Austrian cleaning consultant aims to raise industry productivity, standards
After six months in Singapore, Mr Oliver Andersch is charmed by the hawker fare. "First-class food," he cooed.
But the Austrian has not been quite as impressed with the cleanliness and hygiene of the hawker centres. "Third world," he slammed. "They use the same cloth for everything - wiping away food, cleaning tables. This is disgusting," he said, shaking his head.
It is his job to help make it better. He is Singapore's only "ang moh" (Caucasian) toilet cleaner.
Although the 43-year-old holds the title of "cleaning excellence and development director" with cleaning company ISS Facility Services, he told The Straits Times: "I'm basically just an experienced cleaning guy." He trains his firm's cleaners to do their jobs more efficiently, with all sessions conducted one on one. Some 200 cleaners have gone under his tutelage.