BUSINESS CULTURE

IN
SINGAPORE

“Silence is an important element of Singaporean

communication.
Singaporeans see Westerners who rush in with quick answers
as clumsy and insensitive.

This applies to video calls as well as face-to-face meetings.”

Grigoras
Bianca-Ionela
EB
Business entertainment
• When entertaining Malay associates (who are Muslim) avoid conducting business
on Fridays or during the Ramadan (the Muslim fasting month). Never serve
alcohol or pork. Most Indians do not eat beef as well. The inviting party of a
business social event usually picks up the bill. The other party can reciprocate next
time around.
• Business breakfasts are rare in Singapore. Lunch is the preferred meal for business
discussions. Spouses are rarely, if ever, invited to these power meals. As long
lunches are not uncommon in Singapore it may be wise to avoid scheduling
meetings between noon and 2pm
• Singaporeans are normally punctual for their appointments and expects the same
with others. Call them if you are unexpectedly late.

Grigoras Bianca-Ionela EB
Business gifts
• Gift giving is a common way of expressing thanks. Small
business-related gifts such as a pen with the company
logo would be sufficient.

• Gifts are typically wrapped, presented and received with

two hands, and opened after the presenter leaves.

• Gifts with connotation of severance or cutting, such as

scissors, are not appropriate as they symbolize conflict.
Letter-openers however are an exception.

Grigoras Bianca-Ionela EB
Business gifts
• For the Chinese, the number 4 rhymes with
the word for death meaning that it is
important not to give anything in a set of four.
• Clocks are also considered inappropriate
gifts, as the Chinese expression for ‘giving
clock’ has connotations to death.
• For your Malay associates, avoid products
made from pigskin and alcohol as these
goods contravene the laws of Islam.

Grigoras Bianca-Ionela EB
We are different…
Did you know there is a cultural iceberg?

Grigoras Bianca-Ionela EB
Grigoras Bianca-Ionela EB
Etiquette
• There are important differences in doing business in Singapore and the
following offers valuable considerations of etiquette when conducting
business in Singapore.

• When making introductions for the first time and in formal meetings,
always use the person’s title and family name followed by his personal
name, if he has a Chineese name. If he has a western name like "Peter", he
should be introduced in the same way as in the West, i.e. given name
before family name. The Malays do not use a family name. They use their
own personal name followed by bin (son of) or binti (daughter of) before
their father’s personal name. The Indians use their personal name followed
by s/o (son of) or d/o (daughter of) and the father’s personal name.

Grigoras Bianca-Ionela EB
Etiquette
• Business cards should be exchanged upon meetings and treated respectfully.
Ideally, they should be given and received with both hands. Upon receiving a
business card lay it in front of you on the table in accordance with the placement of
the people you are having the meeting with. Never write on the business card, put
it casually in your back pocket or haphazardly stash it in a folder. Any of these
actions can be misconstrued as disrespect.

• There is an emphasis on equality of the sexes in Singapore. Women do hold

positions of authority in business. Spouses of both sexes do not usually attend
business events or functions, unless specially invited.

• Although the climate is tropical long-sleeved shirts and ties are still the usual call
for men, while smart business wear is recommended for women. Jackets may be
worn to formal events.

Grigoras Bianca-Ionela EB
How to impress your Singaporean business
associates

• 1. Singaporeans are generally more inclined to play by the rulebook than

other Asian cultures.
• 2. Singaporeans are label and fashion conscious. Always dress smartly
and don’t be afraid to sport designer accessories. Stay in a good hotel. Be
professional and friendly but not over-familiar.
• 3. Do not underestimate the power of social media in Singapore. Some
70% of Singaporeans are active social media users, more than double the
global average.

Grigoras Bianca-Ionela EB
How to impress your Singaporean business
associates

• 4. Singaporean relationships are governed by the concept of ‘face’, a

mask of personal dignity. This must be maintained at all times, and no
action should be taken that will cause somebody else to lose face. Getting
worked up and displaying emotion is frowned upon, as is doing or
saying anything that will cause another person to lose face. Tact,
diplomacy and implicitness rather than directness are important at all
times.
• 5. Singaporeans tend to use an implicit style of communication. Business
conversations may include a smattering of ‘Singlish’, a combination of
English, Chinese and Malay words. Listen carefully to what your
Singaporean counterpart is saying, whatever their ethnic origin. A
hesitant ‘yes’ may mean no. Other versions of ‘no’ include ‘yes, but…’;
‘the schedule may not permit…’ or simply not answering the question.
Objections are voiced very politely to avoid causing you to lose face, so it
is essential to detect them.

Grigoras Bianca-Ionela EB
How to impress your Singaporean business
associates

• 6. Anyone who displays anger during a meeting in Singapore risks being

judged as unworthy of respect and trust. Outbursts of laughter, too, may
mask loss of face, nervousness, shyness, or disapproval. Silence is an
important element of Singaporean communication. Do not be afraid to
use it;
• 7. Understand the role of hierarchy. Singapore’s strong hierarchical
relationships begin at home, with the relationship with one’s parents and
grandparents. Age and status are respected and the elderly are deferred
to. In the workplace, senior people are treated with utmost courtesy and
deference. Avoid publicly debating, correcting, or disagreeing with an
older person or superior. They will only lose face and consequently, you
will lose the respect of others.

Grigoras Bianca-Ionela EB
How to impress your Singaporean business
associates

• 8. Singaporeans are group-orientated at the same time as being indirect

communicators. Facial expression, tone of voice and posture are all
important ways of interpreting somebody’s true feelings. In creating
harmony.
• 9. When asked for a favor, Chinese Singaporeans will usually avoid
saying “no,” as to do so causes embarrassment and loss of face. If a
request cannot be met, a person may say it is inconvenient or under
consideration. Statements like ‘I will try’, or ‘I’ll see what I can do’
usually have negative implications.
• 10. Be ready for the potential minefield of business entertaining. Make
sure you can use chopsticks. If you’re the guest of honor, leave a little
food on your plate to show that you’ve had enough, or more may keep
coming.
Grigoras Bianca-Ionela EB
Did you know that…
• It is considered an insult to leave a Singaporean business executive
waiting.
• The Singaporean business culture is intensely competitive.
• It's considered perfectly acceptable to ask people questions about their
weight, income, marital status, and related subjects.
• It is considered polite to break eye contact so that you do not seem to be
staring or glaring at the other person.
• Hugging and kissing, even between husbands and wives, is strongly
discouraged in public.

Grigoras Bianca-Ionela EB
 Thank you for your attention

Grigoras Bianca-Ionela EB
Content
• Business entertainment – p2
• Business gifts – p3
• Cultural iceberg – p5
• Etiquette – p7
• How to impress your Singaporean business associates – p9
• Did you know that… - p13
• Bibliography – p16

Grigoras Bianca-Ionela EB
Bibliography
• https://singapore.um.dk/en/the-trade-council/menu-4/

• https://www.tripsavvy.com/doing-business-singapore-4071066

• https://www.slideshare.net/DigitalContent/doing-business-in-singapore-
2014-presentation

Grigoras Bianca-Ionela EB