Summary

	Singapore's contradictions make it a one-of-a-kind city.
	It embraces Western-style capitalism and Eastern traditions.
	Know the rules of the land and stick to them.

Small Island, Big City

Once a sleepy tropical island at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore -- the "Lion Island" -- has become a major center of commerce and industry. A city-state smaller than New Jersey and an independent sovereign nation, it pulsates with the energy of modern Western consumerism while preserving a uniquely Asian work ethic and group orientation.

Understanding Singapore

Despite recent economic upheavals in Southeast Asia, Singapore will probably emerge the least scathed. Even with a decidedly undemocratic political structure, Singapore provides more opportunity to a larger middle-class population than any other country in the region. Singapore will continue to rise as a commercial center as companies formerly based in Hong Kong -- unsure of the mainland Chinese environment -- move their regional centers to Singapore.

If you hope to stay afloat in Singapore, you must navigate the choppy cultural waters of the South China Seas.

Business Meetings

In most cases, Westerners will encounter Singaporean Chinese as their business counterparts, who get to the point rather quickly. Nevertheless, a long-term relationship is expected, so build a personal relationship as well. Chinese customs have great influence on Singaporean business style, so consider the following:

• Wait to be introduced to people, before introducing yourself.
• Business cards should be exchanged upon meeting, and should be treated respectfully but without the formality of the more Japanese business-card exchange.
• The most important person on a Singaporean team sits in the middle of the negotiating table. Do not seat yourself. You are typically placed opposite your perceived peer.
• Avoid discussing politics and assume Singaporeans are not interested in your opinion about life in Singapore. Opening conversations should be short. Status and rank impress Singaporeans, so giving the appearance of wealth and position may be important. Although the climate is tropical, casual dress is not acceptable.
• One hallmark of Singaporean behavior is an almost manic desire to insure all details are taken care of; relative to Americans, Singaporeans appear to go overboard to make sure things are always in place.
• Because of the British influence, English is the language of business. There is a street language, Singlish, which is English laced with Chinese.

Business Entertaining

While most business executives in Singapore are of Chinese descent, some are Indian or Malay. With Malay associates, who are probably Muslim, avoid conducting business on Fridays or during Ramadan. Never serve alcohol or pork. Also, Indians do not eat beef, and most are vegetarians. The party who does the inviting at a business social event always pays. You are expected to reciprocate next time around.

Women and men are more segregated than in American society, although in Singapore, less traditionally bound men and women do find more freedom than in their home countries. Consequently, women do hold positions of authority in business. Spouses do not usually accompany their husbands to business entertainment events.

Gifts and Gift Giving

Gift giving is a common way of expressing thanks and obligation. Most valued are gifts are difficult to obtain in Singapore and reflect US culture, like a United States picture book or a sports-team jacket.

If you have gifts for all team members, the head of the Singaporean team should get a higher quality present. Other members should be given identical, token gifts, such as a pen with your company logo. Gifts are typically well-wrapped, presented and received with two hands, and opened after the presenter has gone.

Gifts symbolizing cutting, like cutlery, are not appropriate; they symbolize the cutting of the relationship. The number four is considered unlucky, and clocks are not appropriate gifts for the Chinese, as the Mandarin word for clock is similar to the word for death.

For your Malay associates, a silver compass is an appropriate gift. As Muslims, Malays pray five times a day facing Mecca. For your Indian counterpart, avoid leather, as the cow is sacred. If you are invited to a person's home, sweets and flowers are welcome gifts.

Follow the Rules

In their effort to create a thriving, secure modern state, Singaporeans have rules for almost everything; but be aware, and you shouldn't run too far aground.