Vacation Packages Doing business in Singapore can be unsettling especially if this is the first time you're dealing with an Asian culture. Business friendships are based on honor, integrity and good character - take pains to establish and maintain contacts as Singaporeans highly regard warm and personal relationships. When making introductions for the first time, and in formal meetings, always use the person's title and family or personal name. The Chinese place their family names first, followed by the personal names.
Women often keep their own family name.
The Malays do not use a family name. The rule of thumb is never use personal names or nicknames unless invited to do so, or until a friendship has been established after a long time. Don't be offended if a Singaporean doesn't look you in the eye in a meeting. The eyes are cast politely down or away as a sign of respect, especially if you are more senior or have a higher status. Handshakes in Singapore are usually soft and light to the touch, unlike the bone-crushing one common to people from the West.