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Cultural Etiquette
Cultural Dos and Taboos
1. Singapore is the commercial center of Southeast Asia. Famous for being very safe, conservative and orderly, visitors should be aware that Singapore's array of stringent laws apply to natives and foreigners equally. Before arrival, travelers should become familiar with these laws prohibiting littering, chewing gum, illegal drugs, pornographic materials, weapons, jaywalking, spitting, and smoking in most public places. Indeed, failing to flush a public toilet after using it can result in a fine of $150. Of paramount importance is the realization that narcotics-related crimes can result in the death penalty. Likewise, strong political criticism in the public purview can yield deleterious consequences.
2. Singapore has three major ethnic groups, each with its own traditions, religions and languages: Malay, Chinese, and Indian. Visitors should be sensitive to this multicultural makeup.
3. Islam is one of the major religions practiced in Singapore. One should expect that religious practices associated with Islam will affect daily life -- and business -- in this country. Notably, devout Muslims will pray five times a day, eating only "halal" food, fasting during Ramadan, and may have to travel to Mecca on the Haj (pilgrimage).
4. In business environments, the standard handshake is appropriate. Outside of business, younger or foreign-educated Singaporeans will shake hands upon greeting. Westernized woman may shake hands with both men and women. . The standard Singaporean handshake is more of a handclasp; it is rather limp and lasts for some ten or twelve seconds. Often both hands will be used. Ethnic Malays, who are generally Muslim, may not shake hands because traditionally, there is no physical contact between Muslim men and women. Many, but not all, Singaporean Indians are Hindu and of this group, only Westernized Hindus will shake hands with members of the opposite sex. The traditional Indian greeting involves a slight bow with the palms of the hands together (as if praying). This is an acceptable alternative to a handshake when a Western businesswoman greets an Indian man.
5. The elderly and those with seniority are always given an immense respect. When meeting Singaporean contacts, be sure to address individuals with high status and elderly background first.
6. Credentials matter in this conservative and traditional culture. Therefore, in order to establish one's reputation in an initial meeting, be sure to emphasize qualifications and credentials.
7. Since politeness demands that a Singaporean not disagree openly, the word "no" is rarely heard. A polite but insincere "yes" is a simple technique to avoid being rude or difficult. Note that "yes" can mean anything from "I agree" to "maybe" to "I hope you can tell from my lack of enthusiasm that I really mean "no'."
8. Restraint in communication is the norm. One should speak in quite, gentle tones and always remain calm. Restraint in this culture also denotes trustworthiness. As such, a person who publicly loses his or her temper has lost face and is considered untrustworthy.
9. Understated behavior is most appreciated. When one is given a compliment, the norm is not to respond with effusive thanks but instead be accepted with modest denial.
10. Standing with the hands on the hips is always interpreted as an angry, aggressive posture.
11. People in Singapore may smile or laugh in situations where Westerners consider this inappropriate. Often, laughter and smiling frequently denote emotions other than pleasure and happiness. Smiles may hide embarrassment, shyness, bitterness, discord, and/or loss of face. Learning to interpret smiles and laughter is a difficult for necessary process in the East.
12. Good topics of conversation include art, music, tourism, travel, plans for the future, organizational success, culture, and food. Topics to avoid in conversation include any criticism of Malaysian ways, religion, bureaucracy, or politics. One should also avoid discussions of sex or the roles of the sexes, while boasting should be eschewed.
13. Public displays of affection between those of the opposite sex are frowned upon. Contact between people of the same sex, however, is permitted.
14. Touching someone else's head, regardless of age, is inappropriate as the head is considered sacred in many Eastern traditions.
15. With regard to body language, among both Muslims and Hindus, the left hand is considered unclean. Eat with your right hand only and avoid touching anything or anyone with your left hand. Accept gifts and hold cash in the right hand as well. Note also that the foot is also considered unclean and so one should not show or expose the bottom of the foot to anyone. One should also avoid pointing the forefinger at another person. One can point with the right thumb, however, as long as all four fingers are curled down. When crossing one's legs, make sure that the sole of the foot is not pointed out or inadvertently shown to other people.
16. Gifts are often exchanged given between friends. One should not give a gift to anyone before a personal relationship is established with them or the gift may have the appearance of a bribe.
17. Since pork and alcohol are prohibited to observing Muslims, do not give them as gifts to Muslims. The prohibition against pork and alcohol also precludes pigskin products and perfumes containing alcohol. Observant Hindus do not eat beef or use products made from cattle. Again, avoid giving such products as gifts to Hindus.
18. It is not the custom to unwrap a gift in the presence of the giver as to do so would suggest that the recipient is greedy and impatient. Expect the recipient to thank you briefly, then put the still-wrapped gift aside until you have left. Note that one should not wrap gifts to Ethnic Malays in White paper; white is associated with funerals.
19. Business dress in Singapore is conservative; suits for both men and women, although fuller body coverage is the norm for Muslim women. Outside of business, dress is generally elegant but casual. Beach and casual resort wear should be confined to the beaches and resort areas, while shorts should not be worn in urban centers. Visitors should always dress modestly in respect for the Muslim and Hindu sensibilities. That being said, in Singapore's tropical climate, light clothing made from natural fabrics offer the most practical option for locals and foreigners alike. The dress code for events outside of business, such as sightseeing or eating out, is elegant-casual. Finer dining establishments may require a higher standard of dress, though outside of a business engagement, a suit or cocktail dress would not be necessary.
20. When planning social events where food and refreshments are served, there should be cognizance of the dietary restrictions of some religious groups. For example, Muslims would require "halal" food requiring special preparation and would be prohibited from eating pork or drinking alcohol. Hindus would be prohibited from eating beef.
21. Do not fall into the trap of thinking that all non-Western cultures are lax when it comes to time. In Singapore, being on time for business meetings is considered the norm; arriving late for a meeting with an executive is very bad form. In the social realm, arriving on time for dinner is appropriate, while arriving slightly late for other social events is acceptable.
22. In business, always formally present business cards during meetings. Present the card using both hands and the text facing the reading direction of the recipient. When receiving a business card, use both hands to do so, survey the card for a few moments, and then carefully place it in a wallet or portfolio. In Singapore, it is good form to have the card printed in English on one side and Chinese on the alternate side.
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