International Gift Giving Etiquette - 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.

Giving Gifts to the Chinese

• Avoid bringing gifts of food with you to a Chinese dinner or gathering unless it has been agreed upon beforehand. To bring food may imply that the hospitality is inadequate--a terrible insult to a Singaporean host.
   
• At Chinese New Year, it is customary to present a gift of money in a red envelope to children and to the non-governmental service personnel you deal with on a regular basis. The gift is called a 'hong bao.' Ensure that you give only new bills in even numbers and even amounts.
   
• Instead of 'hong bao', it is also common to give mandarin oranges or hampers. For mandarin oranges, they have to come in even numbers, usually 2 or 4. You will give the oranges upon arrival at the host's house and when you are about to leave, the host will give you the same number of oranges in return.
   
• The number '8' is a lucky number which means 'get rich' and the number '4' is an unlucky number which means 'die.' Therefore, when choosing a gift that has to do with numbers, try to go for '8' and avoid '4.'
   
• Do not give clocks as presents because 'giving clocks' in Chinese is 'song zhong', which means 'arrange for the burial of deceased parents or an elder.' Other items that are associated with funerals are: straw sandals, white candles and joss sticks.

Giving Gifts to a Malay