Etiquette and Protocol in Singapore [UAS]

Facts about Singapore

1. If you are given a present in Singapore, it is rude to open it in front of the person who gave it you, it’s polite to wait and open the gift later

2. Chewing gum is banned in Singapore, except for those with a medical prescription

3. Singapore is the only country on earth whose citizens don’t need a Visa to enter North Korea, South Korea, China or the United State

Facts about Singapore

4. Some-sex sexual activity is legal in Singapore for females only

5. Singapore was a Malaysian city in the past

6. English is the most widely used language in Singapore, the national anthem of Singapore “Majulah Singapura” is actually sung in Malay

Singapore imports sand and fresh water from Malaysia

Fish Head Curry

Laksa

Fried Carrot Cake

Chili Crab

Singapore Society

• Singaporean society is cosmopolitan and multicultural and based on an ideology of racial and religious harmony. The family is the basic unit of society and respect for the elders is of great importance. The group is regarded as more important than the individual, and social hierarchy is more strictly observed than in the West, with respect and deference shown to older and more senior people.
• The concept of "face" pays a part in relationships. Much of the behaviour adopted by Singaporeans is based on making sure that no one loses face. Singaporeans tend to be more formal and polite and less physical and personal in their everyday dealings than "westerners".
• To avoid losing face Singaporeans will rarely say "no" directly, nor ask a direct question or give a direct order. Equally, "yes" may not always mean they agree.

Kaya Toast

Popiah & Keuh Pie Tee

Muah Chee

Singapore Bak Kut Teh

Languages

Four languages are officially recognised in Singapore: English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. English is the language of administration and business, and children usually learn English as their first language, along with their mother tongue. This means that nearly everyone in Singapore speaks more than one language, and many people speak three or four. Most children grow up bilingual from infancy.

Singlish

• Although the language of general conversation between Singaporeans of different ethnic backgrounds is Standard English, colloquially many Singaporeans speak a variety called Singlish, which is usually described as a hybrid of English, Malay and Mandarin and a mixture of various Chinese dialects.
• Singlish can be difficult to understand by speakers of Standard English because the grammar is quite different and a lot of slang words are used. However, Singaporean adults speak Standard English so there should be no communication problems. Many Singapore children learn Singlish at home before they learn Standard English at school, so younger expatriate children are more likely to encounter it.

Customs and Traditions

Singaporean youth are increasingly westernised, however the older generation may still still adhere to cultural traditions. Here are some general cultural norms:

In many cultures it is rude to point with the foot even when the object is on the floor

Use the whole hand to point, as pointing with a finger can be construed as rude

Hand things over with two hands (particularly business cards and money). Offering an item with one hand is construed as off-hand and disrespectful

It is widely accepted as polite to address people older than oneself as "uncle" or "aunty" even if you don't know them

Singaporean

Chinese

Malaysia (Muslims)

Indian (Hindu)

Meetings and Greeting

• Shake hands with everyone present at a business meeting or social occasion
• Singaporeans may bow slightly as they shake your hand.

Chinese

Malay

Indian

Chinese

Malay

Indian

Chinese

Malay

Indian

Small Talk

Small talk: casual conversation is often typical at the start of a meeting and is part of ‘getting to know you’ phase.

Business Cards

In Singapore, business cards are exchanged almost immediately upon contact. The best way to exchange cards is by using both hands this is a respectful gesture and will almost certainly be noted by your Singaporean counterparts. Avoid exchanging tattered or dirty cards. Continue to show your esteem for your counterpart by treating his/her card with respect peruse the card attentively after you've received it and then deposit it in a professional business card case or put it on the table next to you. Never put the card in your back pocket Singaporeans consider this an insulting gesture.

The Dress

The way a person is dressed will make a big impression on the people they meet. The problem that many people have with this is the weather in Singapore, the country is little more than one degree north of the equator and the weather is hot and humid.

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

For Men

For Women

Punctuality

Unlike some places, punctuality in Singapore is important. Being late sets you up for a bad first impression, so make sure that you are on time, Call them if you are unexpectedly late.

Body Language

In Singapore, the direct look may be interpreted as disrespect, or worse as aggression. Catch your counterpart's eyes for a second, then immediately lower your head and look down. Your body language expresses that you are honouring the person in your presence.

E-mail

Email in Singapore is much more formal than in other cultures.

Use traditional letter writing guidelines for professional email etiquette.

Don’t expect an immediate response, Singaporeans may not read their email every day.

Do's

• Address recipients formally.
• Be concise and direct.
• Be respectful and polite at all times.
• Clearly state that you are writing on the someone, using their title.
• Use polite and formal salutations and closings.

Don'ts

• Avoid emoticons and attachments.
• Avoid negativity, be non-confrontational, without criticisms.

Gifts Giving

How to communicate with Singaporean

1. Always use “Aunty” or “Uncle” to call older people in a polite way, even though they are a stranger

2. Do not be noisy or speak to loud

3. Giving excuse for different language

What not to do when you communicate with Singaporean

1. Call people with a scream or loudly in public place

2. Not using polite calling for older people

3. Using harsh words to other people even though it was just a joke

Habits of Singaporean

1. Always queuing

2. Throw the trash in it’s place

3. Not being noisy in a public place

4. Giving priority for people to come out from the train

5. Using public transportation

6. Stand on the left side of escalator

7. Mark a place with a tissue