Let's get our basics right

Want to up our X-factor?

Let's get our basics right

RECENTLY, there has been talk of finding the X-factor to up Singapore's tourism potential. The ideas put forward have been innovative and startling, ranging from building an underwater bar and a world-class centre for parks and gardens, to the setting up of a culinary institute. Breathtaking as these proposals may seem, they are but brick-and-mortar ideas.

How about going back to some basic tried-and-tested principles, which worked in the past and still attract hordes of tourists to many countries?

First, cleanliness: Though we have been at it for decades, one has only to walk around or go to the beaches to be confronted by enormous amounts of litter, even near dustbins. Our foodcourts, too, are poor testimony to our insistence on cleanliness.

And what about fair-trading practices? I was saddened to read about the rampant fleecing of foreigners at foodcourts. It has happened to me too. Often I find, though not in coffee shops, that I am charged more than others.

Service here could also be improved. Recently, I went to an Orchard Road shop and decided to test a massage machine. The young salesman was quite ignorant and expected me to buy the $600 item on the spot.

When I did not feel any improvement in the few minutes that I tried the machine, he switched it off and walked away.

And if we want to attract high-profile conferences and exhibitions, we should improve the standard of our spoken English and other languages.

Some years ago, a prestigious international organisation held a conference here. My friend's daughter and classmate, wandering about Suntec City, observed a Caucasian woman who seemed to be in a position of authority.

They approached her for a job and got it immediately, with the woman saying: 'At last, someone who can speak English!'

Singapore is going to host an International Monetary Fund and World Bank meeting next year. Perhaps the organisers should see to it that those employed to help out are able to speak English and another language well.

Lastly, how about welcoming foreign senior citizens?

Most countries extend concessions to senior citizens without question. In Singapore, only locals get the paltry concessions for public attractions, transport, restaurants and cinemas.

There is a gold mine of seniors out there, if only we can reach out and welcome them sincerely.

They would come to a country that is safe, clean, speaks their language, with honest practices and a respect for seniors. Let us roll out the red carpet.

Murali Kumara Sharma
The Straits Times Interactive
12 April 2005