Singapore
Singapore was a British trading colony founded in 1819. It became part of the Malaysian federation in the year 1963 and in 1965, it become independent and left the federation. Consequently, Singapore became one of the “world’s most prosperous countries with strong international trading links” (CIA, Singapore, 2010).
Language
The official languages spoken in Singapore are English, Tamil, Malay, and Mandarin. The national language is Malay in Roman script (the Republic of Singapore Independence Act, n.d.). English is the major language in Singapore. There are dialects of English in use such as Standard English and a Creole called Singlish. Singlish is a colloquial form of English that borrows words from English, Tamil, Malay, Bengali, and other languages spoken in the country. The government discourages the use of Singlish so that people can master standard English. English is mostly used in written form and is also the language of instruction in schools. Other languages such as mandarin, Tamil, and Malay are mainly spoken are spoken
Social institutions
The average family size in Singapore has reduced according to the population statistics. The majority of families have two children but the trend for one child is on the rise. Other families remain childless (Population Trends, 2010, p. 17). Likewise, there are 2.06 children born per woman in the United States (CIA, Unites States, 2010). The birth rate declined in 2009 and live births reduced by 0.6% to stand at 39,570. Birth rates among the residents- where one or both parents are Singapore citizens similarly reduced to 36, 925 down from 37,277 in 2008 (Population Trends, 2010, p. 14).
The number of singles in Singapore increased and in 2009 people, aged 25-29 76% were single males compared to 53% females. There were more singles in their thirties with females at 24% and males 36% compared to 2000 when the ratios were 31% and 19% respectively. On the other hand, the number of marriages registered went up in 2009 to 26,081 from 24, 596 in 2008. Seventy-four percent of those marriages were the first time for both parties (Population Trends, 2010, p.9). The peak age for men marrying changed from the age of 25-29 in 2000 to 30-34 in 2009 but the women’s peak age remained constant at 25-29 (Population Trends, 2010, p. 10).
On the other hand, the divorce and annulments cases increased to 7,386 in 2009 from 7,216 in 2008. The average duration for the marriages before a divorce was 10.1 years in the year 2009 up from 9.8 years in 2008. Thirty-two percent of the divorces occurred after a duration of between 5 to 9 years in 2009 (Population Trends, 2010, p.13).
The literacy level was at 96.3% in 2009 in Singapore and in the United States 99%. Education in Singapore begins at the kindergarten for three years until the age of six when children join primary education, which is compulsory for all six years. After primary school, students join secondary schools. Those who wish to join the university go for pre-university education in junior college and later join the university and those not willing to join go to polytechnics. Similarly, education in the United States is compulsory for the first sixteen years in some states.
Singapore has a number of religions due to its diverse population. The common religions are Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Taoism, no religion, and others. Buddhism is the dominant religion in Singapore.
Singapore has a parliamentary system of government. The prime minister comes from the party with majority seats in parliament and exercises political authority. The parliament is unicameral and has 84 seats and elections take place after every five years. Currently, the People’s Action Party (PAP) is the leading party and in the last elections, it garnered 82 seats out of the 84 available (Background Note: Singapore, 2010). The ideology of the party is socialistic. The political climate has been stable in Singapore for a long time. The ruling party has been in power since the country gained independence and from the look of things, a change in the political arena is not likely to be witnessed in the near future because the country even though a democracy it seems like a one-party country. However, PAP has maintained a stable economic environment and this has seen Singapore grow and become an economic powerhouse in this region thus many would ask why to change what is not broken.
The government controls most of the companies in Singapore but it has managed to uphold a corruption-free environment thus attracting many investors into the country.
Singapore’s legal system is “based on the English law” (CIA, Singapore, 2010). The legal system is reliable and this has made Singapore an attractive destination for investors. The courts are transparent efficient and run with integrity thus making the country a financial hub in the region. The commercial laws are enforceable and protected. In addition, cases are tackled within a short time and ruling because civil proceedings can be delivered in about seven or eight months from their commencements. Appeals filed are finalized within a year.
The laws concerning protection in Singapore require that trademarks, patents, copyrights, registered designs, and confidential information are to be registered. The body involved with the registration is the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) (Intellectual Property Office of Singapore, 2007). This requirement came into place after Singapore signed the Free Trade Agreement with the United States. This has led to the introduction of stiffer penalties for businesses or people who infringe laws appertaining to intellectual properties. Singapore seeks to ensure that its trade partners adhere to these laws by requiring that reproduced goods are genuine and have permission from patent or copyright owners.
Singapore deals with problems such as piracy, bribery, and other illegal/unethical practices by ensuring that the legal system has laws in place to protect against these unethical practices. Those caught are taken through the legal system and given stiff penalties to discourage a repeat of such behaviors because Singapore wants to maintain a business-friendly environment for its citizens and investors. Requiring the registration of intellectual properties with IPOS makes it easier for Singapore to deal with the problems are there is the legal backing for plaintiffs to rely on in winning lawsuits against offenders. The country has also signed agreements with other countries in regard to intellectual properties thus dealing with the issues beyond its borders.
Business customs and practices in Singapore are very important. The business environment is formal and protocol should be observed at all times. Most of the communication is non-verbal thus; one should watch facial expressions and body language carefully. However, in the United States, direct communication is used and a person says exactly what they mean and nobody is offended for example one says no in case they do not agree. Personal relationships are important and being in the right network is paramount. Respect and courtesy are required in groups and a calm style is preferred to an aggressive one. An appointment should be made in advance and time kept during meetings. One should not argue this a senior during a meeting and always remember that consensus is the key during discussions but in the United States, one can ask his or her superiors questions during a meeting. Meeting in Singapore can take as long as it is necessary until a consensus is reached but in the United States, time is very important and meetings usually end at the set time. Business cards are exchanged at the initial meetings and ensure the card is in a good condition, this is very important in Singapore but not so in the United States (Kett, 1998). Observing the business etiquette will ensure that one does business effectively while in Singapore.
References
Background Note: Singapore. (2010).
CIA, Singapore. (2010). Web.
CIA, Unites States. (2010). Web.
Intellectual Property Office of Singapore. (2007). Web.
Kett, A. (1998). Passport Singapore: your pocket guide to Singaporean business, customs & etiquette. California : World Trade Press.
Population Trends. (2010). Web.
Republic of Singapore Independence Act. (n.d.). Web.