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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