In every country, there is a different culture and with it comes different rules to be observed in the giving of gifts to avoid awkwardness. Here are some of the general rules tailored for the Singapore culture, should you need to send a gift to Singaporean friend.
Read on and you will find them uniquely Singapore.
General Rules
Singapore prides itself on being the most corruption-free state in Asia. Consequently, it has strict laws against bribery. Government employees may not accept gifts of any kind, especially money.
A large gift should be presented to the entire group. When giving small gifts, they should be given to everyone present.
You can offer a present as a welcome gift or a thank you gift but it should not be an overly expensive item.
Some suitable gifts: chocolates, a souvenir from your country, a corporate gift with your company logo, brand name gifts [which don't have to be too expensive].
To be polite, people will usually refuse a gift before accepting it. They believe that this will prevent them from appearing greedy. You can continue to insist that they accept the gift and, upon acceptance, say that you are pleased that he or she has done so.
Unwrapping a gift in front of the giver is not a part of Singaporean culture. This action implies that the recipient is greedy and impatient. Moreover, if the gift turns out to be a poor choice, it will result in awkwardness. Instead, the recipient will briefly say 'thank-you', set aside the gift, and then open it only after your departure.
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.
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.
Author Resource:-
Resource taken from by Seow, Denyce
Article retrieve from
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