Cultural Analysis of Singapore Part I I. Singapores Relevant History: a.

After years of Japanese invasion, Singapore became an independent country in 1959, and became a democratic nation in 1965. Soon afterwords it joined the UN. b. Since 1979, after a an oil crisis, Singapore has been reconstructing their economy. Today they see much improvement. c. In 2010, the Singapore economy rebounded with an exceptional performance, expanding by 14.5% to become the second fastest growing economy in the world. d. Analysts expect the Singapore currency to strengthen as the Singapore Government uses monetary policy to fight inflation. e. "The Global Enabling Trade Report 2010" by the World Economic Forum ranked Singapore first for having the most open economy for international trade and investment. Geographical Setting a. Location: i. An island and islets in the heart of Southeast Asia, between Malaysia and Indonesia b. Climate: i. Tropical. Its hot and sunny all year, with two monsoon seasons (December to March and June to September) bringing heavy rains c. Topography: i. Mostly low-lying, green, undulating country with a small range of hills at the center. ii. The highest point of the island is Bukit Timah (166 m/545 ft). iii. There are sections of rainforest in the center and large mangrove swamps along the coast, which has many inlets, particularly in the north and west. iv. Singapore's harbor is wide, deep, and well protected. Social Institutions: a. Family i. The concepts of group, harmony, and mutual security are more important than that of the individual. ii. The family is the center of the social structure and emphasizes unity, loyalty and respect for the elderly. iii. The term, 'family' generally includes extended family and close friends who are treated as family members. iv. Respect for the elderly and seeing the family as the place one goes to for support, both help retain core values in this island nation. b. Political System i. Type: Parliamentary republic.

II.

III.

ii. Independence: August 9, 1965. iii. Branches: Executive--president (chief of state, 6-year term); prime minister (head of government). Legislative--unicameral Parliament. Judicial--High Court, Court of Appeal, subordinate courts. Political parties: People's Action Party (PAP), Workers' Party (WP), Singapore People's Party (SPP), Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA), National Solidarity Party (NSP), Reform Party (RP). c. Social Organizations i. Singaporeans retain strong hierarchical relationships that can be observed in the relationship between parents and children, teachers and students, and employers and employees. ii. Ethnic groups (June 2011): 1. Chinese 74.1%, 2. Malays 13.4%, 3. Indians 9.2%, 4. Others 3.3%. iii. Religions: 1. Buddhist, 2. Taoist, 3. Muslim, 4. Christian, 5. Hindu. d. Business Customs and Practices i. Personal relationships are the cornerstone of all business relationships. ii. Business is a matter of being tied into the proper network, which is the result of long- standing personal relationships or the proper introductions. iii. This is a group-oriented culture, so links are often based on ethnicity, education or working for the same company. iv. Once you are recognized as part of the group, you will be accepted and expected to obey the unwritten rules of the group. v. Relationships take time to develop. vi. Patient indicates that the organization is here for the long-term and is not looking only for short- term gains. vii. Rank is always respected. The eldest person in the group is revered. viii. Most Singaporeans are soft-spoken and believe a calm demeanor is superior to a more aggressive style.

Links: http://export.gov/singapore/doingbusinessinsingapore/index.asp http://www.ustr.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/reports/2010/NTE/2010_NTE_Si ngapore_final.pdf Singapore at a Glance (fast relevant facts about Singapore) http://app.www.sg/WHO/1/Singapore-at-a-Glance.aspx Topography Information (also includes other relevant facts) http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Asia-and-Oceania/Singapore.html#b Singapore information from the US Government http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2798.htm Business Customs http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/singapore.html