Etiquette

Singapore often is labeled as “Asia Light”. With its heritage as former British colony it sometimes has a thoroughly Western appearance. Together with this British impact, other cultural influences in Singapore reflect the Chinese, Malay, and Indian origin of its inhabitants.

Even though Singaporeans are usually very open-minded and some have been educated in Western universities, people are conscious of their Asian heritage. Thus they can be somewhat traditional on certain issues like family relationships, religion etc. One of the key considerations to keep in mind is the Singaporean/ European difference on expressions of politeness and good manners. What is deemed well mannered in Western societies may not necessarily be so in Asia.

Dress Code

Singapore’s business dress code usually is formal but less distinctive than in Europe. For example, men generally wear shirt and tie, not suits, for day-to-day business activity. Women do not have to wear a formal suit either. Proper business attire is usual.

Greetings and business cards

Each of the main local ethnic groups has their etiquette and style in formally addressing another person. Generally it is acknowledged to address a person with his first name, yet make sure you learn how to address the person you speak with in the correct way.

After the greeting, business cards are gladly exchanged. One should be attentive to give and receive them with both hands, especially with the Chinese, and to study them carefully after receiving. After reading the cards they should not directly be put in the wallet or pocket, but displayed on the table and be considered every now and then. If you deal with many Chinese business partners, you can consider printing names on the card bilingually. The way one treats the business card reflects the considered importance of the business partnership.

Meetings

Punctuality is seen as a sign of respect to the host. If one foresees not to arrive on time, a short call will be appreciated. The counterpart should be informed about the attendants as well as the rough agenda of the meeting.

A typical venue for meetings is hotels. As the initiator of a meeting, it is a matter of courtesy to invite the other person for coffee or lunch. Different cultural backgrounds must be taken into consideration; for instance that some Muslims only eat Halal food and do not drink any alcohol. Some cultures are on a vegetarian diet, some do not eat beef.

Body language

As in most Asian countries, nonverbal communication plays an important role. There is more relying on it than on the spoken word. In a discussion one behaves more subtle and cautious. For instance, the hand is lifted to reach the attention of a person. To ask someone along, one holds the palm downwards and waves with the fingers. The gesture of upturned palms, quite usual for Westerners, is impolite. Moreover, pointing a finger should be avoided; better use your thumb.

Small Talk

Singaporeans do not say ‘no’ quickly. The answer will rather be ‘I will try’ or ‘Let me see what I can do’. This enables both business partners to save their face and not to put the cooperation at risk. So, what might sound like ‘yes’ might actually be a nicely put ‘no’. Also, silence is an important part of Singaporean communication.

Accepted small talk topics are above all food, shopping, family and holidays. While talks on politics and the government are rather avoided, business and money topics can be discussed very openly. You should never criticise or openly oppose someone in public, especially not elder or higher ranked people. If one wants to correct someone it might be done by formulating a question like “I thought it’s this way, but maybe I’m wrong”.

Presents

In business life, it is not usual to give each other presents as it easily could act as bribery. Especially one should never bring a gift to a government official.

Frequently business partners are invited to weddings. When you received an invitation to someone’s house, you should bring a small present. When handing over the gift one should hand it over with both hands, or at least the right one. The left hand is regarded as impure. The gift is not opened immediately or in presence of the donor.

Chinese: A present is rejected several times before it is accepted. The receiver does not want to appear greedy. Do not give clocks, tissues or straw sandals, as these are associated with death. Presents should not be wrapped in the mourning colours white, blue or black. ‘Good’ colours are red, pink or yellow. The birth of a child should never be connected with the stork. These birds are deemed as messengers of death. To a lunch or dinner invitation, one does not bring food. This would seem as one doubts the host’s sufficient hospitality qualities. Flowers are not a good idea either, as they are rather used in cases of illness or death.

Malay: Give no presents with alcohol or which are not halal. Presents are rather given in the end of a meeting or event than for the greeting. White wrapping paper is associated with death; red or green would be more cheerful colours.

Indian: No white or black wrapping paper is to be used; red, yellow, green and other bright colours bring luck. One should better not give leather products to Hindus. Gifts consisting of alcohol should only be given when one knows that the receiver would drink it.