Singapore launched a new training program Friday, aiming to raise the standards of customer care at key tourist destinations such as retailers along the Orchard Road and the public transport sector.

According to a press release by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), the program of 4.4 million Singapore dollars (about 2.7 million U.S. dollars) targets to train over 28, 000 personnel in the service industry in the next six months.

"In line with Go-the-Extra-Mile for Service (GEMS) Movement, the Singapore 2006 Customer Service Training Program aims to transform service delivery and set the benchmark for a distinctive and consistent Singapore brand of service," WDA said.

The training will also equip service personnel with skills and knowledge to serve the delegates attending the Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, which are to be held in Singapore in September this year.

Some 16,000 delegates and visitors from 184 countries, including state leaders, finance ministers, central bank governors, businessmen and the media, are expected to come to the city state during the largest international conference it ever hosts.

Singapore started the GEMS Movement in October last year to encourage the businessmen, the service personnel and the customers to play their part and take the initiative in improving service levels.

Source: Xinhua