A guide to business
etiquette in Singapore
It can be hard for a country to stand out among the powerful economies of East Asia, but one of the smallest countries in the region has managed to make its mark.
For 15 years, Singapore has been hailed as the best business environment in the world, thanks to a combination of governmental support for foreign investment, active foreign trade, technological readiness, and competitively-priced corporate tax rates to attract investment. Manufacturing, finance, and shipping are also major economic players here, meaning that businesses around the world work with this small but mighty island nation.
If you're hoping to do business in this first-rate economy, you'll need to understand the ins and outs of local business etiquette. Singapore business culture is a balance of formality and establishing personal relationships, so it's important to be educated about how to conduct yourself. This guide to Singaporean business etiquette will set you up for success in one of the world's most competitive and sought-after economies.
Things to know about doing business in Singapore
Finding success in Singapore business culture
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Punctuality
In Singapore, punctuality is a non-negotiable aspect of business interactions. It's so ingrained in the local culture that it's essentially a virtue. Arriving late to meetings or appointments is considered disrespectful and is an insult to the person you're meeting.
Singaporeans value efficiency and professionalism, so make it a point to be on time, if not a few minutes early. This demonstrates your commitment to the partnership and your respect for your counterparts' time.
Hierarchy
The hierarchy of most Singaporean companies is a mix of Eastern and Western norms. In the Western style, companies usually have a clear chain of command, with higher-ups holding the decision-making power. In Eastern fashion, though, great respect is also paid to elders, even if they're not high-ranking. It's common for business decisions to be made at higher levels of the organization, so understanding the chain of command is essential for effective communication and decision-making.
When interacting with colleagues or clients, address individuals by their proper titles and surnames, unless they explicitly ask you to use their first names. Start with formality and wait for your colleagues to indicate when you can switch to more casual greetings.
Greetings
A firm handshake is a customary greeting in Singapore's business culture. When meeting someone for the first time, offer a confident and professional handshake. If the other person initiates a bow or slight nod, follow their lead. Remember that Singapore is a diverse society, so be mindful of cultural differences and adjust your greetings accordingly.
Most business is conducted in English, and in general, most Singaporeans speak impeccable English. It's still considerate to learn some basic phrases in Malay out of respect for your hosts:
- Hello – Selamat (add pagi for morning, tengah hari for afternoon, and malam for evening)
- How are you? – Apa khabar
- Nice to meet you – Senang berkenalan
- My name is... – Nama says...
- Thank you – Terima kasih
- Please – Tolong
- Goodbye – Selamat jalan
Business cards
Just as in many other Asian countries, great importance is placed on the exchanging of business cards. The way you treat a business card is representative of your attitude toward that person, so you need to give proper respect and deference to the ritual.
Your cards should be high-quality and only feature essential information, like your name, contact info, and job title. Give and receive cards with both hands, taking the time to study each card before placing it in a cardholder or a respectful location. Never write on someone's card or treat it carelessly; this symbolizes disregard for the person and the potential partnership.
Business attire
Singaporeans place great importance on dressing professionally and conservatively. Business attire typically consists of well-fitted suits and formal dresses in neutral colors. Western-style dress is the norm, such as long-sleeved shirts, ties, trousers, and dress shoes for men, and dresses, skirts, blouses, or smart pantsuits for women.
While the climate is humid, it's advisable to maintain a polished appearance by opting for lightweight, breathable fabrics. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing, as this may be viewed as disrespectful in a professional setting.
Gift-giving
The exchanging of gifts when conducting business is not as common in Singapore as it is in neighboring Asian countries. If you do want to present your business partners with gifts as a small gesture of thanks or appreciation, do so toward the end of business dealings. You should also present gifts to a whole group at once to avoid suspicions of favoritism.
Opt for items that are not overly personal or extravagant. Gifts that reflect your company's culture or your counterpart's interests are appreciated. It's also customary to present and receive gifts using both hands as a sign of respect.
The exception for this is if you're conducting business with government officials, as giving gifts could be seen as a bribe.
Business meetings etiquette
As with other aspects of Singapore business culture, formality rules the day in the business meeting. Here's what you can expect:
Scheduling and arrival
- Meetings should be scheduled with as much advance notice as possible.
- Arrive on time and in proper business attire.
Greetings and seating
- Start with greeting the most senior person in the room, followed by elders and descending down the chain of command.
- Follow the procedure for exchanging business cards.
- Take your seat following the host's guidance.
- Meetings will usually have a few minutes of small talk first before diving into business matters.
Discussion and negotiation
- Meetings are generally formal, following a set agenda with not a lot of deviation.
- Singaporeans prefer a collaborative, harmonious, and respectful negotiation style. Aggressive or confrontational tactics may be viewed as offensive and can harm relationships. Aim for a balanced approach that considers the long-term partnership rather than a short-term win.
- Singaporeans take their time when they discuss business or negotiate.
- Meetings will often be slow for this reason; be patient and engaged throughout the process.
- Be attentive and listen well; pause for a few seconds before speaking to show that you've carefully considered your response.
- Speak in a low, level tone and avoid raising your voice or getting agitated.
- Maintain eye contact, but occasionally look away so it doesn't seem like you're glaring.
- Be straightforward and honest.
Conclusion and follow-up
- Wrap up the meeting by thanking the higher-ups and elders first in order of rank.
- Thank everyone for their time and contributions.
- Accept any invitations to business dinners or lunches.
- Send a timely follow-up expressing thanks and summarizing any essential information.
Dining etiquette
Prepare to eat well during your business trip to Singapore. This island nation is a globe-trotting gastronomic adventure, with local dishes influenced by countries and cultures across Asia and the rest of the world. Here, you can go from eating Michelin-starred food in hawker centers (casual food courts) to dining in gourmet style with skyline views in sleek high-rises.
Since business relationships in Singapore are built on strong personal relationships, business meals are an important part of the local work culture. It's common for business lunches and dinners to take place several times a week. These meals are not time for business negotiations or talking shop, but rather social occasions and chances to become better acquainted with your Singaporean counterparts. Avoid discussing business matters until after the meal, as meals are meant for building rapport.
If you're invited to a business lunch or dinner, remember these dining etiquette tips:
- Wait for the host to start eating before you begin.
- The host will usually order for the whole table, choosing a variety of dishes.
- Use utensils and chopsticks properly; never point them at others.
- Accept and offer dishes with your right hand or both hands as a sign of respect.
- Leave a small amount of food on your plate when you're done to show you're satisfied and don't want more.
- Be respectful of any food restrictions among your colleagues (e.g., Indians not eating beef, Malaysians not eating pork).
- The host usually takes care of the bill.
Things to know about doing business in Singapore
- Cultural differences: Singapore is a bonafide melting pot of cultures from across Asia, so you may well be doing business with people from India, Malaysia, China, and beyond. As such, each group will have its own cultural norms, traditions, customs, and beliefs. If you can learn more about your business colleagues in advance, research more about cultural sensitivities to be prepared in advance. If not, follow their cues and be respectful, polite, and open-minded.
- Personal relationships are paramount: As mentioned above, the business relationship in Singapore is built up over time through casual conversations, meals, and social events. Avoid rushing into business discussions without allowing adequate time for relationship-building. Establishing rapport and trust is essential before delving into serious negotiations.
- Keep calm: Singaporean culture places a strong emphasis on maintaining harmony and avoiding conflict in public. Public displays of anger, frustration, or negative emotions can be seen as highly inappropriate. If you encounter challenges or disagreements, address them privately and respectfully.
- Speak their language: While English is widely spoken in Singapore, making an effort to learn and use a few basic local phrases or greetings can go a long way in showing your respect for the culture. Even though the national language of Singapore is Malay, you may be doing business with people from China, India, or other parts of Asia as well, so you may want to learn some basic phrases in their languages as well.
Finding success in Singapore business culture
By following Singaporean business etiquette, you'll be setting yourself up for success in the best place to do business in the world.
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