For your assignees on-route to Singapore, the following digestible tips on liaising or communicating with Singaporeans could make all the difference between success and failure on the business floor.

To the first-time International assignee to Singapore – or Asia for that matter – the mere thought of experiencing a wholly different culture is daunting enough. In addition to putting in his best work performance so as to make his expatriation experience worthwhile.

All is not lost if the assignee has made thorough preparations before his transfer. For instance, the following digestible tips that he could take note of when liaising or communicating with Singaporeans.

Although Singaporeans generally speak English with varying proficiency standards; the Assignee is advised to exercise due care given the cultural differences.

Small-talk

Small-talk is one of the most common traits observed by business communities across Southeast Asia. It also takes place between parties who meet for the first time. Making small-talk may be seen as a pointless time-wasting exercise for some Western executives.

However, to Asians, engaging in small-talk is a form of establishing long-term collaborative relationship. Besides, it is also a way of establishing rapport and trust. Topics ranging from asking after the Assignee’s family to if he has gone on holiday/vacation. However, unlike their Asian counterparts elsewhere, Singaporeans are not as intrusive as they go for safer topics like the weather. Neither do they discuss any topic at length; it is usually about than 10 to 15 minutes thereabouts. Singaporeans are pressed for time that is why.

Business Cards

Business cards in Asia serve as an extension of the person’s business reputation. Hence, the ritual-like exchange whereby the cards are presented and received with both hands simultaneously – it takes some practice to do so. The trick is by holding the top corners/part of one’s card with name facing the receiver. And then receiving the counterpart’s with the left hand when both cards 'meet'.

The Assignee could show interest towards his counterpart by studying the card for a moment and then asking questions relating to their business or work. If this takes place during a formal meeting, the card is placed on the table to the Assignee’s right for referencing purposes.

Last but not least, the Assignee ought to take note of the following:

• Never put the card inside his shirt pocket immediately; or trouser/pants back pocket as this gesture is deemed disrespectful towards his counterpart. That is, he is literally sitting on them – the horror.
  
• Never write on his counterpart’s business card as this implies he is defacing the card.

27 November 2007

Ange Teo, a Singaporean of multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-lingual background, is the founder and managing director of e2m Expat  Etiquette Mentoring , a Singapore-based cross cultural communications solutions provider.

You can visit http://e2mentoring.tripod.com to find out more about e2m Programmes and workshops for the international assignee.