Doing Business in Singapore | Navigating Business Culture

Each month we offer our clients, learners and friends in the industry, free briefings and expert advice for living and working in different cultures.  We'll email each monthly cultural newsletter directly to you, all you have to do is subscribe.

Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, just off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, lies Singapore. This small island nation, covering a mere 728.3 square kilometres, stands as a testament to what vision, determination, and meticulous planning can achieve. With a population exceeding 5.7 million, it's a bustling hub of diversity and opportunity.

Singapore boasts a remarkable modern infrastructure that includes a world-class airport, seaport, and a highly efficient public transportation system. Known for its cleanliness and safety standards, the country is an example of order and discipline.

The multicultural tapestry of Singapore is evident in its society. Ethnic Chinese, Malays, and Indians form the majority, lending their unique flavours to the nation's cuisine, architecture, and festivals. Singapore's government actively fosters racial harmony, encouraging the celebration of cultural diversity.

Language diversity thrives, with Mandarin, Malay, Tamil, and English as the official languages. Singlish, Singapore's distinctive version of English, spices up daily conversations, characterised by its unique sentence structure and grammar, as well as the use of colloquial filler words like "lah," "leh," "hor," and "meh."

Business culture in Singapore

In the global business arena, Singaporeans excel, with many professionals having extensive experience in cross-cultural interactions. Flexibility, open-mindedness, and a global perspective are the hallmarks of Singaporean businesspeople.

Singapore's multicultural society is underpinned by a set of core cultural values that reflect the diverse backgrounds and beliefs of its population:

• Family and Community: Family and community play pivotal roles in Singaporean culture
• Group Belonging: Singapore's culture places a premium on group identity, conformity to norms and maintaining harmony
• Education and Achievement: Hard work and dedication are deeply ingrained in Singaporeans, resulting in a strong work ethic and a focus on education and career advancement
• Hierarchy and Rules: The country's strict adherence to hierarchy, rules and order is a source of pride, contributing to its well-organised society
• Face: The concept of "face" is crucial in Singaporean culture, encompassing one's reputation, influence, dignity, and honour

Singapore enforces strict laws governing freedom of speech, making criticism of the government or political leaders a sensitive issue. Discussions about religion, particularly related to race and nationality, are generally discouraged. Public displays of affection are considered inappropriate, and the nation has stringent drug laws, with zero tolerance for drug use or possession.

In recent years, Singapore has seen a shift towards greater gender equality in the workplace, with more women holding influential positions.

Building relationships is paramount in Singaporean business culture. Establishing personal connections and getting to know colleagues beyond business matters is key. Punctuality and preparedness are highly valued, and using formal titles, especially in formal settings, is appreciated.

Trust is core to business relationships in Singapore. Reliability and consistency are expected from all parties involved. The hierarchical structure of organisations means that influencing decision-making often requires connecting with the right individuals at the senior levels.

Time management is a critical aspect of business dealings in Singapore. Being late for meetings is considered impolite and unprofessional. Multi-tasking is viewed positively as a means of enhancing productivity. Meeting deadlines is a sign of professionalism and reliability.

Names hold significance, with Chinese names typically presented as family name followed by first name. Malay names begin with the given name, followed by "bin" (son of) or "binti" (daughter of) and their father's given name. Indian names vary by region of origin within India. It's best to politely ask for guidance on how to address someone correctly.

Singaporeans are status-conscious, so using titles or Mr. and Ms. followed by the family name is appreciated. Wait until you are offered to use first names. Gestures in Singapore tend to be subtle, and physical contact beyond handshakes should be avoided.

Dining etiquette is diverse, reflecting Singapore's multiculturalism. Respect dietary restrictions, such as halal for Muslims and vegetarianism for some Indians. Learn how to use chopsticks if dining with ethnic Chinese, and be mindful of chopstick etiquette.

Dress codes vary by formality, mirroring the organisation's culture. When in doubt, lean towards formality, with conservative attire being the norm. Dark or neutral colours are preferred.