Republic of Singapore

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: None of the information is my own, sources are listed at the end. This is just a PowerPoint I created by compiling information from other sites. I am not claiming the information as my own. The purpose of this PowerPoint is to provide information about different cultures and learn more about the world around us. Enjoy!

Basic Information

Founded as a British trading colony in 1819; gained independence in Aug. 9, 1965

“Its port is one of the world's busiest in terms of tonnage handled”

Climate: Tropical; hot, humid, rainy;

two distinct monsoon seasons - Northeastern monsoon (December to March)

Southwestern monsoon (June to September); inter-monsoon - frequent afternoon and early evening thunderstorms

Basic Information Continued

Population Chinese 76.8%, Malay 13.9%, Indian 7.9%, other

1.4%Language

Official languages Chinese (Mandarin) 35%, English 23%, Malay 14.1%,

Tamil 3.2% Malay is the national language English is the language of business and administration

Buddhist 42.5%, Muslim 14.9%, Taoist 8.5%, Hindu 4%, Catholic 4.8%, other Christian 9.8%, other 0.7%, none 14.8%

Basic Information Continued

Government: parliamentary republic Elections held every five years The President is Head of State and presides for a six year

term Since 1993, President has been democratically elected

There are 24 political parties within Singapore The People’s Action Party has been dominant party since

1959 It has won every election since Currently holds 82/84 seats in Parliament

Legal System: English common law

Suffrage: 21 years old

Economy

Successful free-market economy

Open and corruption-free environment, stable prices, and a per capita GDP higher than that of most developed countries

Economy depends on exports, particularly in consumer electronics, information technology products, pharmaceuticals, and on a growing financial services sector.

Real GDP growth averaged 8.6% between 2004 and 2007. The economy contracted 0.8% in 2009 as a result of the global financial crisis, but rebounded 14.8% in 2010, on the strength of renewed exports, before slowing to 5.2% in 2011 and 1.3% in 2012, largely a result of soft demand for exports during the second European recession.

Economy Continued

Over the longer term, the government hopes to establish a new growth path that focuses on raising productivity, which has sunk to an average of about one percent in the last decade.

Singapore has attracted major investments in pharmaceuticals and medical technology production and will continue efforts to establish Singapore as Southeast Asia's financial and high-tech hub

Industries Electronics, chemicals, financial services, oil drilling

equipment, petroleum refining, rubber processing and rubber products, processed food and beverages, ship repair, offshore platform construction and life sciences

Economy Continued

Home to over 7,000 multinational corporations, which use Singapore as a base for their business operations

Considered a gateway to other parts of Asia and it is easy to travel to and from the country

Imports vs. Export

Import Partners Malaysia 10.6%, China 10.3%, US 10.2%, South Korea 6.8%,

Japan 6.2%, Indonesia 5.3%, Saudi Arabia 4.5%, UAE 4.1%Import Commodities

machinery and equipment, mineral fuels, chemicals, foodstuffs, consumer goods

Export Partners Malaysia 12.3%, Hong Kong 10.9%, China 10.8%, Indonesia

10.6%, US 5.5%, Japan 4.6%, Australia 4.2%, South Korea 4%Export Commodities

machinery and equipment (including electronics and telecommunications), pharmaceuticals and other chemicals, refined petroleum products

Broadcast media

State controls broadcast media

Eight domestic TV stations operated by MediaCorp which is wholly owned by a state investment company; broadcasts from Malaysian and Indonesian stations available

Satellite dishes banned

Greetings

Greetings are strict and based on ethnic origin and age

Younger people, or ones who adopted western concept, shake hands with everyone, older people don’t  

Shake hands with everyone present when you enter and leave, firmly

Singaporeans may bow when they shake hands, if they do bow back especially with Chinese Singaporeans

Names & Greetings

They are diverse people so ask how they would like to be addressed

Professional titles should be used when relevant

Singaporeans from a Chinese background will use a Western name instead of traditional name It’s acceptable in this case to address person by

adopted Western nameSingaporeans from Malay or Indian

backgrounds may have difficult names, so ask someone to spell it out

Names & Greetings Continued

People from Malay background adhere to Muslim naming patterns

Singaporeans from a Hindu background are referred to by father’s name first, followed by given name This applies to females until they’re married Married women use their husband’s first name

followed by their personal name

Conversations

When speaking, don’t lose face – have self-control

Instead of saying no, be indirect to avoid offending your counterpart

Conversation Topics Refrain from asking questions of a personal nature,

instead focus on business or small talk Welcome topics

Food (esp. Singaporean food), travel, recreation, future plans,

Topics to avoid Potentially subjective subjects: race, religion, politics,

criticizing Singaporean culture

Body Language/Gestures

Acknowledge and respect your elders/superiors Stand up when they enter a room

Avoid sitting with your legs crossed in front of either elders/superiors – place feet flat on floor

Personal space should be observed Touching

Tolerated in some degree Physical touching between heterosexual couples is

common than friendly contact between members of the same sex If people from the same sex hold hands, it shouldn’t be

assumed that they are homosexuals Eye Contact: Moderate level

Nonverbal Communication

Rely on facial expressions, tone of voice and posture

Nonverbal > VerbalSubtle, indirect, implicitNot direct, hint at what they are trying to sayDon’t say no, they go around the word to

maintain harmonySilence is important in their communication Pause before response to show deep thought

When people answer quickly they see it as rude and thoughtless

Nonverbal Communication Continued

Handshakes Ethnic Chinese

Shake Hands, grip lightly, long Woman must extend her hand first if man and woman

shake Introductions are always done in order of age or status.

Malay Only men shake hands Don’t shake hands with woman, aren’t allowed to touch

them May shake hand with foreign women, but it’s better to

bow the head Ethnic Indian

Shake hands with their own sex

Nonverbal Communication Continued

Never touch a person’s head. The head is considered sacred.

The foot is considered unclean since it’s at the bottom Don’t point with your foot Don’t tap or fidget because it shows disinterest.

Hands Raise hand for attention Don’t point with forefinger Don’t put your fist in a palm Forearm jerk is rude

Business

Business cards should be printed in English When giving the card, hold with both hands with print

facing the person whom you’re giving it to When receiving, use both hands and look at it for a

moment before neatly putting it away Business meetings/appointments must be

made a week in advanceRecommended to attend any social events b/c

it’s an important part of business Respond in writing If you can’t make it, send someone to take your place

Business Continued

Structure Hierarchy and status important Top-down structure Decisions made at senior management

Subordinates avoid questioning/criticizing superiors Senior members introduced first Seating determined by status Women big part and hold managerial positions

Relationships Build good rapport before conducting business Consider relationships more important than company

work for

Business Continued

Singaporeans are cautious and want to do business with the right person develop good relationships to demonstrate good character

Light handshakes, but not too weakDon’t speak loudly, be composedDon’t have blunt attitude

Yes doesn’t always mean yes Avoid saying no to keep face

Don’t make intense eye contact with elders and seniors

Don’t be impatient

Business Continued

Social events revolve around food Know dietary restrictions relevant to different

ethnic/religious groupsGrabbing coffee or golfing are activities for

building rapport between business partnersBe on time, it’s an insult to Singaporeans if

you make them waitFor social events, it’s flexible

Some arrive on time others a bit later so they don’t look anxious

Don’t show up too early unless you’re close to them

Business Continued

When conducting business, maintain relationship

Business decisions based on intuition and subjective feelings

Hard working, productive and competitive so it’s wise to display similar traits

Don’t lose face Speak in a calm tone, exhibit self-control, don’t use

angry responses Treat elders with respect Avoid “no,” usually give hesitant “yes” answers

Business Entertainment

Mostly over a meal (usually dinner)

Develop relationships rather than business talk

Host orders all dishes, sometimes they put it in the middle and share

Don’t have pre-meal appetizers or drinks

Food

Diverse, food culture evident in wide offersRice is popular When dining with Singaporeans, sample all

offerings Avoid searching and picking through when serving Chopsticks should be rested when talking and after a

few bitesWhen dining with Indian Singaporean’s

prevent spoons from touching the platesIf you’re a guest compliment and thank your

host

Drinking & Behavior

If you’re with Muslim counterparts avoid drinking

Consuming alcohol with meal or social function is widespread among other Singaporeans

Strict laws No littering and spitting (fined if caught) No smoking in public areas Business cards are given with 2 hands Don’t cut in line Don’t shout and have a clam demeanor

Gift Giving

Anti-bribery laws, gifts to business or gov’t officials will most likely be refused One can offer a large gift to a group or individuals

with small inexpensive items Give gift in public if you must

There are gifts to avoid Avoid giving clocks, sharp objects or handkerciefs to

Chinese Singaporeans Avoid alcohol, pork or pigskin products for Malays Avoid giving Hindu Indian’s beef or catle products

Cultural Values

‘Kiasu’ = ‘fear of losing’ Singaporeans competitive Want to be the best Reflects value of work ethic

Face Control behavior especially in public Avoid criticism Indirect communication

Diversity Value diversity and appreciate differences

More on Face

FACE Face = dignity Prized commodity can be given, lost, taken away and

earned Basically your reputation

Good name Character

What makes Singaporeans want harmony in relationships

Control their behavior and keep emotions in check Not confrontational and don’t critique people openly Indirect communication style Lost face = bad reputation losing influence

Cultural Values Continued

Group > Individual Harmony and mutual security important

Family is center of social structure Unity, loyalty & respect for elderly Includes extended families and close friends 

Respect for elderly is significant

Sources

www.cia.gov Singapore cultural sensitivity notes by Curtin University of Technology Doing Business in Singapore