Newly arrived expat Kenneth Wong, who is from Hong Kong, experienced a culture shock when he first visited Maxwell Market for lunch.
He was puzzled by the many tissue paper packets placed neatly on empty tables and seats at the bustling hawker centre.

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This kind of behavior is liken to another that I have noticed stemming out this couple of years, in buses some aunties sit on the outer seat leaving the inner seat vacant. They don't realize or don't care that this is also a form of selfish behavior because no body would like to squeeze past them into the inner seats. Usually leaving an empty seat on a crowded bus. Typically Singaporean.

The funny thing is...
If everyone took a seat only when they were ready to eat, there would be no need for anyone to wait.

It is such an selfish act to reserve seats with tissue papers... I think Singaporeans should be educated that such acts are deemed not only to be selfish and inconsiderate, it also reflects on one's character.... I think you can see it happening everywhere during lunchtime, especially in CBD areas... it's a shame for Singaporeans...

There is bound to be cultural shock anywhere one goes. Stop being petty lah.

"Choping" is not rude. People do it even for 'high class' restaurants, but they call it by a different name - 'table or seat reservation'.

When I was in a couple of diners in the West, people did not actually 'chope' seats. This is most probably because of two reasons. First, Singapore is too crowded, and the number of eateries here is insufficient to cater to the number of customers. Second, if you were to 'chope' a seat with your bag in a 'food court'-equivalent in the West, the homeless might just pick it up and leave before you know it. For the latter, Singapore can at least be proud of the fact that most Singaporeans are at least 'innocent' enough not to 'steal' an unattended bag.

Of course, to me, I have to say that 'choping' a seat with a pack of tissues might seem hilarious. I mean, if one can 'chope' a seat with a tiny and humble thing like a pack of tissues, what is there to stop someone else from 'choping' a seat with a pebble that has my name written on it?

Precisely. But I have a different point of view on 'choping' seats with personal belongings such as handbags. I think Singaporeans who do that should also not take things for granted in our low-crime country. If you decide to 'chop' a seat with your handbag, then prepare to lose it cos' in the first place, you were the one who place it there at your own risk.... Low crime doesn't mean no crime... we should also keep this in our minds....

"they would prefer people to 'leave a person behind' at the table while the others order their food, as 'it is more socially gracious that way'. "

Flawed argument and too idealistic. I used to propogate this pratice but by leaving the person behind, it increases the average time a group takes up the seat making the situation worse. (For example, if the guy goes and order food again and the rest wait for him, that is wasted time). Most people I know of only start eating their food when everyone is at the table with their food.

I was against the tissue choping thing until my good friend made me see the light of the day.

Why not a new culture to counter the "tissue" choping.Take the "tissue" away or use it cos there's no name or any identification to indicate that the "tissue" belong to anyone.Let's try it out!Maybe there'll be some "inconveniences" but worth a try.Evry action there'll be a reaction.There's no legal implications or commiting any offence.We must put this "adopted culture" to an end.I believe this is a feminine culture?

Singapore had Courtesy Campaign for many years. It started at grassroot level, promoting courtesy, graciousness, a caring society at all grassroot activities led by grassroot leaders and their adviser. Now you see the results, not very successful right. Why? Well I believe it had to start with the Government Bodies, such as the Ministers and their respective departments. Do you know when you emailed them feedback, only some acknowledge and replied. And when the reply, it is always standard. We will look into it and no more followed up. Matters is closed. Is this what you called a gracious and caring society?