English Blog Assignment 6

http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/05/04/news/vietnam.php

Vietnam is a country that has been drawing international attention over the years. From the infamous Vietnam War to the recent controversy over corruption in all levels of society, Vietnam has been making headlines constantly. However, unfortunately the reason Vietnam makes these headlines are almost never positive.

This time, Vietnam is again in the hot seat because of corruption accusations directed at the country’s police and government. The story goes that the head of a government organisation placed $7 million worth of bets on a soccer game between Manchester United and Arsenal. A loss of $320000 on one game sparked an investigation, which finally led to the resignation in early April of the transport minister and the jailing of his deputy. This was only the opening of the floodgates, as more discoveries of corruption on a lower level, all over the country were made.

Policemen were extorting money from the people similar to the way gangs extorted protection money from the people. Pay me this amount and I will look the other way. Pay me this amount and I will make sure your family stays safe. Even doctors were not exempt from corruption. More often than not, the amount you tipped the medical staff determined the quality of your medicine, your waiting time, and the amount of effort they put into you when you are warded.

This actions do nothing to help the country at all. Not only are these corrupt people stagnating growth, they are also lowering their standing in the world, as the behind-the-back problem grows.

This will affect the country on many fronts. Financially, the country will suffer as tourism drops. Which tourist would want to go to a country where corruption is so widespread? Even walking the streets such a country would make you feel unsafe. In a Straits Times reporter’s description, his tour bus was stopped by police multiple times during the day while traveling to the places of interest. The bus would stop, the police would come on board, and to make it look like the handing over money was legal, would purposely find some offence being committed on the bus and fine the bus driver. The driver, of course, is already privy to the plan and hands the money over without argument.

Politically, Vietnam will take a huge hit as well. The initial investigation carried out revealed that the transport minister and his deputy both had shady dealings under the table. Just one minister is already enough to shake up the government, and for now, only one high-ranking minister has been incriminated. However, look at the number of reports of corrupt doctors, corrupt officials, corrupt policemen, and ask yourself if only one minister in the entire Vietnam government is dirty, while the rest are clean? How can one expect a country to be corruption free when even the leaders are corrupt, let alone simple policemen and doctors?

As such, it is evident that something needs to be done before the country spirals deeper into the shady word of corruption. These are big words, and I admit that I have no solution, be it short term or long term. However, unfortunately, corruption is already so rampant that it will take the combined effort of the country to beat this scourge, and that does not look like it is going to happen soon.

English Blog Assignment Entry 5

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/301707/1/.html

Topic: Customer Service

I agree with Mr Lim Swee Say’s views. Singapore wants to established herself as the prime shopping district in South East Asia, and must work hard to attain it. The key attribute of a shopping hub that attracts shoppers is the shopping atmosphere. Put simply, the shopper must have an enjoyable experience while strolling around shopping districts like Orchard Road, for example. This is what Singapore must strive for.

In fact, Singapore has already done a remarkable job. Citing Orchard Road as an example, the place is lined with trees that give the entire area a pleasant feel. The shade provided by the leaves, and the cooling effect trees possess make even walking down Orchard in the afternoon a pleasant affair. High-end and middle-end shops alike line the stretch, providing merchandise affordable to anybody. However, this is not everything that makes a shopping district shine.

Customer service is also an integral part of the entire shopping experience. It is the human element, the attitude of the people serving you that could make all the difference. The effect given by all the highest quality goods and the most relaxing atmosphere could be ruined when you are greeted with a unwilling cashier when you try to pay for your goods. This is why good customer service is so important to Singapore’s image.

Sadly, it is not a secret that Singapore is not known for her friendly, helpful salespeople. Constantly, Singapore is close to the bottom of the list of every survey conducted regarding customer service. Singaporeans are just unwilling to force the happiness and enthusiasm out when encountering customers day after day, especially when those same customers become demanding and difficult.

As such, this prompted Mr Lim Swee Say to encourage companies to work together with the final goal of achieving better customer service. As the saying goes, ‘many hands make light work’. If several companies come together and share their ideas on improving customer service, the overall level of customer satisfaction will definitely increase. It is a win-win situation for all.

As described in the article, an initiative called the Customer Centric Initiative (CCI) has been launched for this sole purpose of improving customer service. Retailers from all industries are joining this initiative, including 77^th Street, Expressions International, Prime Supermarket, Standard Stationery, Sincere Watch and Tianpo Jewellery. Even fast food giant Mcdonald’s has pledged to play a part in the initiative.

It is through these methods that Singapore can further improve her image as a lifestyle hub; be it in shopping, food, nightlife or culture. Good customer service goes a long way in giving the tourist or shopper memorable recollections of Singapore, and this will eventually elevate Singapore’s place in the world, bringing her economic and social benefits.