in again is a restaurant on an upper floor of the Amcorp Mall. A couple of friends and I ventured in there one night at about 8.15 for dinner, as we had heard many good things about the food. The restaurant was closing, although it was not so apparent to us. Instead of getting up and saying, "Maaf encik, kita dah nak tutup," a young lady (the term is too polite for her) who looked like a supervisor rudely gestured with her hand that the she was about to close shop.
At that point, I felt like making a hand gesture as well, but I checked myself, took a deep breath, thanked her and politely left. And I will never return, no matter how berselero its food is....
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