Culture Smart! Singapore will introduce you to the rich and varied customs of this densely populated island-state. It describes its private, social, and business life, and tells you what to expect and how to behave in unfamiliar situations. In doing so it offers you a fuller, more rounded experience of this fascinating, conservative, "can-do" society. Singapore is a land of immigrants. Although the Chinese are by far the largest ethnic group, it is more of a salad bowl than a melting pot, and has never had a dominant culture or a single language. It is, however, possible to recognize a common identity that has emerged since independence in 1965. With no natural resources, the newly independent state invested in education and trade, and today this clean, sleek, air-conditioned nation is a global financial center that makes much of the West seem third-rate. Singaporeans are hardworking, goal-focused individuals who are both enterprising and modern. They love noise, color, and shopping, and are proud of being high-maintenance and competitive. Yet behind this consumerist faÇade is a deep respect for family and hierarchy, political passivity, and a fear of losing face. They often use two Hokkien words to describe themselves: kiasu and kiasi, that is, a fear of missing out and a tendency to be risk-averse. Culture Smart! Singapore describes how locals interact with each other and with outsiders, and tells you what to expect and how to behave in unfamiliar situations. For foreigners the culture shock can be subtle. Despite its Western veneer this is definitely an Asian city, and it is easy to make mistakes. Any open expression of anger is frowned upon, and while questions about politics will be met with silence, expect to be asked everything, including your salary.

Singapore is a land of immigrants. Although the Chinese are by far the largest ethnic group, it is more of a salad bowl than a melting pot--although a common identity has emerged since independence in 1965. With no natural resources, the newly independent state invested in education and trade, and today this sleek, air-conditioned nation is a global financial center that makes much of the West seem third-rate. Singaporeans are hardworking, goal-oriented individuals--modern individuals who love color, shopping, and are proud of being high-maintenance and competitive. Yet behind this consumerist façade is a deep respect for family and hierarchy, political passivity, and a fear of losing face. Culture Smart! Singapore describes how locals interact with each other and with outsiders, and it tells travelers what to expect and how to behave.

The third series of Culture Smart! guides are digests of essential cultural information, aimed at both tourists and business people. Culture Smart! guides are concise, pocket-sized paperbacks that are filled with information, offering invaluable insights into every aspect of a country's life.

Provides information on attitudes and values ; historical and political background ; religion, customs, and traditions ; the Singaporeans at home ; leisure, social, and cultural life ; do's, don'ts, and taboos ; body language ; hospitality, food and drink ; giving and receiving gifts ; business briefing ; and language and communication.

CultureShock! Singapore takes you inside the tiny island nation and pulls back the veneer on a country that is both Asian and Western at the same time. Insights into the people and their culture and traditions. Advise on adapting into the local environment. Essential information on the coutnry's history, traditions, beliefs, etiquette, cusine and leisure activities. Suggestions on how to get the most out of the travel experience. Linguistic help and hints on how to learn the language and do business. A useful list of foreign words and phrases and a conprehensive resource guide. A glossary books for further reading and a list of interesting websites for additonal reference. Lively and humorous illustrations that capture the essence of the text. A section of full colour images that give a flavour of the destination CultureShock! Singaporetakes you inside the tiny island nation at the tip of the Malaysian archipelago and pulls back the veneer on a country that is both Asian and Western at the same time. Discover how this multi-racial society manages to work like clockwork despite its disparate backgrounds, and find out how to deal with the people's kiasu attitude. Through this book-filled with practical information and tips for everyday living-you will learn more about the different local and ethnic customs and beliefs, and be introduced to its diverse and mouth-watering cuisine. CultureShock! Singaporeis the definitive read for anyone who wants to settle easily into Singaporean society and it will have you understanding Singlish in no time. About the Series- CultureShock! is a comprehensive, dynamic and indispensable guide for travellers looking to truly understand the countries they are visiting, as well as expatriates settling into a new assignment in a foreign land. Each title explains the customs, traditions, social and business etiquette in a lively and informative style. CultureShock! Authors, all of whom have experienced the joys and pitfalls of cultural adaptation, provide warm and informative advice to those who seek to integrate seamlessly into diverse cultures. The books have a friendly and honest writing style and are full of personal experiences, practical advise and useful information About the Author - Mari�n Bravo-Bhasinhas been preparing all her life to write a book on cultural exchange. Originally from Chile, her family moved to the United States when she was a young girl. After college, she joined the Peace Corps and taught in West Africa for two years. The 'culture shock' training and cross-cultural experience she received left her knowing that an international path was the direction she wanted to take. She enrolled at Thunderbird University and received a Masters degree in International Management. While at Thunderbird, Mari�n met her future husband Sanjay, who is originally from India. After seven years in New York City, where she worked in public relations, advertising and international marketing, the family relocated to Singapore through Sanjay's work. Life overseas has presented many new and creative opportunities that Mari�n is fully enjoying. As a freelance writer, Mari�n has put pen to paper for a number of magazines in Singapore and the region. She has also authored two books on table decoration.

Explore the contemporary culture and traditional customs of Singapore and Malaysia in a volume that belongs on shelves in every high school and public library. Culture and Customs of Singapore and Malaysia examines all aspects of contemporary life in these two geographically close and historically and culturally connected nations, starting with the people fighting to maintain a balance between the new and the traditional. The book shows how religion has evolved through time in the two nations and examines how literature and traditional crafts thrive today. It highlights the performing arts and entertainment, noting how Western culture has influenced and shaped new customs. Housing and architecture, both modern and traditional, are discussed, along with cuisine and fashion. Students can use the book to analyze gender roles and family life. They can also read about the ways in which festivals are celebrated and can compare and contrast leisure activities of Singapore and Malaysia with their own. The volume concludes with a look to the future of these two evolving countries, both moving toward modernity, but still holding on to the traditions of the past.