Gift Giving Etiquette

Since there are cultural differences in how the three main ethnic groups treat gifts, they are listed separately.

Gift giving to ethnic Chinese:

· . A gift may be refused three times before it is accepted. This demonstrates that the recipient is not greedy.
. Do not give scissors, knives or other cutting utensils as they indicate that you want to sever the relationship.
. Do not give clocks, handkerchiefs or straw sandals as they are associated with funerals and death.
. Do not wrap gifts in white, blue or black paper as these are mourning colours.
. Wrap gifts in red, pink, or yellow since these are happy colours
. Elaborate gift wrapping is imperative.
. Never wrap a gift for a baby or decorate the gift in any way with a stork as birds are the harbinger of death.
. Do not give odd numbers as they are unlucky.
. Do not bring food if invited to a formal dinner party as it insinuates you do not think the host will provide sufficient hospitality.
. Bring a small gift of fruit, sweets, or cakes, saying that it is for the children.
. Gifts are not opened when received.
. Flowers do not make good gifts as they are given to the sick and are used at funerals.

Gift giving to ethnic Malays:

. Never give alcohol.
. Do not give toy dogs to children.
. Do not give anything made of pigskin as Malays are Muslim.
. Give the gift when you are departing, rather than when you arrive.
. Avoid white wrapping paper as it symbolizes death and mourning.
. Wrap gifts in red or green paper.
. If you give food, make sure it is halal.
. Offer gifts with the right hand only or both hands if the item is large.
. Gifts are not opened when received.

Gift giving to ethnic Indians:

. If you give flowers, avoid frangipani as they are used in funeral wreaths.
. Money should be given in odd numbers, so give S$11 rather than S$10.
. Offer gifts with the right hand only or both hands if the item is large.
. Do not wrap gifts in white or black.
. Wrap gifts in red, yellow or green paper or other bright colours as these bring good fortune.
. Do not give leather products to a Hindu.
. Do not give alcohol unless you are certain the recipient imbibes.
. Gifts are not opened when received.

· Business Etiquette and Protocol

· . Business in Singapore is more formal than in many western countries.
. There are strict rules of protocol that must be observed.
. The group (company or department) is viewed as more important than the individual.
. People observe a strict chain of command, which comes with expectations on both sides.
. 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 people you work with.

Date: 2016-03-03; view: 938