Service standards in Singapore are still not at par with some Asian counterparts. Can Singapore build a strong service culture? Leon Perera, Chief Executive Officer of Spire Research and Consulting shared his insights in The Business Times – Views from the Top section on how Singapore can inculcate higher standards of service. Service standards begin with a strong foundation right from school. Ample opportunities to practice good service in school through role-playing games and competitions will help inculcate this culture. Perera opined that it is crucial that older students undergo at least one internship that involves a front-facing role. The objective of this should be to instil an ethic in humility – to serve customers with pride and not view it as humiliation. This standard should be reinforced in the workplace by business leaders who set a personal example. Business leaders should set aside time to serve customers directly, underscoring the importance of good servi...