I refer to the letter, "Can S'pore ever be an Asian Tiger with grace?" (my paper, Oct 29).

I totally agree with the writer and her observations on the lack of social graces among people in Singapore.

In Hong Kong, Taiwan and even Shenzhen, China, younger people are very happy to give up their seat if they deem you need it more than they do - even if you assure them that you are alighting just two stops later.

In Singapore, not only do they pretend not to be aware of your presence, but some will even compete with you for seats.

Quite often, I have had to tap someone on the leg or shoulder to wake them up because there was an elderly person or pregnant woman who needed the seat more than they did.

On pedestrian walkways, groups of office workers walk abreast instead of in single file, thereby making it difficult for those moving in the opposite direction to get past them.

Singapore has done very well with its campaigns, and I think it is about time there were more ads on the TV, radio and in other media teaching and encouraging people to practise social graces.

Kids should be taught social graces from kindergarten onwards.

It could be taught using role-playing, and teachers could provide examples of anti-social behaviour and encourage children to participate and correct them.

Most importantly, parents should also play their part.

Ms Kow Suan Sim

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