Singapore

Greetings

There are three major ethnicities in Singapore; Chinese, Malay, and Indian. Greetings tend to differ between the three.

Man greeting Man – The Chinese are comfortable with a light handshake, sometimes accompanied with a touch on the arm. Malay men will use the handshake and also the salaam accompanied with a slight bow. Indian men will use the handshake and also the namaste. Handshakes are the most common form of greeting. They are usually gentle and not to prolonged. Many people use a two handed handshake when greeting and departing.

Woman greeting Woman- Chinese women are comfortable with a light handshake or just a slight nod of acknowledgment. Malay women will use the handshake but many times a simple salaam or bowing of the head will suffice. Indian women will use the handshake and also the namaste.

Greetings between Men & Women- While handshakes are a common form of greeting, many times a simple nod or slight bow will do. Wait for the women to initiate with all three ethnicities. The majority of Muslim women and men do not touch in public.

Communication Style

• Most people choose a more indirect route in expressing themselves. They tend to be as subtle as possible.
• Elders must be respected at all times and there are special ways of addressing them (especially for relatives).

Personal Space & Touch

• Singaporeans tend to feel most comfortable standing an arm’s length away from each other while talking. When conversing with friends and close acquaintances this distance is a bit shorter

• Amongst friends and close acquaintances of the same sex, there is some touching during conversation, especially on the arms and hands. There is almost no touching between men and women while conversing.

• Touching is usually allowed between close friends (pat on shoulders), family members and couples.

Eye Contact

• Singaporeans tend to favor direct eye contact over indirect. However, they may view overtly direct eye contact as suspicious and threatening.

• Women tend to prefer more indirect eye contact when dealing with men.

Gestures

• Pointing at anyone with the forefinger or middle finger is considered rude. Using an open palm or the thumb with the hand closed is the best way to go.

• Avoid showing the sole of your foot or shoe to anyone as it is considered the lowliest part of the body. Avoid moving objects with your feet as well.

Views of Time

• Singaporeans value punctuality in business and service settings. However, the view of time is a little more relaxed in social situations as there is more emphasis put on people and relationships, rather than set schedules and deadlines.

• Punctuality at work is very important. Bosses may deduct pay from employees who are late to work.

• Trains, buses, and most services almost always run on time.

Gender Roles

• Even though still a somewhat male-centric society, the role of women in workforce and at the social level is very equal.

• Women are expected to be able to take care of everything at home including taking care of the children. However, modern couples share in the discipline of their child.

• Women who talk or behave wildly in public are frowned upon. It is best for women to avoid revealing clothing and lots of make-up.

• Women tend to avoid conflicts if possible.

Taboos

• Slapping your fist into the open palm of the other hand is can be an obscene gesture.
• Avoid standing with hands on hips arms crossed on chest as it signifies anger.
• Avoid touching or passing object over the top of anyone’s head as it is viewed as the most sacred body part.
• Avoid sticking your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. This is reserved for praying to the dead.
• Public displays of affection where couples kiss or are involved in any form of petting is considered offensive.
• Yelling or swearing at elders is frowned upon.

Law & Order

• Spitting or littering in public areas as well as eating or drinking on public transportation carry heavy fines.

• Possessing and or chewing gum is illegal and can result in heavy fines or worse.

• Penalties for possession, acquisition, and trafficking of drugs are severe and include lengthy imprisonment, caning, and the death penalty.

• The legal age for drinking and smoking is 18.

• All laws are strictly enforced. Possession of illegal drugs can lead to death penalty regardless of nationality.

• Drunk driving laws, speeding, littering, spitting, peeing in lifts, smoking in trains, buses and buildings are all strongly enforced.

• Singapore consists of 4 races so any racial remarks are strictly discouraged.

Dress

• For Men: Conservative colored suits with white shirts and ties. Jackets are not a must but good to have just in case. Being well groomed is appreciated.
• For Women: Conservative skirts (below the knee), pants, suits, and blouses are appropriate. Avoid short, tight fitting, and sleeveless attire. Being well groomed is appreciated.
• Jeans, shorts, and business casual attire are not recommended.

Titles & Business Cards

• Titles are somewhat important and to be safe it is best to address people by using their professional title or Mr., Mrs., or Ms., followed by the surname. Note: Unless you are positive that a woman is married, most are addressed as Ms.

• Be sure to present and receive business cards with both hands. It’s best to never write on or fold a business card you are given. Treat it with much respect.

Meetings

• Punctuality is the key. Greet the most senior person first
• Small talk is polite until the meeting commences. The chairperson of the meeting opens and ends the meeting.
• Periods of silence are considered acceptable and are to be expected, especially after a question is asked. Avoid interrupting, showing displeasure through facial or eye movements and talking over someone. Be patient.
• First meetings are generally to get to know one another, allow your host to begin the business discussion.

Negotiations

• Singaporeans value relationship building and harmony so avoid hard selling, pressure tactics and any sort of conflict or confrontation. Saving face is paramount.
• Singaporeans will avoid using no in answering questions. They tend to say, “maybe”, or “that would be difficult” or even “yes” or “no problem” even if the answer is really no.
• Sucking in air between the teeth after a question is asked is a definite signal for no
• Everything should be conducted very professionally. It’s best to state facts to support your position for bargaining.
• Decisions are usually made right away in business meetings unless approval from more senior management (that is not present at meeting) is required, which usually takes some time.

Gift Giving

• Gifts are not encouraged in business settings and in some circumstances may be deemed as bribes.

In the Classroom

• Most universities begin in July and end in June.
• Dress is upscale casual as students usually wear nice jeans, slacks, shirts, pants, and blouses. Shorts and tank-tops are not usually appropriate, either are flip-flops. T-shirts with offensive lettering are not acceptable in libraries.
• Women should not wear tops that are too revealing.
• Most university grades are given on a 0-5 scale with 5 being the highest. The minimum passing grade is usually a 2.

• Lectures and tutorials are the most common form of teaching. Tutorials are conducted in groups of less than 10 where students are given assignments and projects.

Other Observations

• Doing business is fairly straightforward. English is the preferred language of business.