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Forum: Let's build respect and empathy for service staff from young

Forum: Let's build respect and empathy for service staff from young

Straits Times3 hours ago
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A recent case where a customer at a Bugis dessert shop was filmed verbally abusing an employee until she cried is concerning. Sadly, I believe such instances of abuse directed at front-line service staff in Singapore are becoming more common.
This is not just a problem of bad manners – it reflects a worrying erosion of empathy and respect for the dignity of work.
While stronger workplace policies and enforcement are important, we must also focus on long-term cultural change and this begins with how we educate the next generation.
We should integrate structured efforts to promote respect for all workers into our education system. For example, Character and Citizenship Education lessons in schools can include real-world scenarios involving service interactions and empathy-building exercises.
Volunteering or short-term service placements during holidays could also offer students first-hand insight into the daily challenges service staff face.
In parallel, parents and caregivers must model respectful behaviour. Children learn quickly from how adults treat others, whether with gratitude or entitlement.
As we strive to build a gracious society, let us not forget those who serve us quietly every day. If we want a future Singapore that is not only smart but also kind, we must start by nurturing those values in our youth today.
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Forum: Let's build respect and empathy for service staff from young
Forum: Let's build respect and empathy for service staff from young

Straits Times

time3 hours ago

  • Straits Times

Forum: Let's build respect and empathy for service staff from young

Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox A recent case where a customer at a Bugis dessert shop was filmed verbally abusing an employee until she cried is concerning. Sadly, I believe such instances of abuse directed at front-line service staff in Singapore are becoming more common. This is not just a problem of bad manners – it reflects a worrying erosion of empathy and respect for the dignity of work. While stronger workplace policies and enforcement are important, we must also focus on long-term cultural change and this begins with how we educate the next generation. We should integrate structured efforts to promote respect for all workers into our education system. For example, Character and Citizenship Education lessons in schools can include real-world scenarios involving service interactions and empathy-building exercises. Volunteering or short-term service placements during holidays could also offer students first-hand insight into the daily challenges service staff face. In parallel, parents and caregivers must model respectful behaviour. Children learn quickly from how adults treat others, whether with gratitude or entitlement. As we strive to build a gracious society, let us not forget those who serve us quietly every day. If we want a future Singapore that is not only smart but also kind, we must start by nurturing those values in our youth today. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore MRT track issue causes 5-hour delay; Jeffrey Siow says 'we can and will do better' Singapore ST Explains: What is a track point fault and why does it cause lengthy train disruptions? Singapore Three people taken to hospital after fire in Punggol executive condominium Singapore Elderly man found dead in SingPost Centre stairwell could have been in confused state: Coroner Singapore 81 primary schools to hold ballot for Phase 2C of Primary 1 registration Singapore S'pore and Indonesia have discussed jointly developing military training facilities: Chan Chun Sing Singapore Two workers died after being hit by flying gas cylinders in separate incidents in 2025 Sport Young Lions and distance runner Soh Rui Yong left out of SEA Games contingent Dennis Heng Jin Tong

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