SINGAPORE - Given the tight labour market, businesses should lean on technology in their operations to allow their staff to focus more on service, said labour chief Lim Swee Say at an event to recognise good service on Thursday.

So far, 250 food and beverage companies with 26,000 staff have joined a labour movement scheme that helps them tap on technology to redesign work processes, such as through mobile ordering device and self-order kiosks, he noted.

Speaking at at the annual Excellent Service Award presentation ceremony, Mr Lim, also Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, said: "With the use of relevant technology, service staff can now focus more on serving the customers with a human touch. I hope more will come forward to be part of the journey of productivity and innovation."

After all, while service standards in Singapore have improved, they still have a long way to go, he added.

At Thursday's event, 1,881 employees in the food and beverage industry were recognised for their high standards of service. This year, 213 more individuals received awards compared to last year. Since 2012, there has been an around 10 per cent growth in recipients year-on-year.