My daughter and I own and run a hairdressing and beauty salon in Bukit Timah. We hire foreign workers. Many foreign workers have no loyalty to the company. They do not understand the meaning of serving notice and providing good customer service. After resigning and agreeing to serve a month's notice, they come as they like. They will refuse to do a customer's hair, giving excuses that the customer's hair was too long, or that they are tired. They egg you on, asking you to terminate their services immediately if you are not happy. They do not turn up for work the next day but demand pay for the days that they turn up but do not work. Their attitude leaves us in the lurch.

I believe if we can train housewives to be hair assistants, manicurists and masseurs (including foot reflexologists), they would be able to earn a decent living and we in the industry would benefit from better workers' attitude and service. Right now, the Institute of Technical Education trains only youngsters. Perhaps, they can consider to train more mature workers. Our industry badly needs workers who are loyal and customer oriented. Our local housewives can provide a pool of loyal and good customer service, if they are well trained.

I have since contacted my CDC and will offer training for those who are interested to work in my salon or in this line. I am giving back to the community and they, in return, can help me in my business. I hope, one day, my salon will employ Singaporean staff only. And together, we will prosper.

Rose Tan Hoon Hoon (Ms)