Singapore has a variety of ethnicities that stay strong to their culture. The three main ethnicities being Chinese, Malay, and Indian, provide an ethnic mix of culture, religion, customs, etiquette, and language. The Singaporean way is almost nonexistent since the country is so diverse, but that doesn’t mean customs shouldn’t be followed. A good understanding of the following customs will help you blend in and stay respectful, avoiding any unwanted situations.
Greeting
Handshaking is the most common form to greet one another, but may differ between ethnicities and sexes. Formal Indians would not shake hands with a member of the opposite sex, nor would Malaysian Muslim men. If in doubt, it is best to bow or if you are a male, you should wait to see if the woman extends her hand first. Also, due to the diversity, understanding names can be complex. The Chinese may have up to three names, and many Malays and Indians do not have surnames. If you are unsure how they should be called, there is no problem with asking politely.
Communication and Body Language
There are four national languages in Singapore; Mandarin, Malay, Tamil, and English. English is the most used when conducting business or politics. Verbal language is quite subtle and indirect causing Singaporeans to rely heavily on body language. Non-verbal messages are sometimes more trusted than verbal messages. It is a good idea to watch your actions and tones. For example, resting your hands on your hips, pointing your feet at someone, or answering a question before taking a pause to think, are each considered to be offensive actions. The Western world communication is not understood. Silence is an important part of communication as it signifies a degree of consideration.
Religion
The variety of ethnicities bring on a variety of religious beliefs. Buddhist (Chinese), Muslim (Malays), Christian, Hindu (Indians), Sikh, Taoist, and Confucianist are the religions practiced by the majority of the population with Buddhism taking the lead. An interesting fact is that these religions merge in Singapore. For example, one temple can host more than one religion and many holy festivals are celebrated by all, despite religious beliefs. Religion is still an integral part of Singapore’s society and many admirable works of architecture are places of worship.
Hierarchy
Singaporean views on hierarchy stem from Confucianism, which focuses on respect of age and status to one’s elders. The elderly are to receive the utmost respect and courtesy. A law was even passed stating that children must assume financial responsibility for their parents, if needed.
