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.

Train

Singapore’s MRT (mass rapid transit) is a great way to get around the city, for business or leisure, as it connects to the major city attractions. You can purchase single tickets or a Singapore Tourist Pass card pre-stored with the number of days you’d like to travel. You can simply touch on and off with your pass, an affordable way to get around the city.

Bus

You can use your Singapore Tourist Pass on the bus as well or purchase one-off tickets (but you will need the exact change). It’s a great way to see more of the city if you have the time and the buses run regularly. It can be a little confusing as there isn’t one system which houses all of the bus timetables online, but you can purchase a bus guide from the newsagents for a few dollars. Given the complexity, it might be best to leave bus journeys for when you have leisure time.

Cars are an expensive status symbol in Singapore, with the government issuing a limited number of Certificates of Entitlement to allow people to own cars. A 0% growth formula was implemented in 2018 to ensure there wasn’t an increase in vehicles on the road.

Les Amis

French-Asian fusion anyone? The stunning Les Amis in Orchard, Singapore has a feel of old-school elegance when you walk through the doors. It takes a new approach to traditional French cuisine with a touch of Asian aesthetics. The wine cellar stocks over 2,000 labels and is one of the largest in Asia.

Looking for a quick bite to eat? Don’t forget to hit the pavement and enjoy some of Singapore’s best local food with street vendors everywhere (particularly Chinatown).

In such an innovative city with high levels of expat business visitors, it is no wonder Singapore has many co-working spaces. Chic offices are standard, you won’t find any drab looking spaces to work in – you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve walked into a Google office. Here are three co-working spaces we love, and you can check out more of them at SG Magazine.

Camelia & Co

If you have an eye for soft pastels, pine wood, and marble, then level 1 of this co-working space could be for you. Camelia & Co boasts three levels with a different vibe for each. Whether you need an office suite, dedicated desks, hot desks, private offices, or private booths – Camelia & Co has something to suit. The space offers wifi, pantry, a laptop friendly workspace, and flexible booking options. Visit Camelia & Co’s website to find out more.  

The Co.

If you have your eyes on the future, then this futuristic workspace might be perfect for you. The Co. is one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing entrepreneurial communities. It has two locations in Singapore, High Street and Duxton. High Street boasts the more futuristic vibe, while Duxton gets back to nature with leafy greens that suits the charming neighbourhood. Visit The Co.’s website for more.  

WeWork

WeWork has 11 locations across Singapore, so you’re bound to find something that fits your location and budgetary needs. You have options to select from private offices, dedicated desks, or hot desks. All locations have onsite staff, fully-stocked printing stations, fast internet, private phone booths and more.

Visit WeWork’s website to find the co-working space for your business.