Customs among the Singaporeans vary greatly depending on an individual’s ethnicity and religion. Explore how the Chinese celebrate the Chinese New Year, which marks the beginning of the lunar year and is by far the most important annual...

Trying to make sense of the currency of Singapore? The unit of currency on the island is the Singapore dollar (S$). One dollar is divided into one hundred cents. Coins come in denominations of five, ten, twenty, and fifty cents. There is...

When entertaining friends or business associates in Singapore, whether at home or in a restaurant, it’s very important to take into account any religious dietary restrictions of your guests. Some Muslims, Indian Hindus, and Buddhists,...

Most visitors to Singapore will tell you that the island has no distinct seasons; it’s hot, wet, and wetter. If you ask the locals, they’ll tell you that there are really two seasons—the wet monsoon season at the end of the year and the...

Business relationships in Singapore are focused primarily on selling products and services and making money, not necessarily on developing personal connections. When business is conducted out of the office over a meal, it’s likely to be...

In Singapore, there’s a lively after-work scene downtown as locals and expatriates get together for drinks and dinner. The most popular places are Boat Quay and Clarke Quay, situated upstream from the mouth of the Singapore River, and...

The generally accepted negotiating style in Singapore businesses is a win-win approach that is achieved through compromise. Cutthroat tactics are not recommended. The goal is to arrive at an agreement that is beneficial to both parties....

The country of Singapore has four official languages: English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. Malay is the island’s national or original language. Learn more about the cultural origins of this combination of languages and become acquainted...

Singapore's decision-making practices have been influenced by the island's colonial history and the government's autocratic style. Explore how decision-making is evolving with the younger generation, who value critical thinking and...

Singaporeans have a strong work ethic. They take pride in their work, are generally conscientious, and will put in whatever hours are required to meet deadlines. If a job isn’t completed at the end of the workday, they’ll usually work...

Corporate cultures in Singapore tend to differ depending on whether the company is a local Singaporean firm or a branch or subsidiary of a large multinational. The pace in most work environments is fast. Workers know that if they work...

A high percentage of women in Singapore are educated and have professional training. This should come as no surprise considering the emphasis the society places on education and learning a skill or profession. Almost all women work, even...

Singapore is exceptionally clean and sanitary, but it’s also hot and tropical. Outbreaks of malaria and other serious illnesses are infrequent but not unheard of. In general, the best ways to get around Singapore are by taxi and public...

Singaporeans are generally reluctant to take risks on new ventures. Most products and services offered on the island were shown to be viable elsewhere before being brought to Singapore. Historically, Singaporeans have been more likely to...

Singapore is a secular state, and people of all religions are free to worship. This history of religious tolerance dates back to a time when traders, immigrants, and conquerors introduced the islanders to their religions. Over the...

Singaporeans tend to place more stock in what someone knows than in whom someone knows. As a result, networking—the art of making and fostering business contacts and relationships—is not an active part of business life in Singapore. An...

Singaporeans may seem at times to laugh inappropriately. This occurs most often when they’re feeling shy, nervous, or embarrassed. They sometimes laugh to hide other feelings or because they don’t know how to respond. Take care not to...

Did you know that gift-giving is not a custom in Singapore in business situations? In fact, it could be construed as bribery. However, it’s perfectly acceptable to give someone, including a business colleague, a modest gift in a social...

As in Western organizations, the corporate structure in multinational companies in Singapore is becoming a lot flatter. On the other hand, staff members in Singapore are more respectful of management than in the West. The hierarchy...

Looking for tips for foreign managers in Singapore? To succeed as a manager in Singapore, you must have a basic understanding of the local business culture and its impact on management practices. Learn more about managing in Singapore,...

Distinctions among foreign-owned companies tend to depend on the culture of a business’s home country. As a rule, companies owned by Westerners encourage informality, employee participation, and change. American firms tend to institute...

Few places rival Singapore in culinary delights. Indeed, the variety and choice in places to dine and dishes to choose from are a source of tremendous pride and the island’s greatest attraction for tourists. Thousands of cafes,...

Singaporeans tend to keep business appointments, but that doesn’t mean that they’re always punctual. Unlike other Asians, Singaporeans do not rely on contacts to open doors and set up meetings. Cold-calling by telephone is considered...

From its early days of independence, Singapore set about becoming a major player in the competitive world of international business. Since 1968, the economic growth been enviable, and Singapore is among the most competitive nations in...