18 Jan Top 5 Tips for Proper Singapore Etiquette
Singapore has an extremely varied cultural and ethnic background. If you’re looking for an internship destination where you can truly immerse yourself in different traditions and perspectives, this country should be at the top of your list.
However, while this diversity can be exciting, it also comes with varying social norms and customs. You don’t need to memorize every rule, of course, but having a basic understanding of key etiquette practices can help you a lot during your internship abroad.
Here are four important things to keep in mind:
How to say hello
First things first: greetings. Chinese Singaporeans often greet each other with a handshake—sometimes accompanied by a slight nod of the head as a sign of respect.
Meanwhile, Malay Singaporeans traditionally use a soft handshake followed by bringing their hand to their heart. This symbolizes sincerity. When greeting elders, a gentle bow is also customary.
Indian Singaporeans, on the other hand, may greet with a handshake or, among more traditional groups, a “namaste.” The latter involves bringing the palms together in front of the chest with a slight bow.
When in doubt, a polite handshake is almost always acceptable, especially in professional settings. Then again, you can always observe the other person’s cues and just follow their lead!
Body language trumps verbal communication
The 3 main ethnic groups in Singapore are Chinese, Mayal, and Indian, while the most widely spoken languages include English, Mandarin, and Tamil. With such a variety of languages, it’s no wonder non-verbal communication carries so much weight.
The head, for example, is considered sacred, so touching another’s head or gesturing toward your own can offend. Similarly, in the office, never show the soles of your feet and always keep them firmly planted while seated. Actually, consider this as best practice even outside your internship.
Respect your elders
Elders are held in the highest esteem in Singapore. Always greet the eldest person present first. While there are different ways to greet a person, a simple handshake and a slight bow are widely accepted, especially in the business world.
Different practices around food
Prepare yourself for the biggest food adventure of your life. Diverse groups mean diverse cuisines, and your Singapore internship is bound to also become an exciting gastronomical journey. Your dining experience will likely depend on the cultural background of your host, though.
For example, Malays are largely Muslim, so the meat will be strictly halal. Pork and alcohol are forbidden, too. Meanwhile, Indians practicing Hinduism or Sikhism avoid beef and alcohol, and eat typically vegetarian meals.
As for Chinese, alcohol is not prohibited but should only be consumed if your host is drinking as well. Start practicing your chopstick skills now, too, as improper use is considered poor etiquette!
Get to the point
While there are multiple groups in Singapore, what most of them have in common is that they are very straightforward. Singaporeans may be considerate in their decision-making process, but they can also be quick to make up their minds. No need to sugarcoat your reports or beat around the bush in casual conversation; just get to the point.
Singapore isn’t just a great internship destination because of its thriving economy—it’s ranked among the world’s top 10 financial hubs! Beyond its dynamic business environment, Singapore also offers rich cultural experiences that make it an ideal place for both professional and personal growth. Just imagine the opportunities you could gain from, say, a finance internship in Singapore!
Apply for an internship in Singapore with us today.
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