Singapore

Business in Singapore generally keeps to international standards, though the range of languages, cultures, and the climate do impact how they do business. For example, dress code can be a little more relaxed since it’s so close to the equator and usually hot and humid all year round. Typically, smart business shirts and pants or skirts will suffice, you can leave the jacket or blazer in the wardrobe.

Here are some quick general facts to remember:

• In some offices and almost every private space, you’ll have to ditch your shoes at the door as is local custom.
• Tipping isn’t mandatory in Singapore but it is appreciated.
• For social events bring a bottle of wine as a token, or chocolates if your hosts abstain from alcohol (it’s a good idea to check first).
• It’s common to see physical contact between people of the same sex in business. You might see men holding hands or walking with their arms around each other.
• Negotiations are conducted at a slow pace and rely more on personal relationships than the company you’re likely representing. Finalising a business agreement could involve several trips.

Meetings

A simple handshake is sufficient as for a greeting for foreigners. You may find that different cultures within the country have different ways of greeting, but you’re not required to take part unless that is your heritage. Malays will great each other with a handshake and then a palm placed briefly over their own heart. This cultural greeting is only for those of Malay heritage.

As with most Asian countries, business cards are key in Singapore. Make sure you’re prepared as you’ll need to extend one for almost every first meeting. Offer the card with both hands, with the letters facing the recipient. Receive with two hands and take a moment to view it briefly, then leave it on the table face-up during the meeting. Do not leave the card behind though, as this could be seen as disrespectful.

When talking with business contacts there are topics that are safe, and some to avoid: 

Common faux pas

To help you navigate the varied culture of Singapore, here is a list of common faux pas to avoid.

• Complimenting someone’s appearance. This can come across as insincere. It is better to compliment their achievements.
• Running late. It is considered an insult to leave a Singaporean business executive waiting.
• Public disagreement. Avoid correcting or debating with an elder or superior as they will lose face, and you will lose the respect of others.
• Raising your voice or being overly emotional. This is not appropriate in Singapore. Speak in a low voice and calmly.
• Not introducing people by age/seniority first. The most important members of your group have to be introduced first.
• Responding too quickly. It’s common to mentally count to 10 before responding, to demonstrate you have put thought into your response.
• Touching someone’s head. The head is considered sacred by Indians and Malays, so don’t touch anyone’s head or face.

Laws

Singapore is known as “The Fine City” with two meanings. While the country is immaculate and well-kept, it also hands out a number of fines to anyone breaking the rules. Their laws extend beyond the norm to include fines for chewing gum, not flushing toilets and more. Here is a list of the top laws to keep an eye out for when visiting Singapore.

No chewing gum or spitting

Although we’d hope most business professionals are not in the habit of spitting, the chewing gum ban may be a little more difficult. Swap out that gum for mints if you’re worried about coffee breath. While you might be ok getting a small packet of gum through the airport, if you’re importing cartons you’ll definitely get pulled up by security.

Jaywalking and littering

These are the most common offences in Singapore. Jaywalking (crossing the road within 50 metres of a crossing zone) is dangerous for the pedestrian and the drivers on the road. You could receive a $20USD fine for your first offence, which skyrockets to $1000 for repeat offending or even jail time. Littering fines are similar where you can expect a $1000USD fine for dropping rubbish.

Smoking

Prohibited in all indoor places or anywhere that the public congregates – similar to Australian laws. Make sure you check with your local contacts if you can smoke somewhere before you light up.

LGBT

Same-sex activity is illegal in Singapore, with relationships not recognised by law and the adoption of children by same-sex couples considered illegal. No anti-discrimination protections exist for LGBT people. Exercise caution if you’re travelling to Singapore as a same-sex couple. Luckily Singaporeans avoid discussing personal lives in business, so you likely won’t have to answer any questions about your personal situation.

Urinating in Elevators

Yes, you read correctly. Singapore has had major issues in the past with urinating in elevators. Quite unusual for a country that values hygiene and cleanliness but here we are. Certain elevators across the country are fitted with UDDs (Urine Detection Devices) which set off an alarm if it detects urine, closes the elevator and calls the police.

Not Flushing the Toilet

Save yourself a $150USD fine and hit that flush button. Singapore values cleanliness and order. No one wants to have to flush someone else’s business, so they make sure to take care of their own. Although it’s a difficult law to police (as in they don’t have police stationed at every toilet), it’s just part of common courtesy.

Drugs

If any of the other laws seem trivial, this one is absolutely not. Drug possession, consumption, manufacturing, import, export, or trafficking in any amount is illegal. Singapore is one of the few countries that still have the death penalty (capital punishment) and actively use it. Depending on the quantity of drugs you’re caught with, you could face punishments from caning (yes with a cane), to life imprisonment or the death penalty. Nine people were executed in 2018 on drug-related offences. Under the Misuse of Drugs Act (Singapore), police can search locals and foreigners at any time without a warrant if they reasonably suspect you might be in possession of illegal substances.