MEMBERS of Singapore's nameless, faceless and ubiquitous "Service Squad", which prowls stores and restaurants on missions to unearth good and bad service standards, can now share their findings on a blog.
The blog (www.areyoubeingserved. com.sg) was set up three weeks ago, and it also allows consumers to share their feedback.
This initiative is part of the second phase of Go the Extra Mile for Service (Gems), a national movement launched four years ago to encourage the development of an excellent service culture here.
"The blog aims to provide a reality check on service standards here. We hope having people discuss...service will lead to better service standards," said Ms Neeta Lachmandas, executive director of capability development at the Singapore Tourism Board, one of the five public agencies behind Gems.
Student Jasmine Yeo, 22, feels that the blog "is a good idea, as long as people don't abuse it and post trival things".
Under Gems, 172,000 workers from 214 companies across four sectors have undergone service training so far, said Mr Lim Swee Say, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, while launching Gems' second phase yesterday.
He credited the movement for Singapore's climb back into the top 10 countries with customer- oriented service in the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report last year, after dropping to 26 in 2006.
But improving service standards is like running a marathon, he said. Hence, this three-year second phase called Gems Up, for which the Government has set aside $100 million.
This phase also aims to get service staff here to have a "big smile" always, via other programmes to be rolled out later.
Changi Airport Group, ION Orchard and Sentosa Leisure Group have been identified as role models.
For example, ION Orchard has introduced a 24-hour service hotline and trained concierge staff to greet shoppers and help them open doors.
