Business trip to Singapore
Singapore is one of the most highly developed and sophisticated industrial, commercial, financial and consumer economies in the world. Despite the current economic turmoil, Singapore offers a stable, yet dynamic, market for exporters and is a key regional trade center.
Singapore is ranked as the easiest country in which to do business. Foreign companies feel comfortable in Singapore. English is the language of business and government. The rule of law and Intellectual Property Rights are respected. Major suppliers for Singapore are Malaysia, US, China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and Germany.
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Because of Singapore’s heavy dependence on international trade, its economy is highly subject to the ebbs and flows of greater regional and world market forces. The Singapore economy is expected to decrease by 6% to 9% in 2009 as a result of the global economical crisis. Preliminary estimates show that the Singapore economy grew just over 1% in 2008, a sharp drop from the almost 8% real GDP growth it achieved in 2007. Economists expect the Singapore economy to decrease for the first three quarters of 2009 and expect the downfall will be most severe in the first quarter. Manufacturing is estimated to have contracted by 4% in 2008 as key sectors such as electronics and pharmaceuticals were hit by the rapid drop in demand from major markets.
As Singapore braces itself for its worst recession since independence in 1965, the Government of Singapore (GOS) announced a significant S$20.5 billion budget package to save jobs and cut business costs, as well as provide tax credits and rebates for lower-income households. The GOS, will also increase spending on development and major infrastructure projects. Corporate tax will be cut by one percentage point to 17%. Reflecting the seriousness of the economic situation, the GOS made history by drawing on its official reserves for the first time. The S$4.9 billion draw on the reserves will fund two special programs: a job credit program to subsidize part of the wage bill of employers and another to encourage banks to lend more freely to viable businesses. If conditions worsen, the GOS is expected to implement off-budget measures as in previous recessions to boost the economy.
Small in size and population, Singapore is an established regional hub for transportation, logistics, aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhead (MRO), petroleum refining, offshore oil rig production, pharmaceuticals, medical care, electronics, and chip manufacturing. Finance, education and biotechnology are newer concentrations.
For more in-depth information I suggest you buy and read the "Global Business Etiquettes" book.
- Communication:
Use formal names, professional and academic titles.
Singaporeans retain strong hierarchical relationships. The elderly are always treated with the utmost respect and courtesy.
Singaporeans are not direct, they prefer subtlety to directness. The word "no" is hardly ever used.
Non-verbal messages are highly valued in communication.
Never interrupt somebody.
Dress formal and conservative.
Singaporeans mostly have a Chinese, Malyan or Indian cultural background. Try to find out the cultural background of your host in advance.
- Meetings and negotiations:
When making appointments use the 24-hour clock time format to avoid misunderstandings.
Be very punctual, if you suspect you will late, call and explain the situation.
Never cancel a meeting at the last minute.
Employees in multi-national companies may have adopted the western concept of shaking hands with everyone, however be carefull with shaking hands with a woman, choose to bow your head to be safe unless a hand is offered by the woman.
Remain standing until invited to sit down or others do so.
Some time is spent to getting to know you before the business conversation begins.
Agenda’s are strictly followed.
Keep your presentation as short as possible, to the point, accurate and precise, do not exaggerate.
Follow up a meeting with a letter or an e-mail with all agreements outlined. - Table manners:
If unsure on how to behave, mimic the behavior of others.
Wait until you are appointed a seat.
Avoid alcohol if possible, otherwise drink little. Malyans are muslim.
Put a napkin on your lap, eat not too much but finish your plate.
Keep your hands above the table when eating.
After finishing your plate lay your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles to the right.
Thank your host at the end of the meal.
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Changi Airport is the main international airport in Singapore. The airport is recognised as one of the best airports in the world. With over 80 airlines serving 200 cities in 60 countries, Changi Airport has established itself as a major aviation hub in the Asia Pacific region. With the recent opening of Terminal 3, Changi Airport now has an annual handling capacity of 70 million passengers a year.
Address
Changi Airport Group (Singapore) Pte. Ltd
Singapore Changi Airport
PO Box 168
Singapore 918146
Tel: (65) 6595 6868
www.changiairport.com
Airport codes
IATA airport code: SIN
ICAO airport code: WSSS
Lost property
Baggage handling and delivery is the responsibility of the airlines from the point of check-in to the point of collection. In the unlikely event that your baggage is damaged or lost, please proceed to the Lost & Found counter at the baggage reclaim area for assistance. You can also contact the handling agent representing the airline you had traveled with.
Terminal 1:
Changi International Airport Services (CIAS) (65) 6511 0459
Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS) (65) 6541 8554/ 8555
Terminal 2:
Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS)For Singapore Airlines 1800-2244-243
For Other Airlines (65) 6541 8872/ 8875
Terminal 3:
Changi International Airport Services (CIAS) (65) 6247 5714
Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS)For Singapore Airlines 1800-2244-243
For Other Airlines (65) 6541 8872/ 8875
Terminal information
All the 3 terminals at Singapore Changi Airport are inter-linked by Skytrains. The Skytrains operate both at the transit and public areas.
The Skytrain operating hours are from 0500 to 0230 hrs daily. The service is free and it takes approximately 1-4 minutes to travel between terminals. The average waiting time for the skytrain is between 1 to 3 minutes. In the event when the Skytrain is not in operation in the transit area, you are advised to use the travellators that links the respective terminals inside the Departure / Transit area.
In the public area, you may take the free shuttle bus that links Terminals 1, 2 and 3.The approximate waiting time is 15 minutes.
Connectivity from the airport
Train (MRT)
The Changi Airport MRT Station is located under Terminals 2 and 3, and is linked to the arrivals and departures by escalators and lifts. The first train arrives at around 05.30hr and the last leaves at 23.18hr.
A single fare to the city costs about S$2.70 (inclusive of S$1.00 refundable deposit) and takes approximately 27 minutes. Tickets are available at the station. For more information, please visit Singapore Mass Rapid Transit.
Taxi
Taxis will stop at taxi pick-up points at the Arrival levels. The journey to city is estimated to cost between S$18.00 and S$38.00 and takes approximately 30 minutes.
You can hail a taxi along a road, at a taxi stand, or make a phone booking with one of the many taxi companies in Singapore.
Taxi cab fares must be charged by the taxi meter and are based on a flag down rate and the distance travelled. The flag down rate ranges from S$2.80 to S$5.00 (depending on the type of taxi). A location surcharge may also apply. Please check with the driver or taxi company on the surcharge and ask for a receipt at the end of the trip.
During peak periods (e.g. 7am to 9.30am and 5pm to 11pm on weekdays), rainy days or festive seasons, demand for taxis rises. Try booking a taxi by phone. Do note that a booking fee is applicable.
Limousine taxi service charges a flat rate and can be booked from the respective taxi companies and approved limousine counters at Airport Terminals, Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, Singapore Expo and certain hotels. Please check with the taxi companies or limousine counters on the rates when you book a limousine taxi service.
Graze Restaurant
Opened in April 2006, Graze offers a new concept in contemporary dining - where people can ‘hang out’ for an extended time, experiencing exceptional cuisine in a friendly and relaxed environment.
4 Rochester Park
Singapore 139215
Phone (65) 6775 9000
Fax (65) 6775 9001
Email info@graze.sg
www.graze.sg
Kha
Specialising in modern interpretations of classic Thai cuisine, the restaurant prides itself in bringing delicious and sophisticated Thai creations to the table. If you are on a business trip to Singapore, this is a great restaurant for entertaining your hosts.
HortPark
33 Hyderabad Road
Singapore 119578
Phone 65 6476 9000
Fax 65 6475 9001
Email info@kha.sg
www.kha.sg
Song of India
The Song of India takes a proud stand from a beautifully restored black and white heritage bungalow. The bungalow has more than a smattering of old colonial charm about it, a charm which is nurtured by the barely-tamed tropical vegetation which surrounds it. Coupled with the inviting teak pillars and pervasive elegance of the main and private dining rooms, it is clear from the first impression that every sense is in for a special treat.
33 Scotts Road
Singapore
228226
Tel : +65 6836 0055
www.thesongofindia.com
Tips to save money on hotel costs during your business trip to Singapore.
To get the best price for a good hotel room during your business trip to Singapore it's not only important to compare the prices the hotel charges for a room, but also compare the prices of the different booking agencies.
This can save you, or your company, a lot of money!
- Go to this hotel listing for Singapore.
- Select the "Check-in" and "Check-out" date.
- Select filters like: "Hotel brand", "Ratings", "Location" and "Price ranges".
- Select the hotel you like.
- You will get an overview of the prices from up to 24 booking sites
- Select the best offer in the list and book the room!
We have selected the following established business hotels for your convenience:
Berjaya Hotel Singapore
The Berjaya Hotel Singapore puts guests in the heart of the city’s business district, with immediate access to the entertainment district, as well as great options for shopping and dining. Nearby the Berjaya Hotel Singapore, guests will find the city’s international airport for easy travel options. In addition, the city’s bus and tram system can be reached on foot, just minutes from the hotel.
83 Duxton Road
Singapore
More information about Berjaya Hotel Singapore
Changi Village Hotel Singapore
The hotel is located close the airport, which is convenient for travelers. Those who are staying at the Changi Village Hotel Singapore will be able to find plenty of public transportation that can take them to the airport and to other areas. The hotel is located near the Changi Ferry Terminal.
1 Netheravon Road
Singapore
More information about Changi Village Hotel Singapore
Royal Hotel Singapore
The location of the Royal Hotel Singapore is ideal with taxis and buses available outside the front door. The MRT Station is just three minutes from the property and car parking is available. The 331 guestrooms of the Royal Hotel Singapore are charming, each designed to help people feel at home. In addition to rooms being furnished with contemporary furniture, they also offer modern amenities such as wireless Internet, satellite television, and 24-hour in room movies.
36 Newton Road
Singapore
More information about Royal Hotel Singapore
Next to eating, shopping is seen as the best national time spender on the island. From hi-tech wares to designer wear, there is something to buy for everyone. Strolling around local markets and stores in the ethnic enclaves to the glittery portals of Orchard Road, the experiences are wide, varied and much intriguing.
For most people, Orchard Road is the place to be during their business trip. Packed with modern malls and hotels, this stretch is transformed into a dazzling display of lights and festive decorations at Christmas time when all buildings join in the annual festive light-up. Fabulous knick knacks and other memorable finds are also found in Chinatown, Arab Street, Little India and the suburban areas like Holland Village, Katong and Tampines. Unlike most Western countries, shopping hours usually start at late morning and ends at 21:30 or 22:00 at night and these hours can extend to as late as midnight during festive season.
The mid-year Great Singapore Sale is a much looked-forwarded time when prices come down greatly in all precincts. Even during non-sale times, visitors will do well to bargain, particularly, in electronic stores found at Lucky Plaza, Sim Lim Square or Far East Plaza. A general rule of thumb for haggling is to begin about 25% -30% below that being offered. Do make it a point to compare prices at various shops. For convenience, most stores accept credit and charge cards.
Singapore’s Chinatown
Singapore’s Chinatown is great to explore. This is where the Chinese immigrants first settled when they came over from China. Look out for the old warehouses if you can get close to the Singapore river. Coolies worked alongside the river during the 1900s. But the old charm of the original Chinatown is long gone. If you are looking for the slaughtering of bull frogs and chickens out in the open, there is none now. However if you still need to fulfill your sadistic cravings, you can still watch hawkers kill fresh fishes in the Telok Ayer wet market nearby. Also visit Pagoda street where all religions meet with a Hindu Temple beside a Mosque just metres away from a Chinese Temple.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
When you are in the mood for some outdoor time spending, go to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve for mountain biking or walk around and smell the green. Bring a bottle of water and shades and be careful of monkeys. Enjoy the fresh air and maybe for once in your life think about the environment. Bukit Timah means hill full of tin. Which explains if you are able to own a house along Bukit Timah road, you have to be quite wealthy.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
When want some relaxation in a quite surrounding, a great place to go are the Botalic Garders. The most beautiful parts of the gardens are:- National Orchid GardenThe main attraction within the botanic gardens. Located on the mid-western side of the garden, the hilly three hectare site has a collection of more than 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids of orchids. - The RainforestThe Singapore Botanic Gardens has a small tropical rainforest, of around six hectares in size, which is older than the gardens itself. The Botanic Gardens’ rainforest and its bigger cousin at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve are located well within the Singapore’s city limits. Singapore is one of the only two major cities with a tropical rainforest within its city limits - The other is Rio de Janeiro’s Tijuca Forest.
Make sure your health care insurance is sufficiently covered.
Maybe this is already covered in your regular health care insurance but often you will need to cover this with the travel insurance. Also a good travel insurance should cover the costs of travel for a relative in case of seriously illness or an accident.
The business trip travel insurance should also cover the costs of search, rescue and repatriation.
When you go on business trips on a regular basis, the easiest way to get insured is with an annual multi-trip insurance.
Keep in mind that you can also use this insurance for your pleasure trips so don`t forget to include to insure your leisure activities.
| Emergency service | Phone number |
| Police | 999 |
| Medical | 995 |
| Fire | 995 |
Foreign travellers in Singapore with roaming hand phone facilities can dial either the 112 or 911 emergency numbers to reach an Emergency Call Centre in Singapore.
In case of a medical emergency you can contact the Singapore National University Hospital at the Emergency Department Service Hotline: (65) 6772 5000.
Emergency Medicine Department
5 Lower Kent Ridge Road
Main building 1, level 1
Singapore 119074
Since its independence in 1965, Singapore has attempted to promote a national identity in its land of immigrants. As part of this effort, Singapore has appointed four national languages: Malay, Tamil, Mandarin and English.
For business and in politics, English is the generally used language.
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