BRIEFING PACKAGE – SINGAPORE – THE ESSENTIALS
COUNTRY OVERVIEW
Singapore’s transparent and efficient legal framework, well-organized civil service, and business-friendly government
policies make it an attractive market for Canadian businesses
• Potential opportunities: Singapore is not only a leading financial hub and trading center, but
also the second largest FDI destination for Canadian companies in Southeast Asia
• Potential challenges: High costs of operation and tight labor supply
• Private economists expect moderate economic (GDP) growth at ~1.5% in 2017
Currency: Singapore dollar (SGD) - as of March 3, 2017: CAD$1 = SGD$1.05
Government structure: Singapore runs as a parliamentary republic under a Westminster
system. In other words, the country has both a President (who plays a ceremonial role
with veto powers) and a Prime Minister (who holds executive power)
Language: There are four official languages – English, Malay (national language),
Mandarin, and Tamil. Most Singaporeans have learned English in school, and English
President Tony Tan (top left)
is the main language of business.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
Weather: Temperatures average 32˚C in Singapore during
(top right)
the day (and cool off at night) & monthly average precipitation is 165-174mm. Due to its
geographic location and maritime exposure, it is almost always warm and wet with very high humidity.
CURRENT NEWS
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Singapore’s Changi airport broke a record 58.7 million passengers in 2016, which represents a 5.9% growth from 2015
– the airport is currently the world’s sixth busiest airport for international traffic.
Singapore is considering using drones and unmanned vehicles to inspect its underground railway tunnels in an effort to
improve the accuracy of inspections, but will also free up engineers' time.
TIPS FOR DOING BUSINESS
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Business in Singapore follows strict protocols and etiquette - it is conducted more formally than many western countries
Business dress in Singapore is formal, (with ties rarely worn) – but wear lightweight suits, as it is warm all year round.
Business shirts (long sleeves) are acceptable for most business meetings
Business is a matter of being tied into the proper network, which is the result of long- standing personal relationships or
the proper introductions – personal relationships are at the center of all business relationships
Appointments are necessary and should be made at least 2 weeks in advance – arrive on time for all meetings
Greetings will follow a strict protocol often based on both the ethnic origin and age of the person - the elderly or the
person with the most status is introduced first. In first meetings, don’t forget to use the appropriate honorifics
Business cards are exchanged with both hands, typeface facing the recipient, after the initial introductions – upon
receipt, examine cards carefully before placing in a case. Be sure to treat yours and others’ business cards respectfully
Always wait to be told where to sit, as a hierarchy must be followed. Small talk will ensue before getting to business
Singaporeans will negotiate on price and deadlines, and decisions are consensus-driven. To speed things along, be
prepared with a mental list of concessions you would be willing to make that would not injure your own business
If negotiating a deal, always send a list of people who will be attending the negotiations and their title well in advance
Be aware that Singaporeans often won’t overtly say 'no'; likewise, their 'yes' does not always signify agreement
Never disagree or criticize someone who is senior to you in rank as it will cause loss of face & damage the relationship
You must be patient as this indicates that your organization is here for the long-term (not just seeking short- term gains)
For more information, visit the Singapore page on the Centre for Intercultural Learning HERE or at bit.ly/2kLFPJ2
LOCAL CANADIAN GOVERNMENT AFFILIATES
both the Trade Commissioner Service and the Canadian Embassy are located at
One George Street, #11-01
Singapore, 049145
Phone: +011 65 6854 5900
TCS email: [email protected];
Embassy email: [email protected]
DIALING INTO SINGAPORE:
011 + 65 (Singapore code) + local
number
DIALING OUT TO CANADA:
00 + 1 + Area Code + local number
BRIEFING PACKAGE – SINGAPORE – DOING BUSINESS
CULTURAL AWARENESS
LOCAL BUSINESS GUIDANCE
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Things to do or talk about:
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Singapore is a multi-ethnic society where Chinese,
Malay and Indian traditions coexist
Singaporeans have a group-oriented culture, so
personal connections are often based on ethnicity,
education or working for the same employer
In order to keep others from “losing face”, much
communication will be non-verbal and you must
closely watch the facial expressions and body
language of the people you work with
Singaporeans claim they are an egalitarian society,
yet they retain strong hierarchical relationships that
can be observed in many relationships, such as the
one that exists between employers and employees
Singaporeans give a respectful pause of up to 15
seconds before answering a question – do not start
speaking too quickly or you will miss the answer
Tapping/fidgeting your foot indicates lack of interest
Among the most popular sports are association
football, cricket, rugby, swimming, basketball, and
water activities.
Illegal behaviors in Singapore that you may not be
aware of: chewing gum, spitting, feeding pigeons,
connecting to someone else’s WIFI, failure to flush a
public toilet will all result in hefty fines
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The family is the centre of the social structure – it is
always a good conversation starter
The local cuisine and drink is always a great topic
Singaporeans love to eat, and seafood is a favorite–
but be sure to verify preferences in advance
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Things to avoid:
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Talking about local or regional politics is generally
avoided during business meetings
Questioning authority is a taboo in Singaporean
culture – after making a presentation, be sure to
encourage questions and smile when a question is
eventually asked
Be aware of your business partner’s dietary
restrictions (e.g. Islam-practicing Malays won’t
consume pork or alcoholic beverages, an Indian
won’t eat beef, etc.)
Jay walking, littering, consuming food and drinks in
the sub-way systems are all behaviors to be
avoided
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ECONOMICS AND TRADE IN SINGAPORE
EDC IN SINGAPORE
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2015 Canadian exports to Singapore: 1 506.84
Million CAD
2015 Canadian foreign direct investment in
Singapore: 3,692 Million CAD
Over 26% of Canadian goods exported to Singapore
were mechanical appliances, 19% were precious
stones or metals, and 17% were air- and spacecraft
GDP/capita: $52,888.7USD, versus $56,115 USD in
the US and $43,248USD in Canada
Ease of doing business ranking (left chart below):
Singapore ranks 2nd of 190 countries for ease of
opening/running a business
Global competitiveness 2016 ranking (right chart
below): Singapore ranks 2nd of 138 markets on level
of productivity & prosperity
2
3
2
7
15
22
United States
Canada
Singapore
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EDC supports Canadian exporters exploring
opportunities in Singapore through its new office in
Singapore, via regional reps who have networks of
local contacts & business information – one such rep
may be found below
EDC is actively pursuing business opportunities in
the Singaporean market subject to regular approval
criteria
Canadian companies assisted: 233
International buyers insured: 292
Business volume covered: $619.48M CAD
Your Chief Representative:
• Chia Wan Liew
• Email: [email protected]
BRIEFING PACKAGE – SINGAPORE – OTHER INFORMATION
TRAVEL TIPS
• The fastest, most comfortable and most
convenient way to travel from Changi airport to
anywhere in Singapore is by taxi.
• It is not customary to tip for taxis or meals in
restaurants.
• Singapore’s MRT (mass rapid transit) system is
the fastest way to zip around the city.
• You should be prepared for rain at any time of the
year - rain is often torrential but usually brief
• The standard electrical current used in Singapore
is 220-240 volts. Most Canadian appliances can't
be used without a transformer or converter.
• Tap water is safe to drink in Singapore
• Visitors can register for a free public Wi-Fi account
with their foreign mobile numbers at any
Wireless@SG hotspot. Overseas charges apply.
• If you’re going to be in Singapore for a while, a
stored value EZ-link card for public transportation
is a wise investment. You can use it to pay for
purchases at 7-eleven, certain restaurants and
coffee shops, and SMRT taxi fares.
IF YOU HAVE SOME FREE TIME
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The Singapore Botanic Gardens showcases
spectacular, tropical flora set in a stunning verdant
landscape.
Visit the Chinatown Heritage Centre, where entire
bedrooms, kitchens and street scenes from the late19th century and early-20th century have been
recreated.
Singapore has the widest range of electronics in two
massive multistory emporia at Funan Digitalife Mall and
Sim Lim Square.
Take a turn on the 165 meter tall Singapore Flyer,
similar to the London Eye. (see image below)
The Night Safari is the world's first nocturnal zoo and is
one of the most popular tourist attractions in Singapore.
Sentosa is a popular island resort in Singapore.
Attractions include a 2 km long sheltered beach, two
golf courses,14 hotels, and the Resorts World Sentosa,
featuring the theme park Universal Studios Singapore.
Singapore Flyer
Electrical
Outlet
LOCAL LANGUAGE WORDS AND PHRASES
TRAVEL ADVISORIES
The official languages in Singapore are English,
Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. Malay is the national
language but Mandarin is spoken by 80%.
Nationwide risk level:
• There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Singapore.
Exercise normal security precautions.
• The Public Health Agency of Canada has issued a Travel
Health Notice for the Global Update: Zika virus infection
recommending that Canadians practice special health
precautions while travelling in affected countries.
Pregnant women and those considering becoming
pregnant should avoid travel to Singapore
English
Malay
Mandarin
Yes
No
Good morning
How are you?
Fine
Thank you
Please
My name is…
Where’s the
bathroom?
I’m lost
Good bye
Ya
Teedak
Selamat pagi
Apa khabar?
Khabar Baik
Terima kasih
Sila
Nama Saya…
Di manakah
bilik mandi?
Saya Tersesat
Selamat Jalan
Shi
Bu shi
Zǎo'ān
Ni hao ma?
Hen hao
Xiè xiè
Ging
Wǒ xìng…
Nǎlǐ yǒu
xǐshǒujiān?
Wǒ mílù le
Zaìjiàn
Regions to be avoided:
• None. Singapore is extremely safe. It is safe to take the
public buses and subway even at midnight. Most places
in the city are brightly lit.
For more information, visit the Government of Canada Travel
Advisory page HERE.
Mandarin does not have words for "yes" and "no“, instead,
questions are typically answered by repeating the verb.
*Disclaimer
The information contained within this booklet is intended to convey high level business and travel information for the Singaporean market, but should be used only
as a starter guide. For more detailed information, please contact the consulate or trade commissioner service. Please send over any feedback that you may have
to [email protected]. This package was updated on 03/04/2017.