On May 11, 2024, a significant milestone was reached for Singapore’s F&B industry as Minister of State Ms. Low Yen Ling led a ceremony at Timbre Signatures @ The Arts House to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Respect SG initiative. Spearheaded by Timbre Group, The Black Hole Group, and Team Rise, Respect SG aims to reshape the mindset and perception of Singapore’s F&B industry. The MoU was signed alongside key industry partners such as Harry’s International Pte Ltd, Singapore Nightlife Business Association (SNBA), McDonald’s, OUE Restaurants, Unlisted Collection, Creative Eateries, Jinjja Chicken, Commonwealth Concepts, and more.
Fostering Mutual Respect and Inclusion
Respect SG is dedicated to fostering a culture of mutual respect between Singaporeans and F&B service professionals, promoting pride in the F&B profession, and acknowledging the essential contributions of its workforce. The initiative seeks to challenge societal attitudes, creating a more inclusive and respectful community that values the hard work and commitment of individuals in the industry.
This vision aligns with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s sentiments at the 2022 Singapore Economic Policy Forum, where he emphasized the need to value diligent workers in all roles, granting them equal recognition and respect.
Respect Work Attachment Program (RWAP)
Launched in 2023, the Respect Work Attachment Program (RWAP) has impacted nearly 100 students from five secondary schools. The program enhances students’ character development by immersing them in professional work environments, guided by industry mentors. This experience helps students understand and empathize with hospitality professionals while building their awareness and confidence. Donations through Ray of Hope sustain RWAP, ensuring continued support for F&B professionals.
The three-week program includes on-the-job training, resilient leadership workshops, mentor sharing sessions, and fireside chats with entrepreneurs, providing students with a holistic experience to prepare them for the future. Respect SG aims to reach 1,000 students across various secondary schools in Singapore by 2024.
Pioneering Change in the F&B Industry
Respect SG also organized an engagement session with REACH, featuring Deputy Secretary General of NTUC and Minister of State Desmond Tan, and 20 small and medium F&B enterprises. This session addressed challenges such as escalating business costs, manpower shortages, and the stigma surrounding service-oriented professions. The dialogue highlighted the need for initiatives like Respect SG to reshape perceptions and foster a supportive ecosystem for the F&B sector.
At the National Mentoring Summit 2023, Timbre Group won the Corporate Excellence Award, and Respect SG showcased its initiatives and RWAP programs. Three RWAP students shared their experiences with the Minister of Culture, Community and Youth and Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Alvin Tan.
Sparking Change and Empowering Futures
Building on its momentum, Respect SG will launch an Entrepreneur Mentorship Programme in 2024. This initiative aims to nurture talent and drive positive change within the F&B industry, potentially leading to investments in young entrepreneurs.
With these initiatives, Respect SG is poised to reshape the F&B landscape in the coming years, setting new standards for the entire industry.
