Culture
Singapore is a mixture of an indigenous Malay population with a third generation Chinese majority, as well as Indian and Arab immigrants with some intermarriages. There also exist significant Eurasian and Peranakan (known also as 'Straits Chinese') communities. Singapore has also achieved a significant degree of cultural diffusion.
Enjoying Singaporean cuisine. Hawker centres and kopi tiams are evenly distributed.Singaporean cuisine is an example of diversity and cultural diffusion in Singapore, with a fusion of Chinese, Indian, Malay and Tamil influences. In Singapore's hawker centres traditionally Malay hawker stalls selling halal food may serve halal versions of traditionally Tamil food. Chinese food stalls may introduce indigenous Malay ingredients or cooking techniques. This continues to make the cuisine of Singapore a significant cultural attraction. Local foods are diverse, ranging from Hainanese chicken rice to satay. Singaporeans also enjoy a wide variety of seafood including crabs, clams, squid, and oysters. One such dish is stingray barbecued and served on banana leaf and with sambal or chili.
Esplanade, Theatres on the BaySince the 1990s, the government has been striving to promote Singapore as a centre for arts and culture, and to transform the country into a cosmopolitan 'gateway between the East and West.' The highlight of these efforts was the construction of Esplanade, a centre for performing arts that opened on October 12, 2002.
An annual arts festival is also organised by the National Arts Council that incorporates theatre arts, dance, music and visual arts, among other possibilities. A first Singapore Biennale took place in 2006 to showcase contemporary art from around the world. The next one will be in 2008 which will feature Southeast Asian works.
The media of Singapore play an important role in Singapore, one of the key strategic media centres in the Asia-Pacific region. This is in line with the government's aggressive push to establish Singapore as a media hub in the world under the Media 21 plan launched in 2002 [61]. Comprising of the publishing, print, broadcasting, film, music, digital and IT media sectors, the media industry collectively employed about 38,000 people and contributed 1.56% to Singapore's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2001 with an annual turnover of S$10 billion. The industry grew at an average rate of 7.7% annually from 1990 to 2000, and the government seeks to increase its GDP contribution to 3% by 2012.
State-owned MediaCorp operates all seven free-to-air terrestrial local television channels licensed to broadcast in Singapore, as well as 14 radio channels. Radio and television stations are all government-owned entities. All seven television channels are owned by MediaCorp. The radio stations are mainly operated by MediaCorp with the exception of four stations, which are operated by SAFRA Radio and SPH UnionWorks respectively. Private ownership of satellite dish receivers capable of viewing uncensored televised content from abroad is illegal.
There are a total of 16 newspapers in active circulation. Daily newspapers are published in English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. The print media is dominated by Singapore Press Holdings (SPH), publisher of the flagship English-language daily, The Straits Times. SPH publishes all other daily newspapers with the exception of Today, which is owned by MediaCorp.
Singaporeans participate in a wide variety of sports and recreational activities. Favorite sports include football, swimming, badminton, basketball, rugby union, volleyball and table tennis. Most people live in public residential areas that often provide amenities such as swimming pools, outdoor basketball courts and indoor sport complexes. As one might expect on an island, water sports are very popular, including sailing, kayaking and water skiing. Scuba diving is another popular recreation, particularly around the southern island of Pulau Hantu, which is known for its rich coral reefs.
Closing ceremony for the National StadiumThe 55,000 National Stadium, Singapore, located in Kallang was opened in July 1973 and was used for many sporting, cultural, entertainment and national events until its official closure on 30 June 2007 to make way for the Singapore Sports Hub on the same site. This sports complex is expected to be ready by 2011 and will comprise a new 55,000-capacity National Stadium with a retractable roof, a 6,000-capacity indoor aquatic centre, a 400-meter warm-up athletic track and a 3,000-seater multi-purpose arena. 36,000 square metres of space have also been reserved for commercial development.
Golf is one of the sports that is gaining popularity among Singaporeans. There are currently 15 golf clubs in Singapore. Some golfers preferred travelling to regional golf courses especially in Johor, Malaysia due to relatively cheaper club membership.
Singaporean sports persons, have performed relatively well in regional as well as international competitions in sports such as table tennis, badminton, bowling, sailing, silat, swimming and water polo. Sports persons and athletes such as Fandi Ahmad, Ang Peng Siong, Li Jiawei and Ronald Susilo have become household names in the country.
Beginning in 2008, Singapore will be hosting a round of the Formula One World Championship. The race will be staged at the Singapore Street Circuit in the Marina Bay area and may become the first race to be held at night.
In 2007, Singapore announced its bid to host the Youth Olympic Games in 2010. This event is expected to inspire youth in Singapore to take up sports.
Business Customs
Business discussions are usually conducted in a very straightforward manner. English is widely spoken and most businesspeople are skilled and technically knowledgeable. Most agents/distributors have visited the United States and often handle several American product lines. Corruption is virtually non-existent. Many Singapore business people are of ethnic Chinese background, and many of them will have “Western” first names (e.g., Nancy Goh). Those who do not will have only their Chinese name on their business card, in which case the family name is listed first. Mr. Chan Yiu Kei would be addressed as “Mr. Chan” and Ms. Wong Ai Lan as “Ms. Wong.” For the sake of politeness and respect, it is wise to address a businessperson by the last name rather than the first name until invited to use a given name. Business cards are a must as they are immediately exchanged during business and social meetings. The East Asian practice of presenting a business card with both hands is observed. There is no need to have special business cards printed in Chinese. Located a few degrees from the Equator, Singapore has a constant tropical climate yearround.
Daytime temperatures average between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity is very high and rain showers are frequent. Temperatures at night average between 76 and 80 degrees. All public buildings, indoor restaurants and taxis are airconditioned. Summer-weight suits/dresses, several dress-shirts, an umbrella and swimsuit are recommended for the traveler. Singapore business dress is a long-sleeved shirt and tie for men, although one will not be out of place occasionally wearing a jacket. Businesswomen wear conservative, light-weight attire. Evening dinner-dress is a shirt and tie for men and a dress for women.
Tipping is not customary in Singapore. Restaurants automatically add a 10% service charge, a 5% goods and services tax (GST) and 1% government tax to the bill. The GST will increase to 7% from July 1, 2007 while the 1% government tax will be eliminated.
Singapore's unit of currency is the Singapore dollar. Travelers' checks and currency may be exchanged in the baggage claim area at Changi Airport (at a reasonable rate) or at any hotel (at a less favorable rate). Singapore features dozens of Governmentauthorized "money changers" located in major shopping centers, who offer competitive rates and will usually accept U.S. travelers' checks as well as major currencies. International credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and retail shops. ATMs that accept U.S. cards are widely available.
Travel Advisory
While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and do not afford the same protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating the law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Visitors should be aware of Singapore's strict laws and penalties for a variety of offences that might be considered minor in the United States, including jaywalking, littering and spitting. Singapore prohibits the import of chewing gum (import of chewing gum with therapeutic value is allowed under the USSFTA effective January 1, 2004), firecrackers, handcuffs, shell casings, silencers and other items such as cigarette lighters in the shape of pistols and revolvers. A full list of prohibited products and controlled goods can be obtained from the Singapore Customs website, http://www.tradenet.gov.sg, under “Imports & Exports, List of Controlled Goods - Imports.”
Singapore imposes a mandatory caning sentence on males for vandalism offences. Caning may also be imposed for immigration violations and other offences. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect stiff jail sentences and fines. Singapore has a mandatory death penalty for many narcotics offences. Commercial disputes that may be handled as civil suits in the U.S. can escalate to criminal cases in Singapore and result in heavy fines and prison sentences. There are no jury trials in Singapore. Judges hear cases and decide sentencing. The Government of Singapore does not provide legal assistance except in capital crime cases.
Visa Requirements
U.S. citizens do not need a visa if their visit is for business or pleasure and their stay is for 90 days or less. Travelers to the region should note that Singapore and some neighboring countries, particularly Indonesia, do not allow Americans to enter with fewer than six months of validity remaining on their passport under any circumstances. Female U.S. citizens who are pregnant when they apply to enter Singapore for a social visit are no longer required to make prior application through the nearest Singapore overseas mission or to provide documentation from a U.S. Embassy concerning the nationality of their child, when born.
Specific information about entry requirements for Singapore is available from the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore at 3501 International Place, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel. (202) 537-3100. Also, please see the Embassy of Singapore's web site, http://www.mfa.gov.sg/washington/. U.S. companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States should encourage employees and business contacts to apply early for visas if they need one. Visa applicants should visit the following links.
Telecommunications
Telecommunications and Internet facilities in Singapore are state-of-the-art, providing high-quality communications with the rest of the world. Public telephones accepting cash cards or cash are located throughout the country. For mobile phone users, third generation (3G) networks and services were rolled out in early 2005. Consumers can currently receive wireless data through their mobile phones at speeds of up to 1.8 megabits per second (Mbps). 'Cyber cafes' are popular and Internet connections are available in most hotels. Internet users can go online for free at 900 Wi-Fi hot spots islandwide since December 1, 2006. The wireless broadband service, partly funded by the Government and dubbed Wireless@SG, will enable people to go online at public places such as shopping malls, town centers and the business district. The 900 free hot spots or wireless zones are the first of 5,000 that will dot the island by September 2007.
Besides a nationwide broadband network infrastructure, Singapore has more than 27 Tbps of submarine cable capacity and international and regional telecoms connectivity to more than 100 countries. In addition, Singapore has more than 20 Gbps of extensive
and direct Internet connectivity to over 20 countries such as the United States, as well as key Asian economies such as Hong Kong, Japan, India, Korea, Taiwan and China.
Transportation
Situated at the crossroads of international shipping and air routes, Singapore is a center for transportation and communication in Southeast Asia. Singapore Changi International Airport is a regional aviation hub served by over 80 airlines linked to 181 cities in 57 countries worldwide. The airport now has a dedicated low-cost terminal for budget airlines and is constructing a third terminal. The Port of Singapore was the world's busiest container port in 2005. The country is linked by road and rail to Malaysia and Thailand. Taxis are abundant, metered, inexpensive and air-conditioned, and most drivers speak English. Drivers should be given place names for the destination as these are often more familiar than street names. Traffic flow is quite good. The Government limits the total number of cars on the road through heavy fees/taxes and imposes a surcharge on vehicles entering the Central Business District at peak hours. In addition, an exceptionally clean, efficient subway system links the major business/shopping areas.
Language
English is widely spoken in Singapore. It the administrative language in the country, and it is also the medium of instruction in schools.
Health
Good medical care is widely available in Singapore. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate payment for health services by credit card or cash and generally do not accept U.S. health insurance. Recipients of health care should be aware that Ministry of Health auditors in certain circumstances may be granted access to patient medical records without the consent of the patient, and in certain circumstances, physicians may be required to provide information relating to the diagnosis or treatment without the patient's consent.
The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 877-FYI-TRIP (877-394-8747) or via http://www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en. The World Health Organization also provides additional health information at http://www.who.int/ith. The Singapore Ministry of Health's web site, http://www.moh.gov.sg/, contains helpful health information.
Business Hours & Holidays
Singapore is twelve hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Savings or thirteen hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. Normal business hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday- Friday. Government of Singapore agencies and many private sector companies are closed for business on Saturday. Shops are normally open everyday from 10:00 am – 9:00 p.m. The American Embassy closes on American and local holidays.
Business travelers to Singapore seeking appointments with U.S. Embassy Singapore officials are encouraged to schedule an appointment with Commercial Officers prior to departure from the U.S. The Commercial section may be reached by telephone at 65/6476-9037, fax at 65/6476-9080, or email at, Singapore.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov.
Temporary Entry of Materials & Personal Belongings
There is no restriction on the temporary entry of laptop computers, software and exhibition materials into the country.
