Good evening

Dr Philbert Chin

Chairman, Host Organisation Committee

Mr Fong Hoe Beng

Dr Robert Loh

Rotarians

Distinguished guests

Ladies and gentlemen

It is my pleasure to join you this evening at the launch of Rotary International’s "Service Above Self" Project.

Since 1911, Rotary International has adopted "Service Above Self" as its motto. This has been the guiding principle of Rotarians. It guides their attitudes and actions and places the needs of others above their own. It is a noble mission.

Today, Rotary International is launching this project with the aim of inculcating in Singaporeans, especially front-line service staff, the importance of service to others. This is a timely effort. At a time when the retail industry is in the doldrums given the current economic recession, such a call cannot be ignored. It is not merely a call to adopt a moral high ground but could also mean the difference between a business that will not only survive but prosper and one that languishes before it closes.

Anecdotes about no service, insipid, or even rude ones in some of our department stores and food and beverage outlets are legion. Whether this is less or more widespread than in other countries I cannot really tell. But certainly, I have yet to experience the kind of service I have the joy to experience in some other countries both in the region and elsewhere. This is something we should pay attention to. That is why I think this project is important.

In June this year, Singapore will play host to around 25,000 Rotarians who will be attending the 1999 Rotary International Convention. This is the first time such a gathering is being held here. As CEOs, managers and businessmen I trust you can appreciate the business opportunities such a large gathering of influential people can generate. More importantly, we must work together to ensure that these delegates have a pleasant and positive impression of our country.

These delegates should also not be seen as one-time customers. They could also be potential repeat customers as well as opinion leaders and shoppers on the state of service in Singapore. So we need your cooperation and partnership in achieving the objective of spreading and enhancing good service especially among our front-line service staff. Rotary will be pleased to facilitate the sharing of ideas and resources on providing excellent customer service.

I am told that a number of publicity sub-projects will be started to increase awareness as well as a recognition scheme for organisations and individuals who have shown exemplary service. I hope you will support these efforts which, I believe, will bring mutual benefits.

Let me conclude by congratulating the Rotary Club for successfully bringing the 1999 Rotary International Convention to Singapore. True to their creed, the Rotarians are launching the Service Above Self project not only to ensure that foreign delegates receive good service but to leave this country with happy and positive memories as well. In the process too, I hope the service that our workers and establishments give are worth emulating and crowing about.

I wish you a pleasant and fruitful evening. It is indeed my pleasure now to launch Rotary International’s Service Above Self project.