Increasing productivity amidst tightening foreign worker quota cuts

According to the latest findings by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and United Nations Women, positive attitudes towards migrant workers have declined in Asian countries like Japan, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

Data from the research shows that only 1 in 4 Singaporeans feel that there is a need for foreign workers even though 7 of 10 acknowledge the shortage of manpower.

Tightening Foreign Worker Quotas

According to Straits Times, the Singapore government will be reducing the proportion of foreign workers companies can employ from 40% to 38% on 1st Jan next year, and to 35% on 1st Jan 2021.

This forces companies in the service sectors to rely less on foreign workers and become even more productive

How can businesses in service sectors increase productivity

With these policies in place and a declining positive attitude towards foreign workers, it is high time to adopt technologies which increases productivity and reduce dependency on manpower.

F&B owners can consider adopting a QR code self ordering solution, like iMakan, to handle the high order volumes your business generates, and reduce dependency on manpower. All that without hardware investments and maintenance. Therefore, increasing your overall productivity.


Moving in the government’s direction

Singapore’s government recognises that taking up the technology to increase productivity will incur an initial cost to businesses. Hence, the launch of Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG), a subsidy which aims to help businesses take up productivity-increasing technology to tackle manpower shortages.

If you would like to find out more about QR self ordering solutions, give us a ring at (+65) 6271 5788, or drop us a consultation request down below!

By Liang Wei Liaw June 20, 2025
In today’s F&B market, efficiency is everything. Without a smart F&B POS system , you may be missing critical opportunities to improve operations and sales. One feature that leading restaurants and chains rely on is real-time sales reporting. 1. Real-Time Sales = Real-Time Control Know what’s selling best, what needs restocking, and when your busiest hours are—all instantly from your POS system dashboard . No more guesswork, just data-driven control. 2. Manage Chains Easily from One System For multi-outlet operators, real-time sales reporting allows instant tracking across every branch. You can compare outlet performance, adjust stock levels, and deploy manpower where needed—all from a single platform. 3. Improve Operational Speed When you know your top-selling items and peak periods, you can prepare your kitchen, front-of-house, and staff shifts ahead of time—improving service speed and reducing order mistakes. 4. Boost Profit Margins Effortlessly A smart restaurant POS helps you cut unnecessary expenses, reduce over-ordering, and prevent dead stock—all based on real-time sales performance. Why This Matters for Singapore’s F&B Sector In a competitive market like Singapore’s, small improvements in operational efficiency can make a big difference. A well-equipped F&B POS system with live data gives you that edge. Ready to Upgrade? Contact us by clicking here to learn how our all-in-one POS solutions can deliver real-time sales insights for your cafe, kiosk, or restaurant chain.
By Liang Wei Liaw June 17, 2025
Mastering Difficult Customer Situations in Singapore’s F&B Industry No matter how good the food or service, F&B outlets in Singapore will inevitably encounter difficult customers. The key is turning conflict into customer satisfaction through skilled, polite service. Here’s a quick guide to train your outlet staff on handling challenging situations : 1. Listen Without Interrupting Let the customer fully explain their concern. Active listening makes them feel valued and reduces anger. 2. Stay Polite and Apologetic Even if the customer is wrong, respond with kindness: “We’re sorry for the inconvenience, let us fix this.” 3. Offer Fair Compensation Train staff to offer simple compensations—like a free drink or quick dish replacement—without needing manager approval. This keeps service efficient and customers satisfied. 4. Recognize When to Escalate Some cases require supervisor handling. Make sure staff know when to escalate politely. 5. Follow Up After Incident Use customer feedback logs and review responses to close the loop, ensuring issues don’t repeat. Why This Matters for F&B businesses ✔ Reduces bad reviews on Google and online platforms ✔ Improves team confidence ✔ Keeps customer loyalty high even after mistakes If you are interested in self ordering solutions for your F&B businesses such as self ordering kiosks , and QR ordering , click here to contact us and find out more!
By Liang Wei Liaw May 20, 2025
In Singapore's bustling F&B scene, quick-service beverage outlets like bubble tea shops, coconut drink stalls, and fruit juice bars face the challenge of serving a high volume of customers efficiently while maintaining personalized service. Integrating self-ordering kiosks, QR ordering, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems can revolutionize operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive revenue growth. 1. Flexible Order Customization Beverage kiosks often offer a variety of customization options—sugar levels, ice preferences, toppings, and more. Self-ordering kiosks and QR ordering systems allow customers to easily select their preferences through intuitive interfaces, reducing errors and ensuring orders are prepared to exact specifications. This precision enhances customer satisfaction and streamlines the ordering process. 2. Reduced Manpower Requirements By enabling customers to place orders directly through kiosks or their smartphones, staff can focus on preparing beverages rather than taking orders. This shift not only reduces the need for additional manpower but also accelerates service during peak hours, improving overall efficiency. 3. Increased Average Bill Size Self-ordering systems can be programmed to suggest add-ons or upgrades, encouraging customers to explore additional options. This automated upselling strategy has been shown to increase average order values, with some establishments reporting a 15–30% boost in sales. 4. Enhanced Customer Loyalty through CRM Implementing a CRM system allows beverage kiosks to track customer preferences and purchase history, enabling personalized marketing and loyalty programs. Offering rewards, cashback, or point-based incentives encourages repeat visits and fosters a loyal customer base. 5. Real-Time Menu Management With integrated systems, menu updates and item availability can be managed in real-time across all outlets. This centralized control ensures consistency, reduces the risk of selling unavailable items, and allows for quick adjustments based on inventory or promotions. 6. Data-Driven Insights Collecting data through QR ordering and CRM systems provides valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences. Analyzing this data helps in tailoring offerings, optimizing inventory, and designing targeted marketing campaigns, ultimately enhancing the customer experience and boosting sales. 7. Improved Order Accuracy Allowing customers to input their orders directly minimizes miscommunication and errors. Accurate orders lead to higher customer satisfaction and reduce waste from incorrect preparations. 8. Streamlined Operations Integrating self-ordering kiosks, QR ordering, and CRM systems creates a cohesive operational flow. Orders are processed efficiently, customer data is centralized, and staff can focus on delivering quality products, resulting in a more streamlined and effective business model. By embracing these technologies, quick-service beverage outlets in Singapore can enhance operational efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and drive revenue growth. Implementing self-ordering kiosks, QR ordering, and CRM systems positions businesses to meet modern consumer expectations and thrive in a competitive market.
By Liang Wei Liaw May 14, 2025
Starting an F&B business in Singapore? Learn how CRM systems boost loyalty, improve operations, and drive smarter marketing for restaurants and cafes.
By Liang Wei Liaw May 13, 2025
Boost hotel efficiency and guest satisfaction with QR ordering and self-service kiosks. Reduce workload, increase sales, and deliver faster service with MEGAPOS.
By Liang Wei Liaw May 13, 2025
Offer refreshments, streamline staff perks, and impress visitors with smart self-ordering kiosks. Elevate your car showroom’s hospitality with MEGAPOS.
By Liang Wei Liaw April 23, 2025
Thinking of ways to battle the rising costs to make your canteen more sustainable and even profit? Self ordering kiosks and CRM solutions could be your way out!
By Liang Wei Liaw April 10, 2025
The recent implementation of a universal 10% tariff by the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump has introduced new challenges for Singapore's economy, particularly affecting the Food and Beverage (F&B) sector. Restaurant and café owners must proactively address these challenges to sustain their operations and profitability.​ Understanding the Tariffs Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, aimed at protecting domestic industries and generating revenue. The current U.S. tariffs include a universal 10% levy on imports, with higher rates for specific countries. Singapore, despite its strong trade relations with the U.S., is subject to this 10% tariff. ​ Impact on Singapore's F&B Sector Singapore's F&B industry relies heavily on imported ingredients and products. The imposed tariffs are likely to increase the cost of these imports, leading to higher operational expenses for businesses. This escalation in costs may necessitate price adjustments, potentially affecting consumer demand and profitability.​ Strategies for Mitigation To navigate these challenges, F&B businesses can consider the following approaches: Diversify Supply Chains : Exploring alternative suppliers from countries not affected by the tariffs can help mitigate cost increases.​ Optimize Operations : Implementing efficient inventory management and reducing waste can offset increased costs.​ Adjust Pricing Strategies : Carefully evaluating and adjusting menu prices can help maintain profitability without significantly deterring customers.​ Enhance Customer Engagement : Strengthening loyalty programs and personalized marketing can boost customer retention and spending.​ Government Support The Singapore government has expressed its commitment to assisting businesses affected by the tariffs. Engaging with relevant agencies can provide access to support programs and resources designed to help businesses navigate these economic challenges. ​ Conclusion While the U.S. tariffs present significant challenges to Singapore's F&B industry, proactive strategies and leveraging available support can help businesses adapt and sustain their operations during this period of economic uncertainty.​ 
By Liang Wei Liaw April 7, 2025
Increasing F&B food and operating costs have forced many F&B businesses to downsize or even close down. Find out how your restaurant can ride through these tough times by implementing these tech solutions
By Liang Wei Liaw March 25, 2025
Explore essential factors for SG hawker stalls when choosing a cost-effective, intuitive POS or self-ordering kiosk to boost efficiency and enhance customer experience.
More Posts

Get in touch today!

Our Singapore solution consultant will get in touch with you shortly!

Sign up to our newsletter