Acceptable Public Behavior

Speak subtly, avoid shouting at all costs.
Maintain eye contact with the other party, however, too much eye contact will be deemed rude.
Public contact with non-Muslims is acceptable, however, for religious reasons avoid contact with people of the Muslim faith.
Physical contact with two people of the same sex is not as prevalent.
Spatial distances vary among cultures and genders. Usually standing at one arms length is acceptable.
Feet are believed to be unclean, therefore, never move, kick, or touch anything with your feet.
Do not point at someone with your forefinger, rather use an open palm or your thumb with your hand closed.
Pounding a clenched fist into an open hand is seen as obscene.
Turning the head side to side like a western “no” signal may actually be perceived as acceptance among Indians.
When beckoning someone, have your palm down and do a scooping motion. Never beckon someone with your palm up and wagging your fingers.
Standing with your hands on your hips is perceived as an angry and aggressive posture.
Do not spit or throw waste on the floor.
Smoking is prohibited in many areas, especially air-conditioned venues.
Switch your cell phone to silent mode at any public gathering, such as meetings, dinners, or seminars.
To give tips in a restaurant tell the waiter to keep the change when settling the bill. Do not give tips openly or leave money on the table it on the table when leaving.
Singaporeans line up for everything, even for food at a food stand and in taxi lines. People will be offended if you jump into the front of the line or do not line up at all.
Singapore is strict in enforcing its laws, even towards foreigners. Watch for signs posting warnings about certain actions.

Business Attire

Men

Standard office wear should include dark trousers, long sleeved shirts and a tie. Jackets are perceived to be optional.
On extremely hot days a light-colored long-sleeved shirt without a tie and trousers are usually preferred.

Women

Standard office wear includes a blouse with pants or skirt. Hosiery and business suits are only required in more formal offices.
Very few companies allow women to wear short sleeve blouses. If allowed, please shave your armpits, as unshaved armpits are deemed to be lacking in etiquette.
Though Singapore is considered a liberal country, do not wear clothes that are to revealing.
Light makeup is preferred because of the hot and humid weather.

General

Because of often hot temperatures, Business dress in Singapore is usually casual.

As a foreigner, dress up until you are certain of the dress requirements.
For some companies which operate during the weekends, jeans, polo tees and track shoes are acceptable, but shorts, round-neck tees and slippers are a no-no.
Keeping a dry and clean appearance is important because you will tend to sweat a lot in the weather. Be sure to wear anti-perspirant.

Conversations and Networking

If this is your first meeting with the party, follow the conversation leads of that party.
After self-introduction, business cards should be exchanged with every business associate present. Be sure that your cards are in English as it is considered a first language and business is usually communicated in English.
When receiving a business card, accept it with both hands then examine it before you place it in your pocket.
Refrain from personal questions such as income or age, but work related questions are acceptable.
If you are asked a personal question that you do not wish to answer, graciously deny the request but do not make the other person feel uncomfortable.
Pay compliments on appearance and accomplishments.
Food is a topic always responded well to by Singaporeans.
You may also talk about your recent travels and your plans for the future.
The advancing economy in Singapore is something that Singaporeans are proud of and will like to talk about.
Avoid race religion and political topics.
Do not criticize any part of Singapore.
Avoid gossip about a specific person even if it is initiated by the other person.

Meetings, Presentations, and Negotiation Tactics

Speak quietly and in gentle tones. Always remain calm.
Do not lose control of emotions. Displaying emotions will allow you to be judged as unworthy of respect and trust.
Do not debate, correct, or disagree with an older person or superior in public. You will not only lose the respect of the elder or superior you will also lose respect of others that witnessed. This rule is still in effect if you are with your own boss in the company of Singaporeans.
Many times laughter is used to cover nervousness, shyness, and disapproval.
Rarely do Singaporeans answer a question with a “no”. Instead they will answer with a hesitant yes ore an ignoring of the question.
Sucking in air through the teeth is a definitive no to any question.
Politeness is important to any business relationship in Singapore.
Singapore has its own brand of English known as Singlish. Singlish differs from English because it takes on its own accent.

Dinner Etiquette

Do not serve alcohol or pork when Muslims will be in attendance.
Eating with your hands is considered acceptable especially among the Indians and Malays.
Be prepared for a diverse culture of food as Singapore is a food paradise and you can get all sorts of food.
Juices, soft drinks, alcohol, and water are all acceptable beverages in Singapore. All drinks are served cool or with ice.
The host at a Chinese restaurant is to hold up his/her glass and say please or ch’ing.
When served soup, drink from the spoon that is provided. Do not drink strait from the bowl.
Do not serve other people food unless you are sure of their customs and rituals.
When serving oneself, you should make a point of taking only the portion of food nearest to you. Do not stir the food as if you are searching for something.
If a served dish is not to your liking, site health reasons as to the reasons to your unfinishing the meal.
Even if you do not like the food pay compliments to the host.

Other

There are many races in Singapore thus naming patterns can be confusing. It is best to ask what you should call him or her before you address a Singaporean.
As a westerner, you might find it hard to remember and pronounce Indian and Malay names. Try to ask them to spell their names out so you can learn to pronounce them better.
If addressing a junior or lesser in rank than yourself, address them by their first name. This will make him or her more comfortable. If addressing a senior make sure to use a title.
You might hear someone calling an older woman 'auntie' or an older man 'uncle.' This is an informal form of addressing someone who is middle-aged or older.

Sources

A summary of this information can be found at Executive Planet.
For more information go to:
http://www.executiveplanet.com/