SINGAPOREAN PASSENGERS HAVE MUCH TO LEARN

[frequentflyer]

I am not a cabin crew but here's my #1 pet peeve about our very own passengers from a developed country and yet behave as though they are from the 3rd world. And even those from those places behave better.

I had worked overseas in Australia many many moons ago during my university days as a cashier at the neighbourhood petrol station. The Australians were always ready with a good morning or g'day (mate) to me even before I could greet them. Thank Yous and Have-a-good-day came readily from them at the end of making payment. Naturally, I was equally enthusiastic about greeting all and sundry and took pride providing a quick and friendly service. No need for prompting from the boss nor training nor government efforts to improve the service standards, it was part of the culture. Period.

Alas, the ugly Singaporean (and to be fair, they are not alone, rich Indonesians, Hong Kongers are in the same basket) are the entire opposite. A good morning is ignored, forget about a returned greeting. I was dead embrassased to be a Singaporean, when I see the same response given to the Australian cashiers.

It's nothing to do with culture. Sure, in Singapore, some service providers are stone cold but when someone does greet and be polite to you, return it. If you don't understand the language, just smile and nod your head. Will that kill you? stop blaming our so called Asian conservative "don't talk to strangers" culture. It's pure human decency to return or acknowledge a service provided. Even the poor auntie who cleans the the foodcourt table deserves a thank you, she's not your slave.

Likewise, for our gals who fly the friendly skies. Observe how Singaporeans tread them vs those from more developed countries. We might be a developed country, but we have much to learn about decency and doing what's right. Any one who has worked in the service line can vouch for the general poor attitudes and reception that Singaporeans give to service providers.

Before we blame our gals for being so called more friendly toward foreigners, first take a look at ourselves first. And obviously, you are and have not been in the service industry before.

[jungederluft]

Well said, I couldn't agree more.