DOING BUSINESS WITH

SINGAPORE

By: Suman

Objectives

Business Greetings Languages of Business Making Contact with Business People Verbal Communication Non-Verbal Communication Entertainment

Uniquely Singapore

Singapore is multilingual and multi-ethnic country. Population: 4.8 million in June 2006 Chinese, Malays, and Indians Political Overview: Republic Parliamentary System of Government Australia and Singapore are close in business relations

MAP

Flag

Time Zone
Location Local Time Time Zone
UTC-7 hours UTC +8 hours Merced Friday, May 25, 2007 at 11: 00 a.m.

Singapore

Saturday, May 26, 2007 at 2:00 a.m.

Source: Thorsen, Steffen. The World Clock Converter-Time Zone

Night view of Singapore

Business Greetings

When introducing two people, state the name of the more important or more senior person first. For example: Chairman Lee, meet Mr. Jones.

Languages of Business

Official languages:

Malay Chinese/Mandarin Tamil English Mandarin

Most spoken:

Making Contact

Senior business people tend to do business in a traditional, relationship- focused mode Younger business people are more dealfocused. Direct contact with younger business people. Indirect approach with traditional business people.

Verbal Communication

Most Singaporeans speak softly. Loud talk is a sign of poor manners. The word yes might not mean your counterpart agrees with you. Avoid asking negative questions.

Nonverbal Behavior

Expect a gentle handshake Men usually wait for a woman to offer her hand first Singaporeans sometimes smile to cover anxiety or embarrassment When seated, be careful not to cross your legs

Entertainment

Robertson Quay

Entertainment: Clarke

Accommodations

Food

Summary

Forming a relationship with each group member is essential in conducting business in Singapore. The Personal relationships you build is often considered more important than the company you represent

References
Country Briefings-Singapore. Economist.com 27 April 2007. 2 May 2007. < http://www.economist.com/countries/Singapore/profile.cfm?folder=Profilefactsheet>
Culture of Singapore. The Encyclopedia: Wikipedia. 14:41, 14 April 2007. Doing Business with Singapore. Worldbiz.com. 2007. 3 May 2007 <http://secure.authorize.net/gateway/transact.dll>. Singapore. Department of Statistics. Singapore Population.. 2007. 7 May 2007. <http://www.singstat.gov.sg/index.html> Thorsen, Steffen. Time and date.com. 2007. 7 May 2007 <http://www.timeanddate.com/timeconverter>