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"A breakdown in train services is in itself no big deal. That happens all over the world. However, foreign investors are looking with great interest at how the government is dealing with an electorate that seems to demand more accountability," said Hans Vriens, the managing partner of a Singapore-based corporate advisory firm.
The incident also puts into spotlight on whether some of Singapore state companies are behind the times.
"SMRT with its twitter service from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. clearly doesn't cut it," added Vriens, referring to the company's failure to use new media to disseminate information. He was on a train that broke down on Saturday morning.
Other commentators voiced concerns about Singapore's ability to cope with civil emergencies, given the inadequate response by SMRT to the breakdowns when they first occurred.
"Imagine if the service disruption was caused by a terrorist attack and the panic, confusion, and fear multiplied many times," said Eugene Tan, an assistant professor of law at Singapore Management University.
He said part of the problem was due to SMRT staff not being given the authority to make decisions on the spot.
- http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/19/uk-singapore-smrt-idUSLNE7BI00T20111219
The incident also puts into spotlight on whether some of Singapore state companies are behind the times.
"SMRT with its twitter service from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. clearly doesn't cut it," added Vriens, referring to the company's failure to use new media to disseminate information. He was on a train that broke down on Saturday morning.
Other commentators voiced concerns about Singapore's ability to cope with civil emergencies, given the inadequate response by SMRT to the breakdowns when they first occurred.
"Imagine if the service disruption was caused by a terrorist attack and the panic, confusion, and fear multiplied many times," said Eugene Tan, an assistant professor of law at Singapore Management University.
He said part of the problem was due to SMRT staff not being given the authority to make decisions on the spot.
- http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/19/uk-singapore-smrt-idUSLNE7BI00T20111219