Japan came out tops for customer service the year 2005. And they really deserve it. Those who've been there know it. And Singapore's way down the backside at 21. We really do not deserve any sympathy. We have been jawing about the need to brush up service standards but these issues weren't in the agenda till now, with the IMF meeting being held here. I guess it really takes some big-shots from the IMF to highlight such concerns instead of our own people.

So it's time for training, re-training and re-re-training of those people in the service sector. A bit less irritating, a bit more sensitive, and please remember that plastic smile of yours, sans that piece of decaying veggie stuck in between your teeth. Know where to place the utensils when the customer asks for them, in their strategic positions, not just anywhere within the confines of the table. And plisss speak plopper enlisszzz hor. Angmohs dunno singliss.

Service industry is the trademark of all developed prospering countries. If Singapore can't make the cut, please regress to the manufacturing industry, massage parlours, or the old fishing village style entrepot trading with the Spice Islands. But hey, even that requires some good service skills.