Many of today’s business travel destinations are in East or Southeast Asia. Travelers from around the world converge on China, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore. These nations (and the rest of their neighbors) are rich economic engines that drive trade with the rest of the world. But as a business traveler, even though you can fly into an international airport in Singapore and stay in a large chain hotel that looks like one in your hometown, it is important to recognize that the culture and business traditions of destinations like Singapore they may be very different from those in the United States.
Avoid cultural mistakes in Singapore
Although the basic format of a business meeting or sales transaction may be the same if you are on a business trip to Singapore, there are a lot of cultural norms that are not. That is why it is critical for business travelers heading to Singapore to recognize cultural differences and plan around them. For example, complimenting someone on their appearance may seem insincere. Instead, congratulate them on their accomplishments. Or be sure to count to ten before answering someone.
This shows that you are carefully considering what the other person is saying and is a sign of respect. Another cultural norm that is acceptable in Singapore but may seem strange to business travelers from the United States is physical contact between people of the same sex. Therefore, you can see men holding hands or walking with their arms around each other.
To better understand all the nuances and cultural tips that can help a business traveler heading to Singapore, here are some tips from Gayle Cotton, author of the book Say Anything to Anyone, Anywhere: 5 Keys to Successful Cross-Cultural Communication. Ms. Cotton is an expert on cultural differences and a distinguished speaker and recognized authority on cross-cultural communication. She is also the President of Circles Of Excellence Inc., and has appeared on many television shows including: NBC News, BBC News, PBS, Good Morning America, PM Magazine, PM Northwest, and Pacific Report.
For more information on Ms. Cotton, visit www.GayleCotton.com.
Tips for business travelers heading to Singapore
- When doing business in Singapore, punctuality is essential for business appointments. It is considered an insult to leave a Singaporean business executive waiting.
- Occasionally, a Singaporean may prefer to be a few minutes late so as not to appear overly anxious or anxious, especially if the person has been invited to an event where food will be served.
- Singapore’s business culture is intensely competitive and has an exceptionally strong work ethic. The group, rather than the individual, prevails and the older or more competent member generally takes the leadership position.
- Avoid publicly debating, correcting, or disagreeing with an older person or superior. The older or superior person will only “lose face” and consequently lose the respect of others.
- In Singapore, it is considered perfectly acceptable to ask people questions about their weight, income, marital status and related topics. If this makes you uncomfortable, put these questions aside as gently as possible so that you don’t make the other person “lose face.”
- Speak quietly and quietly, and avoid raising your voice or getting overly emotional and showing anger.
- Age and antiquity are revered in this culture. If you are part of a delegation, make sure the most important members introduce themselves first. If you are introducing two people, first state the name of the most important person.
- Business cards can be printed in English, however, since a high proportion of Singaporean businessmen are of Chinese ethnic origin, it will be an advantage to translate the back of your card into Chinese.
- Business cards should be exchanged with every business partner you meet after the introductions. They are exchanged with both hands and held between the thumbs and index fingers. In some cases, this may be accompanied by a slight bow.
- The recipient will accept the card with both hands, study it for a moment, make eye contact with you, and then carefully place it on a nearby table or in a card holder or pocket. You must do the same when you are presented with a card. Business cards are handled with great respect because they represent a person’s identity. Never write on someone’s business card!
- If you congratulate a Singaporean, it is better to base it on achievements and not on appearances that can be considered insincere.
- Singapore listening etiquette dictates that you count to 10 before responding. By waiting a minimum of 10 seconds, you show that you have carefully considered what you heard before responding.
- It’s considered polite to break eye contact so that you don’t appear to stare or stare at the other person.
- On the contrary, physical contact between people of the same sex is perfectly acceptable. You are likely to observe men holding hands with men or walking with their arms around each other. These actions are strictly interpreted as gestures of friendship.
- Singapore has many different cultures and religions. Muslims and Hindus believe that the left hand is unclean. Consequently, eat with your right hand only and avoid touching things with your left hand if you can use your right hand.
- Many Indians and Malays believe that the head is the “seat of the soul,” so do not touch anyone’s head or face, even if you are stroking a child’s hair.
- Feet are also believed to be unclean, so don’t move or touch anything with your feet, and never cross your legs or feet so that the sole of your shoe is pointing at someone.
5 key conversation topics or gesture tips
- Travel and the arts, as Singaporeans tend to be well traveled and cultured.
- Modern economic advances and Singapore architecture.
- The variety of food and the excellent cuisine.
- Your future plans, business success (no bragging), and personal interests.
- To call someone, reach out, palm down, and make a motion with your fingers. Gesturing palm up to someone and waving a finger will be construed as an insult.
5 key conversation topics or gesture taboos
- The personal life of another individual.
- Bureaucracy, politics and religion.
- Legalities, crime and punishment in Singapore. Spitting, smoking in public, chewing gum, and jaywalking are offenses subject to fines.
- Standing with your hands on your hips is generally perceived as an angry and aggressive posture.
- It is considered rude to point the index finger at anyone. Instead, use your entire right hand.
What is important to know about the decision-making or negotiation process?
- Negotiations are taking place at a much slower pace than in the United States or in many European countries.
- The personal relationship you build in Singapore is often seen as more important than the company you represent. A relationship with each member of the group is essential for doing business. Your Singaporean counterparts must really like you, feel comfortable, and trust you.
- Trade deals will likely require multiple trips over a period of months.
Any advice for women?
- Business women do not usually have a problem working in Singapore, however there are many cultures and religions that may have various standards of protocol.
- With the exception of handshakes, there is no public contact between the sexes in Singapore.
- Hugging and kissing, even between husbands and wives, is discouraged in public.
Any advice on gestures?
- There are many gestures that can be considered rude or offensive to the different cultures in Singapore, so do some research before you go.
- Among Indians, rocking the head from side to side actually indicates agreement, although Westerners may interpret this gesture as “no.”
