Singapore - Culture Brunch

Non-Verbal

Touching someone's head is considered disrespectful.

When talking to elders or those who are higher ranked than you, eye contact is typically minimal.

Unlike in Canada where you can respond right away, in Singapore, it is respectful and appropriate to pause before replying to someone as this indicates that you have thought about their question and your response carefully.

In Canada, showing someone your full attention means looking them in the eyes when they are talking. However, in Singapore, it may be a considered as a sign of aggression, or they may think that you are being disrespectful. So when speaking to someone, do not look them directly in the eyes.

Verbal

Singaporean's try to avoid "losing face", so instead of being direct, they imply what they are trying to say.

Speaking loudly in Singapore is considered rude.

Masculinity Vs Femininity

Singapore is near the middle of both when it comes to these two as it scored a 48 on MAS. However, since it scored a 48, this means Singapore is slightly closer to the feminine side. Singapore is masculine in the sense that they are competitive, especially in business, this can be seen with the GCR as they are ranked second in the world. Singapore also desires success and achievement. Singapore is feminine however, because the Government tends to take care of its citizens and they have a good quality of life as well.

Power Distance

Power distance is high as questioning or criticizing those that are superior in rank to you may cause a loss of face. Singapore is predominantly Chinese, and in Chinese culture they value hierarchy and status.

Singapore has a score of 74 on PDI

Orientation

Singapore scored a 72 on LTO

Singapore is long term oriented. This is because they encourage modern education and are preparing for the future. Singaporean's thinking is in the sense of the long term as they value qualities such as perseverance and status.

Singapore has a monochronic time perception
as they believe in punctuality especially by
being on time to business meetings,
but they also have a polychronic time perception
as they believe decisions that are important, require consideration in different time lines.

The spacial perception in Singapore is moderate as it is a small but urbanized country, so the people that live there live close to each other and are likely to run into their neighbours.

Do's

In Singapore, they are easy-going in regards to table etiquette, however, since there are many different cultures the way you eat will depend on where you eat. For example, at an Indian restaurant, you would eat with your right hand as it is considered clean, but since Singaporeans are easy going when it comes to food etiquette, you can eat with cutlery if that's what you prefer.

As some business people may be Muslim in Singapore, it is usually a good idea to pass items with your right hand as it is considered clean whereas people believe the left hand is used for personal hygiene purposes and is considered as unclean.

A common business greeting in Singapore consists of a handshake.

It is appropriate to plan a meeting in advance.
(Usually 2 weeks)

Business cards should be presented using both hands and the name on the card should be facing the person that the card is being given to.

Don't's

Do not arrive late to a business meeting
as it is considered an insult.

A pat on the back may be okay in Canada, but it may make your business partners uncomfortable in Singapore.

In Singapore, it is considered rude if you point your finger at something or someone. Showing the sole of your shoes is a don't in Singapore as it is also considered as rude.

Do not invade others personal spaces as it makes Singaporean's uncomfortable. Keeping an arms length distance is recommended.