Insights Into the Business Culture of Singapore

As Singapore is one of the world’s foremost financial and commercial hubs, it isn’t surprising that it is visited by numerous travellers seeking to take advantage of its business opportunities each year. However, if you seek to make the most of the city-state’s alluring opportunities, you will need to have a basic understanding of the local corporate culture. The suggestions provided below should help you to conduct business effectively in this cosmopolitan city. 

Cultural factors 

You will find that the business culture of Singapore is rather different from the corporate environment of Western nations. In Singapore, great respect is accorded to the elderly, with the highest-ranking individual in a company being revered by subordinates. Accordingly, the most senior or oldest person in a business will often take a leading position in discussions. Generally, the city-state’s corporate culture may be described as being very competitive, whilst being founded on a significant work ethic. Singaporeans will typically seek to establish a relationship of mutual respect and trust before conducting business with foreign executives; with this in mind, understand that you need to take time to build a rapport with those you are meeting.

Tips when conducting business

In the city-state, punctuality is regarded as a demonstration of respect, and leaving a Singaporean waiting may be considered to be insulting. Meanwhile, during discussions, it is a good idea to wait several seconds before responding to a comment, to indicate that you happen to be carefully assessing what is being said. Additionally, when communicating with locals, it is appropriate to speak using a low, measured tone; raising your voice or demonstrating anger may cause you to lose respect. Having a pleasant setting is also key to creating an ideal environment for successful business dealings. With that in mind, consider basing yourself at an accommodation provider like PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore which offers welcoming spaces and elegant conference rooms in Singapore for meetings and corporate events.

Commencing a conversation 

Naturally, to successfully conduct business here, you must be able to commence conversations in a courteous, respectful way. Demonstrating an interest in Singapore’s culture would be an excellent way to start a conversation; you may discuss the city’s art and architecture or perhaps some of the tasty local dishes that you have enjoyed. You may also get to know your Singaporean associates better by inquiring about their interests, travels, company goals, noteworthy successes and so on. 

Tips regarding business cards 

As you might expect, you will often have the opportunity to exchange business cards with your Singaporean counterparts; for such instances, it would be a good idea to have a Chinese translation on the reverse side of your card. Often, business cards will be exchanged following the preliminary introductions and you should give and accept business cards using both hands, treating them respectfully.

Avoid these cultural mistakes

When conversing with your local counterparts, you should preferably avoid discussing topics like politics, religion, bureaucracy, crime and punishment. It is also advisable not to publicly disagree with or correct a person of higher rank than yourself. Further, you should avoid physically making contact with those of the opposite gender – such as by shaking hands – if you are not invited to do so.