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SINGAPORE (THE NEW PAPER) – For 34 years, Mr. R. Jayaselvam has tied garlands of flowers in his hand.
In his family business, Anushia Flower Shop, he is the only one who knows how to do this and can attach one in three minutes.
The business has improved since the launch of a mobile application for his business last year.
Demand for garlands has doubled from about 30 orders per month to about 60, which means that Jayaselvam is working about four to five hours more each month to meet the demand.
The launch of the application was difficult because Mr Jayaselvam, 53, is not a tech lover.
With the help of his friend, Mr. Jayaselvam took two months to learn how to create and use the application.
"My friend Vicky made me sit down and he taught me step by step because I had trouble getting in. He had a habit of having to whatsapp me when a order was coming in, "Jayaselvam told New Paper on his booth at the festive Deepavali bazaar at Campbell Lane.
Mr. Jayaselvam used to place orders because he did not know the application, but his hard work to learn how to use it paid off.
Now, he eagerly checks his email every time a new order arrives.
"I'm a greedy man," he laughs.
"I'm old but I'm still ambitious, we should always try to keep up with the pace of time, I wanted to find more ways to engage my young customers."
He also wants to use the app to encourage young people to visit the temple more often.
Mr Jayaselvam said: "Before that, young people had to make an extra stop to buy flowers before going to the temple.It is tiring for some of them coming from work."
GROWING DEMAND
The demand for garlands of flowers doubles during holiday periods, such as Deepavali.
Fortunately, the family has received additional help over the last three years, especially during the bazaar.
The 23-year-old daughter of 21-year-old Miss Jazreel Hoo is helping the family at the bazaar.
She stays from 6 pm to 11 pm when they pack for the day.
It's the first time she's exposed to another culture, said Miss Hoo.
"I came here to spend time with my boyfriend, but I also learned a lot.
"In the past, if you had shown me these decorations, I would not know what they are, but now I know how they are used."
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