Singapore has a formal business culture with many rules of etiquette, which vary between the Chinese, Malay and Indian members of the population. As the Chinese form the majority of the population, the business culture in Singapore is influenced by the Chinese culture.

Personal relationships and networking are important elements of doing business in Singapore. Foreigners who wish to succeed should take time to establish and maintain these. Spending time at seminars, events, business lunches and even after-office hours dinners and office functions are common ways to network.

Status and hierarchy are very important; you should always show respect to an older or more senior person. The interests of the group are considered more important than those of the individual, and business decisions are normally reached in a consensual manner.

Appointments should be made at least two weeks in advance, avoiding the Chinese New Year period when many businesses are closed. In Singapore, there are 11 national holidays observed – the dates for certain holidays, such as Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji shift from year to year. Click here to keep track of the 2009 public holidays observed in Singapore. Normal business hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Many businesses and companies in Singapore now work a 5-day week, with the exception of service-industries.

Normal business attire consists of dark trousers, long-sleeved shirts and ties for men and smart blouses, skirts or trousers for women.

Punctuality is important, and you should wait for guidance on where to sit and when to sit, as this is determined by status. A light handshake is the common form of greeting. If you are a male, some women may not wish to shake hands with you. They will indicate so by crossing their hands across their chest – in such instances, a slight nod of the head will suffice.

Business cards are exchanged at the first meeting; when presented with a card, take it with both hands, and stand up to receive the card, especially if you are younger / more junior in rank.

When addressing a Chinese person, you should use their professional or personal title (Mr or Mrs/Miss), followed by their surname, which comes first in their written name. In some cases, some Chinese names and surnames look and spell alike (e.g. a name like Chen Wang). In some cases, it may be difficult to tell from the name if the person is a male or female (if no personal or professional title is given). When unsure, it may be better to politely (or discreetly) clarify.

It is acceptable for an ethnic Malay person to introduce himself or herself to western visitors by their first name, preceded by their personal or professional title, as do Indians. Many Malays and Indians use a short-form of their full name to minimize mispronunciation – but wait for their cue first. Malay and Indian names have no family names in the way the western surnames are passed on; children take on their father's names as their surnames.

Small talk is common at the outset of meetings; you may be asked questions about your family or other personal details such as your matrimonial status – this is usually not considered rude, and part of the getting-to-know you phase. Politely sidestep these if you do not wish to answer.

Presentations should be thorough and well structured, with lots of data and charts to support your arguments.

Communications are reserved, polite and often indirect, with care being taken not cause another person to "lose face", by disagreeing with or criticizing them. Take note of facial expressions and body language as well as verbal communication. You should refrain from too much direct eye contact with senior or older person, as a sign of respect.

Negotiations are often slow, and the Singaporeans are likely to bargain hard. Never lose your temper or show impatience as this will cause you to lose face and damage the business relationship. Many Singaporeans will ask for the outcome of business dealings to be formalized in a contract or agreement.

Small gifts are appropriate in Singapore business culture on special occasions such as concluding a business deal. These should generally be presented to a group rather than an individual, but if you give a gift to an individual, this should be done in private. Singapore government officials are not allowed to receive gifts.