what for ? I always make it a point not to return trays and in addition spill the soup and gravy to dirty the entire table and even floor. This is because returning trays reminds me of NS slavery days and may induce a brain seizure.
=============
WANT Singaporeans to clean up after themselves? Tell them exactly how.
Given their penchant for abiding by rules, they are likely to follow directions for cleaning up, especially in an environment where everyone else is doing the same, say experts.
'Having visible signs and stations telling people to do so will get the message across, for a start,' said sociologist and Associate Professor Paulin Straughan, who heads the sociology department at the National University of Singapore.
Clear signals are the key to conversion.
'Perhaps there should not be a back-up team of cleaners to clear up the mess after diners, or they will think it's acceptable to leave the table and the mess,' she said.
The Straits Times is launching an effort to encourage diners to return their trays, with posters, stickers and mobiles serving as as reminders at five Kopitiam outlets islandwide.
The common sight of uncleared trays at food courts is not just an eyesore, but points to the need for Singaporeans to brush up on their social graces.
Indeed, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong pointed out at this year's National Day Rally that improving in such areas was important because the well-being of Singaporeans depended not just on bread-and-butter issues but on how people behaved and related to one another.
Agreeing, Prof Straughan said Singaporeans must be active stakeholders.
'If you see someone walk off, call them back to let them know what the expectations are. It is only through active social policing that we can encourage non-conformists to play their part,' she said.
To make tray clearing a breeze, clearly visible stations should be manned to ensure they are clean, and that there is always space for used utensils. Sinks around the collection stations also make it more convenient for patrons clean up after.
Prof Straughan cited an example of the food court at Tokyo Disneyland as a model of such an environment.
'There is a large return station with clear indicators of which utensils should go to which area.
'There are also sinks and wipes, so that when you are done clearing your tray, you can rinse off and dry your hands. So everyone was doing it, and the cleaners were there to clear the collection area and clean the tables,' she said.
Banker and foodcourt regular Mr Nicolas Chong suggested that instructions be spelt out to a T: 'If there are bold signs telling people to return their trays to the designated stations, I'm sure they would.'
Repeating the action will turn it into a habit - and a good one at that.
Dr Ng Beng Yeong, head of psychiatry at the Singapore General Hospital said: 'Over time, performing the task will become second nature.'
Although some blame the traditional preference for communal dining for creating messy tables, regular foodcourt diners say that is no excuse.
Said retired teacher Mrs Esther Wong: 'Many of us clear our plates at home after a meal with the family.
'I don't see why it should be any different when we share food at a hawker centre or a foodcourt.'
But to truly make Singaporeans gracious, the effort must be sustained by individuals.
To change mindsets, it is important to create a culture that encourages cleanliness, said consultant psychiatrist Adrian Wang.
Dr Wang says a campaign, such as The Straits Times' Goodness Gracious Me! effort, would show only short-term results, if not backed by a long-term strategy.
'Old habits die hard,' he said.
To improve overall social graces, 'we need to start young'. That means setting an example for children. 'Kids mirror adults. That's why we need to behave well before we can teach our kids manners.'
=============
WANT Singaporeans to clean up after themselves? Tell them exactly how.
Given their penchant for abiding by rules, they are likely to follow directions for cleaning up, especially in an environment where everyone else is doing the same, say experts.
'Having visible signs and stations telling people to do so will get the message across, for a start,' said sociologist and Associate Professor Paulin Straughan, who heads the sociology department at the National University of Singapore.
Clear signals are the key to conversion.
'Perhaps there should not be a back-up team of cleaners to clear up the mess after diners, or they will think it's acceptable to leave the table and the mess,' she said.
The Straits Times is launching an effort to encourage diners to return their trays, with posters, stickers and mobiles serving as as reminders at five Kopitiam outlets islandwide.
The common sight of uncleared trays at food courts is not just an eyesore, but points to the need for Singaporeans to brush up on their social graces.
Indeed, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong pointed out at this year's National Day Rally that improving in such areas was important because the well-being of Singaporeans depended not just on bread-and-butter issues but on how people behaved and related to one another.
Agreeing, Prof Straughan said Singaporeans must be active stakeholders.
'If you see someone walk off, call them back to let them know what the expectations are. It is only through active social policing that we can encourage non-conformists to play their part,' she said.
To make tray clearing a breeze, clearly visible stations should be manned to ensure they are clean, and that there is always space for used utensils. Sinks around the collection stations also make it more convenient for patrons clean up after.
Prof Straughan cited an example of the food court at Tokyo Disneyland as a model of such an environment.
'There is a large return station with clear indicators of which utensils should go to which area.
'There are also sinks and wipes, so that when you are done clearing your tray, you can rinse off and dry your hands. So everyone was doing it, and the cleaners were there to clear the collection area and clean the tables,' she said.
Banker and foodcourt regular Mr Nicolas Chong suggested that instructions be spelt out to a T: 'If there are bold signs telling people to return their trays to the designated stations, I'm sure they would.'
Repeating the action will turn it into a habit - and a good one at that.
Dr Ng Beng Yeong, head of psychiatry at the Singapore General Hospital said: 'Over time, performing the task will become second nature.'
Although some blame the traditional preference for communal dining for creating messy tables, regular foodcourt diners say that is no excuse.
Said retired teacher Mrs Esther Wong: 'Many of us clear our plates at home after a meal with the family.
'I don't see why it should be any different when we share food at a hawker centre or a foodcourt.'
But to truly make Singaporeans gracious, the effort must be sustained by individuals.
To change mindsets, it is important to create a culture that encourages cleanliness, said consultant psychiatrist Adrian Wang.
Dr Wang says a campaign, such as The Straits Times' Goodness Gracious Me! effort, would show only short-term results, if not backed by a long-term strategy.
'Old habits die hard,' he said.
To improve overall social graces, 'we need to start young'. That means setting an example for children. 'Kids mirror adults. That's why we need to behave well before we can teach our kids manners.'
