ACADEMIC YEAR 2016-17

A
Country Project Report
On
Singapore

Submitted To:
Dr. Nishith Bhatt
Submitted By:
Gohil Nayan N
Roll No: 13
 TABLE OF CONTENT
Part- I
Chapter Detail PAGE NO
No.

PREFACE i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY iii

1 General Information
1.1 Introduction
1.2 history
1.3 Climate
1.4 Topography

2 Cultural and Social Analysis

2.1 Culture
2.2 Language
2.3 Religions
2.4 Customs Rules
2.5 Traditions
2.6 Socialization
2.7 Table Manners
2.8 Dress Code
2.9 Food
2.10 Drinks
2.11 Myths
2.12 Attitude
2.13 context of culture
2.14 Core value
2.15 Colours
2.16 Beauty
2.17 Music
2.18 Education
2.19 Business culture

3 Economic Analysis
3.1 Population
3.2 Income
3.3 Industry
3.4 International trade spastics
3.5 Taxation System
3.6 Import tariffs
3.7 Licenses
4 Political & Legal analysis
4.1 Introduction of political system
4.2 Politics and Government
4.3 Foreign Relations
4.4 Legislature
4.5 Government Relegations
4.6 Trade Policy
4.7 Intellectual property rights
4.8 Subsidies

5 Reference List

6 Appendix
 PREFACE

As a part our curriculum & being a management student, country Project is the
part & parcel of our studies& students required to complete a task of doing
project report on particular country.

By studying International Marketing Management, we have to study about the

International trade & its barrier, Political & Legal Environment, Cultural &
Social Environment, Economic Environment and so on.

The major objective behind to assigning country project is to make us aware

about the Nations factor advantages for the product, feasibility of products,
policies and appreciation given by the particular government.

Also requiring formulating strategic plan for venturing in new business in that
particular country.

Here we have gone through accomplishment of Country Project on

SINGAPORE.
I studied History, Cultural & Social Analysis, Political & Legal Environment
and Economical Environment and, I also suggest Business Strategy of Indian
Traditional Mojdi by Export from India.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Firstly I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Nishith Bhatt Sir

(Associated Professor, SKSBM, Patan) for giving us an permission to make
a Country Project Report and giving me this golden opportunity.

I also express my gratitude towards my college S.K School of Business

Management allows permission to do this project report. And I am highly
thankful &grateful to its faculty members for their assistance and
cooperation to me.

Lastly, I am also thankful to all my colleagues and who helped me for their
hard work and support to complete this project and hope the same in future.

Gohil Nayan N
 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
We have to make a Country project report by finding the full detail about the countrys
history, Political & Legal Environment, Cultural & Social Analysis, Economical
analysis And also we have to find out a market opportunity for the particular product
and plan accordingly to develop the selected product for the Country

Objective
To find out History, Location &Climate of the country.
To study the Cultural, Social, Political, Legal, Economical Environment of
the Country
To study the in depth scenario for launching a new product.
To expand the knowledge of various fields towards the real situation
prevailing in the world.
 1.
General Information
 1.1INRODUCTION:

Singapore officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-

state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. An island country made up of 63
islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and
from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the Singapore Strait to its south. Singapore is
highly urbanised but almost half of the country is covered by greenery. More land
is being created for development through land reclamation.

Singapore had been a part of various local empires since it was first inhabited in
the second century AD. Modern Singapore was founded as a trading post of the
East India Company by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819 with permission from the
Sultanate of Johor. The British obtained full sovereignty over the island in 1824
and Singapore became one of the British Straits Settlements in 1826. Singapore
was occupied by the Japanese in World War II and reverted to British rule after
the war. It became internally self-governing in 1959. Singapore united with other
former British territories to form Malaysia in 1963 and became a fully
independent state two years later after separation from Malaysia. Since then it has
had a massive increase in wealth, and is one of the Four Asian Tigers. The
economy depends heavily on the industry and service sectors.

Singapore is a world leader in several areas: It is the world's fourth-

leading financial centre, the world's second-biggest casino gambling market, and
the world's third-largest oil refining centre. The port of Singapore is one of the
five busiest ports in the world, most notable for being the busiest transhipment
port in the world. The country is home to more US dollar millionaire households
per capita than any other country. The World Bank notes Singapore as the easiest
place in the world to do business. The country has the world's third highest GDP
PPP per capita of US$59,936, making Singapore one of the world's wealthiest
countries.

Singapore is a parliamentary republic with a Westminster

system of unicameral parliamentary government. The People's Action
Party (PAP) has won every election since the British grant of internal self-
government in 1959. The legal system of Singapore has its foundations in the
English common law system, but modifications have been made to it over the
years, such as the removal of trial by jury. The PAP's popular image is that of a
strong, experienced and highly qualified government, backed by a skilled Civil
Service and an education system with an emphasis on achievement and
meritocracy; but it is perceived by some voters, opposition critics and
international observers as being authoritarian and too restrictive on individual
freedom.

Some 5 million people live in Singapore, of who 2.91 million were born locally.
Most are of Chinese, Malay or Indian descent. There are four official
languages: English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. One of the five founding
members of the Association of South East Asian Nations, Singapore also hosts
the APEC Secretariat, and is a member of the East Asia Summit, the Non-Aligned
Movement, and the Commonwealth.
 1.2History

The earliest known settlement on Singapore was in the second century AD. It was
an outpost of the Sumatran Srivijaya empire, named Temasek ("sea town").
Between the 16th and early 19th centuries, it was part of the Sultanate of Johor. In
1613, Portuguese raiders burnt down the settlement and the island sank into
obscurity for the next two centuries.

In 1819, Thomas Stamford Raffles, founder of Singapore, arrived and signed a

treaty with Sultan Hussein Shah on behalf of the British East India Company to
develop the southern part of Singapore as a British trading post. In 1824, the
entire island became a British possession under a further treaty whereby the
Sultan and the Temenggong transferred it to the British East India Company. In
1826, it became part of the British Straits Settlements, becoming its capital in
1836.

Before Raffles arrived, there were around 1,000 people living in Singapore,
mostly Malays and a few dozen Chinese. By 1869, due to migration from Malaya
and other parts of Asia, Singapore's population had reached 100,000. Many
Chinese and Indian immigrants came to Singapore to work in the rubber
plantations and tin mines, and their descendents later formed the bulk of
Singapore's population.

During World War II, the Imperial Japanese Army invaded Malaya culminating
in the Battle of Singapore. The British were defeated, and surrendered on 15
February 1942. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill called this "the worst
disaster and largest capitulation in British history". The Sook Ching massacre of
ethnic Chinese after the fall of Singapore claimed between 5,000 and 25,000
lives. The Japanese occupied Singapore until the British repossessed it in
September 1945 after the Japanese surrender.

Singapore's first general election in 1955 was won by the pro-independence

David Marshall, leader of the Labour Front. Demanding complete self-rule he led
a delegation to London but was turned down by the British. He resigned when he
returned and was replaced by Lim Yew Hock, whose policies convinced Britain
to grant Singapore full internal self-government for all matters except defence and
foreign affairs.
During the May 1959 elections, the People's Action Party won a landslide victory.
Singapore had become an internally self-governing state within the Commonwealth,
with Lee Kuan Yew as the first Prime Minister. Governor Sir William Allmond
Codrington Goode served as the first Yang di-Pertuan Negara, and was succeeded by
Yusof bin Ishak who in 1965 became the first President of Singapore.

During the 1950s, Singapore started to face a Communist threat which lasted till the
early 1970s. The Communists, mostly supported by the Chinese-speaking group, with
strong ties to the trade unions and Chinese schools, carried out an armed struggle
against the state, resulting in the Malayan Emergency and later, the Communist
Insurgency War. The 1954 National Service Riots, Chinese middle schools riots and
Hock Lee bus riots in Singapore were all linked to the Communists.

On 31 August 1963, Singapore declared independence from Britain and joined with
Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak to form the new Federation of Malaysia as the result of the
1962 Merger Referendum. Singaporean leaders joined Malaysia for various reasons.
Firstly, as a small country, they did not believe that the British would find it viable for
Singapore to become independent by itself. Secondly, they also did not believe that
Singapore could survive on its own, due to scarcity of land, water, markets and natural
resources.
And lastly, the Singapore government wanted the help of the Malaysian government to
flush out the Communists. The two years that Singapore spent as part of Malaysia were
filled with strife and bitter disagreements. The Malaysians
insisted on a pro-Malay society, where Malays were given special
Bumiputera rights, which still exists to this day. The Malaysians were also
suspicious about Singapore's majority of ethnic Chinese and worried that
Singapore's economic clout would shift the centre of power from Kuala
Lumpur to Singapore.

There were also linguistic and religious issues. The Singaporeans, on the other hand,
wanted an equal and meritocratic society, where all citizens were given equal rights. As
part of Malaysia, Singapore's economic and social development came to a halt as the
Malaysian parliament blocked many bills. Race riots broke out in Singapore in 1964.
After much heated ideological conflicts between the two governments, in 1965, the
Malaysian parliament voted 126 to 0 to expel Singapore from Malaysia.
 Singapore gained independence as the Republic of Singapore (remaining within the
Commonwealth) on 9 August 1965 with Yusof bin Ishak as president and Lee Kuan
Yew as prime minister. Everyone who was present in Singapore on the date of
independence was offered Singapore citizenship. In 1967, it helped found the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations and in 1970 it joined the Non-aligned
movement.

In 1990, Goh Chok Tong succeeded Lee as prime minister. During his tenure the
country faced the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, the 2003 SARS outbreak and terrorist
threats posed by Jemaah Islamiyah. In 2004, Lee Hsien Loong, the eldest son of Lee
Kuan Yew, became the country's third prime minister.

1.3 Climate of Singapore:

Singapore is situated near the equator and has a typically tropical climate, with
abundant rainfall, high and uniform temperatures, and high humidity all year round.
Many of its climate variables, such as temperature and relative humidity, do not show
large month-to-month variation. However, many variables exhibit prominent diurnal
(or daily) variations from hour to hour, indicating the strong influence that solar heating
has on the local climate.

Seasons
Singapores climate is characterised by two monsoon seasons separated by inter-
monsoonal periods (see table below). The Northeast Monsoon occurs from December
to early March, and the Southwest Monsoon from June to September. The major
weather systems affecting Singapore that can lead to heavy rainfall are:
Monsoon surges, or strong wind episodes in the Northeast Monsoon flow bringing
about major rainfall events;
Sumatra squalls, an organised line of thunderstorms travelling eastward across
Singapore, having developed over the island of Sumatra or Straits of Malacca west of
us;
Afternoon and evening thunderstorms caused by strong surface heating and by the sea
breeze circulation that develops in the afternoon.
The occurrence of these events at different times of year is outlined in the following
table.

Monthly rainfall for Singapore (mm) (1982-2016)

 1.4 Topography:
Singapore Island is mostly low-lying, green, undulating country with a small range of hills at
the center. The highest point of the island is Bukit Timah (166 m/545 ft). There are sections
of rainforest in the center and large mangrove swamps along the coast, which has many
inlets, particularly in the north and west. Singapore's harbor is wide, deep, and well protected.

1.4.1 Map of singapor:

 2.
Cultural and Social
Analysis
 2.1 Culture

Singapore is a very diverse and young country. It has many languages, cultures and
religions for a country its size. Due to the many different languages and cultures in the
country, there is no single set of culturally acceptable behaviours.

When Singapore became independent from the United Kingdom in 1963, most of the
newly minted Singaporean citizens were uneducated labourers from China, Malaysia
and India. Many of them were transient labourers who were seeking to make some
money in Singapore and they had no intentions of staying for good. A sizeable minority
of middle-class, local-born people, known as the Peranakans also existed. With the
exception of the Peranakans who pledged their loyalties to Singapore, most of the
labourers' loyalties lie with their respective homelands of China, Malaysia and India.
For instance, the Chinese wore pigtails to signify their loyalty to the Chinese emperor
and remitted money to China.

After independence, the process of crafting a Singaporean identity and culture began.
Both the former Prime Ministers of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew and Goh Chok Tong,
have stated that Singapore does not fit the traditional description of a nation, calling it a
society in transition, pointing out the fact that Singaporeans do not all speak the same
language, share the same religion or have the same customs. Even though English is the
first language of the nation, according to the government's 2010 census 20% of
Singaporeans, or one in five, are illiterate in English. This is a marked improvement
from 1990 where 40% of Singaporeans were illiterate in English.

Unlike many other countries, languages, religions and cultures among Singaporeans are
not delineated according to skin colour or ancestry.
Among Singaporean Chinese, one in five is Christian, another one in five
is atheist, and the rest are mostly Buddhists or Taoists. One-third speak English as their
home language, while half speak Mandarin Chinese as their home language. The rest
speak other mutually unintelligible Chinese languages at home. Singaporean Indians
are much more religious. Only 1% of them are atheists. Six in ten are Hindus, two in
ten Muslims, and the rest mostly Christians. Four in ten speak English as their home
language, three in ten Tamil, one in ten Malay, and the rest other Indian languages as
their home language.

Each Singaporean's behaviours and attitudes would therefore be influenced by, among
many other things, his or her home language and his religion. Singaporeans who speak
English as their native language tend to lean toward Western Culture. While those who
speak Chinese languages as their native language tend to lean toward Chinese culture
and Confucianism. Malay-speaking Singaporeans tend to lean toward Malay culture,
which itself is closely linked to Islamic culture. Those who speak Indian languages as
their native language would probably lean toward Indian culture.

Singapore, as a country, in general is conservative socially, but some liberalisation has

occurred. At the national level, meritocracy, where one is judged based on one's ability,
is heavily emphasised. Racial and religious harmony is regarded by the government as
a crucial part of Singapore's success and played a part in building a Singaporean
identity.

Singapore has a reputation as a nanny state. The national flower of Singapore is the
Vanda Miss Joaquim. Many national symbols such as the National Coat of Arms and
the Lion Head symbol make use of the lion, as Singapore is known as the 'Lion City'.
Public holidays in Singapore cover major Chinese, Western, Malay and Indian
festivals.

Due to scarcity of land, four out of five Singaporeans live in subsidised, high-rise,
public housing apartments known as HDB (for Housing and Development Board) flats.
Singaporeans generally take off their shoes before entering their homes. Live-in
domestic helpers are quite common in Singapore and there are nearly 200,000 domestic
helpers there. As with most Commonwealth countries, vehicles on the road and people
walking on the streets keep to the left. Unlike
some Western countries and ASEAN countries in the Golden Triangle, Singapore does not
have a culture of recreational drug use. The country has strict laws against drug use and has
one of the lowest rates of drug use in the world. Singaporean employees work an average
of around 45 hours weekly, relatively long compared to many other nations. Three in four
Singaporean employees surveyed stated that they take pride in doing their work well, and
that doing so helps their self-confidence.

Foreigners also make up 42% of the population and have a strong influence on
Singaporean culture. A.T. Kearney named Singapore the most globalised country in the
world in 2006 in its Globalization Index. The Economist Intelligence Unit in its "Quality-
of-Life Index" ranks Singapore as having the best quality of life in Asia and eleventh
overall in the world.

2.2 Languages
Singapore has four official languages: English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. English is the
common language of the nation and is the language of business, government and medium
of instruction in schools.

Public bodies in Singapore conduct their businesses in English, and official documents
written in a non-English official language such as Chinese, Malay or Tamil typically have
to be translated into English to be accepted for submission.

The Singapore Constitution and all laws are written in English, and translators are also
required if one wishes to address the Singaporean Courts in a language other than English.

However, English is the native tongue for only one-third of all Singaporeans, with roughly
a third of all Singaporean Chinese, a quarter of all Singaporean Malays and half of all
Singaporean Indians speaking it as their native tongue. Twenty percent of Singaporeans, or
one out of every five, are illiterate in English.

Many, but not all, Singaporeans are bilingual in English and another official language, with
vastly varying degrees of fluency. The various official languages ranked in terms of
literacy amongst Singaporeans are: English (80% literacy), Mandarin Chinese (65%
literacy), Malay (17% literacy) and Tamil (4% literacy).
 Singaporean English is based on British English, and forms of English spoken range from
Standard English known as "Singlish". Singlish is heavily discouraged by the government.

Chinese is the language which is spoken by most Singaporeans as their native tonguehalf
of all Singaporeans speak it as their native tongue. Singaporean Mandarin is the most
common version of Chinese in the country, with 1.2 million using it as their home
language. Nearly half a million speak other Chinese languages (which the government
describes as "dialects"), mainly Hokkien, Teochew, and Cantonese, as their home
language, although the use of these is declining in favour of Mandarin and English.

Malay is the "national language", a ceremonial rather than functional designation to reflect the
country's history. It is used in the national anthem "Majulah Singapura" and in military
commands. Today, in general Malay is spoken within the Singaporean Malay community, with
only 16.8% of all Singaporeans literate in Malay and only 12% using it as their native language.
Around 100,000 or 3% of Singaporeans speak Tamil as their native language. Even though only
Tamil has official status, there have been no attempts to discourage the use or spread of other
Indian languages.
National language - without a doubt, is Malay.

Our national anthem, Majulah Singapura, is in Malay.

The official Children's Day song, Semoga Bahagia, is in Malay.
Military drill commands are in Malay (baris, kanan, kiri, belakang pusing, etc).
The coat of arms is in Malay
First and second languages

1. Official and de facto - English

2. Second language - According to your ethnicity. Malay, Mandarin or Tamil. These second
languages are taught in school.
Colloquialism

1. Singlish is a colloquialism. A mishmash of Malay, various Chinese dialects, Mandarin and English.
2. Peranakan is a colloquialism of the Chinese + Malay ancestry of the Peranakan people. They speak
a patois of Malay derivatives and a mix of Chinese dialects.
And, obviously there are other languages spoken namely Portuguese, Arabic, numerous Chinese dialects, and
languages from different regions in India
 2.3 Religions in singapor

Religious Population Population Population Population Population

group % 1980 % 1990 % 2000 % 2010 % 2015

Buddhism 26.7% 31.1% 42.5% 33.3% 33.1%

Christianity 9.9% 12.5% 14.6% 18.3% 18.8%

Catholicism n/a n/a 4.8% 7.1% 6.7%

Protestantism
and other n/a n/a 9.8% 11.3% 12.0%
non-Catholic

Not
13.1% 14.3% 14.8% 17.0% 18.3%
religious

Islam 16.2% 15.4% 14.9% 14.7% 14.0%

Taoism and
30.0% 22.4% 8.5% 10.9% 11.0%
folk religion

Hinduism 3.6% 3.7% 4.0% 5.1% 5.0%

Other
0.5% 0.6% 0.6% 0.7% 0.6%
religions

2.4 Customs Rules

Import regulations:
Passengers of 18 years of age or older, having been outside Singapore for at least 48 hours prior
to arrival: Free import of: spirits, wine and beer not exceeding 1 liter each; or 2 liters of wine and
1 liter of beer; or 1 liter of wine and 2 liters of beer.

Free import of other goods, gifts, souvenirs and foods for stays outside Singapore of less than 48
hours: SGD 150.-; or for stays outside of Singapore of 48 hours or more: SGD 600.-.

Food items for personal consumption are permitted. However, certain foods are prohibited or
controlled depending on county of origin and may be limited to a maximum amount or weight.
Detailed information can be found at www.ava.gov.sg
Free import of liquor products is not allowed if arriving from Malaysia. Exempt are passengers
coming from a third country transiting in Malaysia, who did not enter Malaysia.

Prohibited:

chewing gum (except oral dental and medicated gum approved by Health Sciences Authority
(HSA)); chewing tobacco and imitation tobacco products (including electronic cigarettes);
controlled drugs and psychotropic substances; endangered animals and their by-products;
firecrackers; obscene articles and materials; reproduced materials infringing copyright.

All tobacco products must be declared on arrival as they are subject to tax and duty. Any
chewing gum must also be declared to ensure that it is HSA approved. Failure to declare may
result in fine or imprisonment.

Warning: Trafficking of illegal drugs is punishable by death.

Arms and Ammunition regulations:
Import of firearms or explosives is prohibited, unless carrier holds a permit from the Director
General of Civil Aviation Authority, Singapore:

when entering a police permit must be obtained 2 weeks prior to entry. Fee of SGD 45.-, for
transshipment applies per passenger. Fee is imposed by CAAS authorities (Civil Aviation
Authority of Singapore). The airline is required to seek approval from Director General of CAAS
for carriage of firearms on board the aircraft. Violation may result in prosecution of passenger
and carrier;

Note: on SQ flights application must be sent to telex SINKESQ, attn: Duty Officer 2 weeks prior
to travel. Violation may result in prosecution of passenger and carrier.

Import of toy guns requires approval. Any toy gun resembling real guns will not be approved.

Export regulations:
Free export of reasonable quantities of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages.

Crew members customs regulations:

0.25 liter of spirits and 1 liter of wine or 1 liter of beer.
 2.5 Traditions: Marriage, Family, and Kinship
Marriage. Polygamy is allowed among Muslim Malays, but otherwise monogamy is
the rule. Interethnic marriages are not common. Divorce is becoming more common.
The average age at first marriage has increased, and it is customary for young people
to live with their parents until they marry.
Domestic Unit. The basic household unit is the nuclear family, which constituted 85
percent of resident households in 1990. Close links with relatives on both the
husband's and the wife's sides are usually maintained. The proportion of households
without a family nucleus shrank from 26 percent in 1957 to 8 percent in 1980,
reflecting the changes from an immigrant to a settled population. Males dominate as
heads of households.
Inheritance. Traditionally, sons inherited family assets, while daughters were
expected to marry out of the family. This pattern is less common today.
Kin Groups. Kin groups play a significant role in all ethnic groups, and people often
move within wide networks of relatives. Privately, kin groups are important, but
politically and economically, they play a marginal role.

2.6 Socialization
Infant Care. Children are brought along in most situations except business and very
formal events. Small children are showered with affection. Generally, children are
expected to be quiet and obedient and may be physically punished for misbehaving.
There is very little free space where children can play and few areas designed
specially for children.
Child Rearing and Education. Children are thought to hold the key not only to
their own future but also to the future of their families, and education is regarded as
extremely important. There is a range of private and public nurseries, kindergartens,
and play schools. Children start school at age six.
Higher Education. There is a great emphasis on higher education. Children spend
six years in primary school and four years in secondary school and then go on to a
vocational school or university, depending on their grades (a sure way to higher
education in Singapore) or money (a university education abroad). Competition for
entrance to the best schools is fierce.

2.7 Table Manners in Singapore

Although Singaporeans are accepting of variations in etiquette, thanks to their nation's
multiculturalism, there are a few things to keep in mind. Traditionally, your food is served family
styleplaced all at once on the table so everyone can dig inor, for more formal meals, served
a course at a time, again with diners sharing from a single dish. Nevertheless, some restaurants
are dispensing with tradition and are instead serving individual portions. When eating with
chopsticks, dip them in tea before wiping them with a tissue to clean them; never leave them
upright in a rice bowlthis resembles a grave marker which is considered a bad omen. It's a sign
of respect for a Singaporean to serve you during a family-style meal. It's polite to reciprocate the
gesture when their bowl is nearing empty. It's not a big deal to start eating before your
companions have been served; waiting until everyone is served is a western concept. Many
locals may have religion-based dietary restrictions, such as only eating vegetarian
or halal (Muslim) food. If you're arranging a meal with Singaporeans be sure to clarify their
eating habits before deciding on a restaurant. Smoking is banned in air-conditioned restaurants
and banquet/meeting rooms, but many establishments have outdoor patios and seating areas for
smokers.

2.8 Dress code in singapore

Casual dress is accepted for most situations as long as it is neat and clean - the locals are very
clean and correct, and frown on scruffiness.
Jeans and t-shirts are acceptable but our advice would be to take lightweight clothes in natural
fabrics; linen, silk and cotton will be more comfortable in the heat and will wash and dry
quickly.
Some restaurants and clubs may require more formal dress (no flip flops, shorts or sleeveless
tops), so consider packing a smarter outfit and shoes just in case.
Hotels, restaurants and shopping malls are usually air-conditioned and at times this can be pretty
fierce so be sure to pack a pashmina, wrap or pullover.
The sun is very strong, so you must wear a sunhat and take plenty of sunscreen (we love the
Riemann P20 range for 10 hour protection) too. You can use a travel umbrella for extra shade, as
the locals do.
 2.9 Food :
1 Hainanese Chicken Ric

Steamed chicken served with rice cooked in chicken stock. This all-time favourite dish makes for
a quick, fulfilling lunch. The quality of chicken stock is crucial to this dish, and you can tell by
the steamed rice oozing with flavour and a fragrant aroma. Pour some dipping sauce over the
chicken and give it a go.

2 Chilli Crab

Hard-shell crabs cooked in semi-thick gravy with a tomato chili base. The steamed crabs are
partially cracked, then lightly stir-fried in a paste comprising of chili sauce, ketchup and eggs.
Despite its name, chili crab is not all that spicy. Bread is normally ordered to soak up the gravy,
so dig in with both hands!

3 Laksa

Rice noodles in spicy coconut curry soup with shrimp, fish cakes, egg and chicken meat a cross
between Chinese and Malay cuisine. Laksa also has many variants, but the one in Singapore is
katong laksa, with cut-up noodles. Cockles and tofu puffs are sometimes added.

4 Char Kuay Teow

Broad white noodles fried with black Soya sauce, bean sprouts, fish cake, clams and Chinese
sausage.
5 Hokkien Prawn Mee

Stir-fried Hokkien noodles with prawns, slices of chicken or pork, squid and fish cake, seasoned
with soy sauce, vinegar and chili. Each serving comes with sambal sauce and a lime wedge, to
tone down the oily taste. The Singapore version uses thick, flat egg noodles.

2.10 Drinks:

Teh and kopi

Tea and coffee are Singapores most popular beverages! Singaporean tea is typically very
bitter as additional medicinal herbs are added into it, but this is supposed to be incredibly
good for your health. Singaporean coffee on the other hand is served with unhealthy
amounts of sweetened condensed milk, but everybody agrees it tastes best this way! Also,
when youre ordering coffee at hawker centres, please dont aggravate the stall tenders by
yelling Coffee! Coffee!. It is kopi and will always be kopi to them.

Milo dinosaur

Calling all chocolate-lovers! If youre American, youve probably never even heard of
milo! Singapore is a Milo-obsessed city and you will find milo at every minimart, every
hawker centre and every Mc Donalds outlet. Milo dinosaur is a more recent innovation
where a spoonful of undissolved milo powder is added to float atop a cup of yummy
milo. A definite must-try when you head over to Singapore!
 Bubble tea

Warning! This is a highly addictive drink! Judging from the long queues outside bubble
tea outlets, bubble tea is very popular amongst both the youth and adult population. This
drink is basically made up of sweet milk tea and chewy pearls. However, this drink also
has an unnaturally high sugar content and you should limit yourself to having it only once
a week.

Bandung

Look for this sticky, pink drink at any hawker centre or kopitiam! Although it looks like
medicine, it is actually very, very sweet. A mixture of milk and rose cordial syrup, this
icy drink is far from the bitter taste of medicine.

Sugarcane juice

This refreshing drink is created by repeatedly running sugar cane through a small mill
that grinds the cane till it releases juices. After this it is filtered to remove residue fibres.
This is an extremely sweet treat and considered by many to be Singapores signature
drink!
 2.11 Mythes:
1.Myth: Singapore has no culture
Not at: Kampong Lorong Buangkok

There was a time when Singapore was criss-crossed with rustic villages known as kampongs. But
if you think the country is now exclusively made up of skyscrapers, think again.

Kampong Lorong Buangkok proudly remains as Singapores last mainland kampong. Though it
has shrunk in size, dozens of families still proudly live here, sleeping under zinc roofs and
walking on earthen tracks. The pace of life is slower here, and if you listen to the chirp of
crickets and crow of roosters, you can almost feel like youre stepping back in time to 1956,
when the kampong was built.

While villages provide a dose of rustic heaven, there are also celebrations here that are just as
otherworldly. Take the Hungry Ghost Festival, a yearly celebration held by the Chinese
community. During this period, it is believed that spirits roam the earth, appeased only by
offerings made by us mortals.

Hence you can hardly walk by any street corner without finding it blossoming with smoke.
Locals burn incense and paper money (emblazoned with the words from the bank of hell in
Chinese characters) as offerings. You may see people carefully modifying their behaviour, too.
Nary a whistle is heard (its thought to attract ghosts), nobody picks up shiny objects on the
ground (it might be an offering meant for a spirit) and people make sure not to turn their heads
(this can knock off protective flames thought to sit on your shoulders).

2. Myth: Singapore is expensive

Not at: its flea markets

Think shopping here is expensive? Youve been hanging around Orchard Road too much, then.
Head instead to the wealth of funky flea markets that have started to pop up, some quirkier than
others. Try the Singapore Really Really Free Market, where all trade is gleefully done by
barter, and people even swap skills like tarot card reading, poetry writing and hair cutting.

Need an excuse to enter the fun and fiery-looking Red Dot Design Museum (you cant miss it
true to its name, it is redder than a sunburnt surfer)? On certain Fridays, this artsy hotspot gets
MAAD. Or shall we say, it holds MAAD: the Market of Artists and Designers. Open til
midnight, its a haven of quirky prints, jewellery, clothes and more. Plus, its got a rocking
soundtrack the market usually hosts live performances by homegrown musicians. Free
tunes and funky trinkets? Quite a bargain.
3. Myth: Singapores buildings and bars are predictable
Not at: Parkview Square

When travellers think of the Singapore landscape, they either think of jaunty pastel HDBs, or
sleek, silvery skyscrapers. Enter Parkview Square, Singapores most out-of-place structure.

Its easy to see why locals call it Gotham City: it looks like it stepped right out of a Batman
novel, with art deco oozing from its gargoyled faade, odd band of bronze statues (including
Mozart and Winston Churchill) and 1920s-style interior. So soak up the old-school interiors and
massive chandelier at Divine Bar. (And dont forget to ask for a bottle of wine waitresses
dubbed wine fairies will strap into bungee chords and float up the multi-storey wine chiller to
fetch your plonk.)

A bungee jump away from Parkview is a chance to get sky-high yourself. Head to Loof, a
rooftop bar where you can bask under starlit skies as you sip delightfully pun-worthy cocktails.
(Our favourite: Ho Chi Mint, a refreshing blend of vodka, pear nectar, Japanese cucumber and
mint).

Sky views giving you vertigo? Head to the earthbound Bincho, a cocktail gastrobar in
Singapores hip Tiong Bahru neighbourhood. As cramped as it is cool, its got little more floor
space than an aeroplane aisle. No matter, as every square inch radiates cool, from the shiny
copper bar to the cage-covered walls. The vibe is so eclectic, underground and futuristic that
after a couple of excellent sakes youll feel like an extra in Bladerunner.

2.12 Attitude:
The Singaporean Attitude is probably a curse of progress and success. It afflicts all who start to
think critically about work, and placing all incentives to be more 'economic' driven rather than
humane sensitivity. The sad part about this mindset that it has already infected the young, and the
creation of the false synonymy of money -> success has led us into this downfall.

The government constantly urges everyone that we have a birth defect, a decline of children has
led the government into believing that replacing the missing numbers with foreigners would fix
the issue, but led up to questioning of nationalism vs practicality. I myself admit to this sad
mindset that: Having Children is Economically Inviable. It cost too much already to live in
Singapore, less to afford a new life. The first attitude problem of Singaporeans is that we rather
seek a economically stable and comfortable life with all the talks about earning a nice sum with a
degree, and completely ignore, or worse, rebut the need of family and children.

This doesn't help when the workplace and government seem to counteract all the talk about
children. As illustrated above, a pregnant lady would get her promotion delayed, there would be
practices questionable, and paid leave would seem to be the last thing on a boss' mind. The
government also urges everyone to be more productive. But how so? We have created the
education and foundation of people completely capable of being productive, yet we rank rather
low compared to 1st world countries. I feel that there is something wrong down the line of logic:
Are we just plainly working harder for more money? This seems to be the case; working hours
from last time comfortable 9 to 4 or 5, have extended to 9 to 6 jobs, and demotivation threats that
it is a luxury, a privilage to be working in a company, forces people to be boss-fearing, working
for the sake of performance reviews and money.

prioritizing money over all else.

people are discouraged to have a family and home
Failure is not an option.
Serving others, is shunned and discouraged.

2.13 Context of Culture:

This culture in this country is considered high context. High context cultures are heavy on
restricted codes and contextual cues and they are more sensitive to subtle cues than actual spoken
words. It involves a programming of the mind from young, where more attention is placed on
non-verbal cues than to verbal communication. The truth and being blunt in words are perceived
as rude in high context cultures thus politeness and face saving are regarded more highly.

High context cultures are also collectivist in nature where social behavior and duty are more
important than self-pleasure. The characteristics of a high context culture are high
interdependence, interpersonal sensitivity, conformity, readiness to be influenced by others,
mutual sympathy, and self-sacrifice for members in that culture.

2.14 Core values

Its one thing to imagine a better world. AECOM was built to deliver it.

Our values define who we are, how we act and what we aspire to:

Safeguard

We operate ethically and with integrity, while prioritizing safety and security in all that we do.

Collaborate

We build diverse teams that connect expertise to create innovative solutions.

Inspire

We develop and celebrate our people, and elevate the communities we touch.

Anticipate

We understand the complexity of our clients challenges and help them see further.
Deliver

We grow our business through operational excellence and flawless execution.

2.15 Colors:
Red symbolises universal brotherhood and equality of man.
White stands for pervading and everlasting purity and virtue.
Waxing crescent moon represents a young nation on the ascendant.
Five five-pointed stars stand for the Singapore's ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and
equality.

2.16 Beauty:

SWAS:

The Spa & Wellness Association of Singapore was founded in 2004 in response to the need of an
association to reach out to all sectors of the Beauty & Wellness Industry. Over the last decade,
SWAS has grown with the Industry.

Over the years, the Spa & Wellness Association of Singapore has developed from an interest
group representing Spas & Wellness establishments to a confederation of trade groups
representing stakeholders within the framework of the Beauty & Wellness Industry. The
association actively promotes the business interests of all stakeholders in Spa, Wellness, Beauty,
Hair, Nail and associated Holistic Care & Service industry.

SWAS' Objectives in Serving the Industry

Enhance Growth of the Industry and trade groups by providing strong support for businesses to
improve image, develop qualify service and increase clients
Foster continuous education and skills development amongst members to boost competencies
and standards to advance career and/or business

Present a platform for industry players to augment knowledge and business opportunities

Facilitate communication and information amongst Stakeholders, Government Agencies, Trade

Bodies and other organisations to improve and promote business excellence.
 2.17 Music:
Singapore has a diverse music culture that ranges from rock and pop to folk and classical. Its
various communities have their own distinct musical traditions: the Chinese people form the
largest ethnic group in Singapore, with Malays, Indians, and smaller number of other peoples of
different ethnicity as well as Eurasians.[1] The different people with their traditional forms of
music, the various modern musical styles, and the fusion of different forms account for the
musical diversity in the country.
It has an urban musical scene, and is a centre for pop, rock, punk and other genres in the region.
The country has produced in the 1960s bands like The Crescendos and The Quests, right up to
the new millennium with pop singers such as Stefanie Sun and JJ Lin. Folk music of Singapore
includes the ethnic music traditions of the Chinese, Malay and Tamil communities. Singapore
also has a lively Western classical music scene.
Singapore has been a regional centre of music industry for a long time. Recordings of Chinese
and Malay popular music were done at the EMI studio in Singapore in the colonial period, but
until the 1960s, recordings were sent to be pressed in India and the records then sent back for
sale.[2] It was a centre of Malay popular culture where Malay stars such as P. Ramlee were
based, but after Singapore independence in 1965, the Malay music industry began to shift to
Kuala Lumpur

2.18 Education:
Education in Singapore is managed by the Ministry of Education (MOE), which controls the
development and administration of state schools receiving government funding, but also has an
advisory and supervisory role in respect of private schools. For both private and state schools,
there are variations in the extent of autonomy in their curriculum, scope of government aid and
funding, tuition burden on the students, and admission policy.

Education spending usually makes up about 20 percent of the annual national budget, which
subsidises state education and government-assisted private education for Singaporean citizens
and funds the Edusave programme, the costs for which are significantly higher for non-citizens.
In 2000 the Compulsory Education Act codified compulsory education for children of primary
school age (excepting those with disabilities), and made it a criminal offence for parents to fail to
enroll their children in school and ensure their regular attendance. Exemptions are allowed for
homeschooling or full-time religious institutions, but parents must apply for exemption from the
Ministry of Education and meet a minimum benchmark.
Education and Class Inequality

In order to study the impact of education on class inequality, it is important to first discuss what
is the nature of this inequality. Giddens defines class as a "large-scale grouping of people who
share common economic resources, which strongly influence the type of lifestyle they are able to
lead".Class inequality therefore refers to the disparities between different groupings of people
due to their varied economic resources and types of lifestyle. This form of structured inequality
is less rigid than other forms of stratification due to the relative ease of social mobility, which is
the "movement of individuals and groups between different socio-economic positions". Social
mobility can thus be seen as a mechanism for addressing class inequality as it aids in the
migratory activity between the classes.

How then does education affect social mobility? Argyle argues that family influence, as well as
motivation, contributes to this change in socio-economic status. In addition, Kerckhoff sees
socialisation as a process which prepares individuals for their occupation. This in turn affects a
person's status and lifestyle. Another important factor affecting social mobility is that of
opportunity, which affects upward mobility as it influences a person's exposure to better facilities
and networking prospects, improving his position in life.

Education in Singapore

Consider the Singapore government's education policy, which seeks to provide children with a
"balanced and well-rounded education" to develop them to their "full potential", and hence
nurture them into good citizens who are responsible to the family, society and country. This
policy also helps to fill societal roles by nurturing students to take up positions such as
businessmen and statesmen. According to the system, students in Singapore generally undergo
six years in primary school and four to five years in secondary school. They can then enrol in
post-secondary institutions, pre-university courses, or move on to the polytechnics. Eligible
students are subsequently given the opportunity to enrol in the universities.

2.19 Business culture in Singapore

Singapore is a multiethnic society comprising of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian

communities. In most cases, you will encounter Singaporean Chinese as your business
counterparts as they form the majority of the population. It is important to adapt to the business
culture of the respective partners and this section will offer advice and considerations when
dealing with Singaporean associates as local customs have great influence on Singapores
business style.

Singaporeans are generally open and cosmopolitan in their outlook. They are not likely to take
offence if you commit a social faux pas, especially when they understand that you come from a
different culture. The general advice would be to do as the Romans when in Rome and be
courteous at all times. As a general rule avoid discussions about topics like religion, racial issues
and politics. A few tips to consider will be provided in the following.
Business entertainment

When entertaining Malay associates (who are Muslim) avoid conducting business on Fridays or
during the Ramadan (the Muslim fasting month). Never serve alcohol or pork. Most Indians do
not eat beef as well. The inviting party of a business social event usually picks up the bill. The
other party can reciprocate next time around.

Power meals

Business breakfasts are rare in Singapore. Lunch is the preferred meal for business discussions.
Spouses are rarely, if ever, invited to these power meals. As long lunches are not uncommon in
Singapore it may be wise to avoid scheduling meetings between noon and 2pm.

Punctuality

Singaporeans are normally punctual for their appointments and expects the same with others.
Call them if you are unexpectedly late.

Business gifts

Gift giving is a common way of expressing thanks. Small business-related gifts such as a pen
with the company logo would be sufficient. Gifts are typically wrapped, presented and received
with two hands, and opened after the presenter leaves. Gifts with connotation of severance or
cutting, such as scissors, are not appropriate as they symbolize conflict. Letter-openers however
are an exception. For the Chinese, the number 4 rhymes with the word for death meaning that it
is important not to give anything in a set of four. Clocks are also considered inappropriate gifts,
as the Chinese expression for giving clock has connotations to death. For your Malay
associates, avoid products made from pigskin and alcohol as these goods contravene the laws of
Islam.

Etiquette

There are important differences in doing business in Singapore and the following offers valuable
considerations of etiquette when conducting business in Singapore.When making introductions
for the first time and in formal meetings, always use the persons title and family name followed
by his personal name, if he has a Chineese name. If he has a western name like "Peter", he
should be introduced in the same way as in the West, i.e. given name before family name. The
Malays do not use a family name. They use their own personal name followed by bin (son of) or
binti (daughter of) before their fathers personal name. The Indians use their personal name
followed by s/o (son of) or d/o (daughter of) and the fathers personal name.

Business cards should be exchanged upon meetings and treated respectfully. Ideally, they should
be given and received with both hands. Upon receiving a business card lay it in front of you on
the table in accordance with the placement of the people you are having the meeting with. Never
write on the business card, put it casually in your back pocket or haphazardly stash it in a folder.
Any of these actions can be misconstrued as disrespect.

Office hours in Singapore

Offices: 08.30 to 17.30 Monday to Friday.

Banks: 09.00 to 16.00 Monday to Friday. Some banks are also open on Saturdays and Sundays.
Shops: 10.00 to 22.00 daily
 3.
Economic Analysis
 3.1 Population:

Singapor Total
Country's e Labour
Yearly % Yearly Migrants Density Share of World Global Force
Year Population Change Change (net) (P/Km) World Pop Population Rank ('000)

2017 5,784,538 1.55 % 88,032 59,690 8264 0.08 % 7,515,284,15 113 3672.8
3

2016 5,696,506 1.66 % 92,766 59,690 8138 0.08 % 7,432,663,27 113 3610.6
5

2015 5,603,740 1.99 % 104,956 79,600 8005 0.08 % 7,349,472,09 114 3530.8
9

2010 5,078,961 2.47 % 116,686 89,800 7256 0.07 % 6,929,725,04 115 3443.7
3

Age structure:
0-14 years: 12.94% (male 382,479/female 365,595)
15-24 years: 17.02% (male 484,355/female 499,940)
25-54 years: 50.45% (male 1,420,833/female 1,496,125)

55-64 years: 10.34% (male 299,446/female 298,562)

65 years and over: 9.24% (male 243,418/female 290,975) (2016 est.)

3.2Income:
3.2.1 Currency Facts:
SGD Stats
Name : Singapore Dollar
Symbol: $ Cent : S
Minor Unit : 1/100 = Cent
Central Bank Rate: 0.00
SGD Profile
Inflation : -0.80%
Nicknames : Sing
Coins : Freq Used: $1, S5, S10, S20, S50
Rarely Used: S1
Banknotes : Freq Used: $2, $5, $10, $50
Rarely Used: $1, $20, $25, $100, $500, $1000, $10000
Central Bank : Monetary Authority of Singapore
Website : http://www.mas.gov.sg

3.2.2 Gross National Product 2006-2017

Gross National Product in Singapore increased to 378329.70 SGD Million in 2014 from
366618.40 SGD Million in 2013. Gross National Product in Singapore averaged 98768.38 SGD
Million from 1960 until 2014, reaching an all time high of 378329.70 SGD Million in 2014 and a
record low of 2195.90 SGD Million in 1960

3.2.3 GDP Growth Rate 2014-2017 :

The GDP in Singapore advanced an annualized 12.3 percent on quarter in the last three months
of 2016, recovering from a 0.4 percent contraction in the previous quarter and above earlier
estimates of 9.1 percent. It is the strongest growth rate since the first quarter of 2011, mainly due
to a rebound in manufacturing (+39.8 percent from -5 percent in Q3). GDP Growth Rate in
Singapore averaged 6.86 percent from 1975 until 2016, reaching an all time high of 37.20
percent in the first quarter of 2010 and a record low of -13.50 percent in the fourth quarter of
2008.
 3.2.4 Per capita income: 51855.08

Avg Family income: $8,666 monthly

3.2.5 Wealth :
Singapore is now tenth in the world in terms of household wealth per adult, down from eighth
last year, but still top in Asia, says a report released on Tuesday (Nov 22) by the Credit Suisse
Research Institute.

Wealth per adult rose 1.4 per cent to US$277,000 (S$394,000) in 2016. This compares to the
annual growth rate of 6 per cent from 2000 to 2016 caused by high savings, asset price increases
and the rising Singapore dollar from 2005 to 2012.
 3.2.6 Natural Resources:
Singapore has nonrenewable resources, including coal, oil and natural gas, but in very limited
amounts. In an effort to increase the city-state's resource base, the government is investing
heavily in developing renewable resources.

Singapore relies on the use of biomass as a renewable energy source. Biomass utilizes the
energy contained in organic matter such as leaves, wood, crops, bones and scales. It is stored
energy, and biomass can be converted into fuel or electricity, according to Trade Chakra.

Singapore has the potential to benefit from solar power, but it can't effectively use solar power
due to a lack of land. Singapore relies on natural gas to generate 80 percent of its electricity.
Because Singapore has a low base of nonrenewable resources, such as coal, oil and gas, the city-
state relies heavily on imports.

3.2.7 Infrastructure
Singapore inherited from the colonial era a superior infrastructure and well-developed transport
network. After independence, the Singaporean government made many efforts and sizable
investments to improve these even further. This small city-state is served by a network of
3,122 kilometers (1,940 miles) of highways, 99 percent of which are paved. In the 1970s and
1980s, there was a steep increase in private car ownership, which led to traffic congestion and
rising air pollution. The government reacted swiftly, investing significant sums in public
transport, especially the mass transit system. It also restricted private car usage on Singaporean
roads, using different measures, including taxes and Certificates of Entitlement. By the 1990s, 83
kilometers (51 miles)

3.2.8 Transport in Singapore:

Transport within Singapore is mainly land-based. Many parts of Singapore are
accessible by road, including islands such as Sentosa and Jurong Island. The other major
form of transportation within Singapore is rail: the Mass Rapid Transit which runs the
length and width of Singapore, and the Light Rail Transit which runs within a few
neighbourhoods. The main island of Singapore is connected to the other islands
by ferryboat services.

Roads

Singapore pioneered the modern use of toll roads to enter the most congested city centre area
with the Singapore Area Licensing Scheme, which has since been replaced with the Electronic
Road Pricing, a form of electronic toll collection.
 Total length of expressways: 161 km
Total length of major arterial roads: 645 km
Total length of collector roads: 557 km
Total length of local access roads: 2048 km (as of 2011)
Traffic drives on the left which is typical in Commonwealth countries.
Cars
As of 2015, there was a total of 957,246 motor vehicles in Singapore, with 519,645 of them
being private cars

Expressways

The planning, construction and maintenance of the road network is overseen by the Land
Transport Authority (LTA), and this extends to expressways in Singapore. These form key
transport arteries between the distinct towns and regional centres as laid out in Singapore's urban
planning, with the main purpose of allowing vehicles to travel from satellite towns to the city
centre and vice versa in the shortest possible distance. These expressways include:

Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE)

Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE)
Central Expressway (CTE)
East Coast Parkway (ECP)
Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE)

Cable car

The Singapore Cable Car, plies between Mount Faber on the main island of Singapore and the
resort island of Sentosa as an alternative means of accessing that tourist attraction. The cable car
system underwent a revamp that was completed in August 2010.
Water transport within Singapor
Bumboat on the Singapore River near Boat Quay
Water transport within the main island is limited to the River Taxi along the Singapore River.
The service was introduced in January 2013, with low ridership.[5][6] There are also daily
scheduled ferry services from the Marina South Pier to the Southern Islands such as Kusu
Island and Saint John's Island.[7]
Public transport
The Bus, MRT, LRT and taxi system make up the public transport system in Singapore.
Singapore has one of the most cost-efficient public transport networks in the world, according to
a study by London consulting firm Credo.[8] Public transport covers a variety of transport
modes such as bus, rail and taxi. This is a result of great emphasis by the Government of
Singapore to promote its use over private transport. About 5.308 million trips are made on a
daily basis on the public transport system and at least half of its population utilises it daily.
Buses

SMRT Buses MAN A22

Public Bus transportation:
SBS Transit

Routes: 195 routes (2016)

Fleet: More than 3,000 buses (2016)
SMRT Buses

Routes: 77 routes (2016)

Fleet: More than 1,400 buses (2016)

Go-Ahead Singapore will commence the operation of 24 services in two tranches. 13 bus
services will begin on 4 September 2016, while another 11 on 18 September. Another route
will be introduced in 2017, and details of the route will be announced closer to the
implementation date.

Rail

A C751B train at Eunos MRT Station on the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, one of eight
heavy rail passenger transport lines in Singapore
In 2016, the rail lines present are
MRT/Metro/Subway lines under SMRT:

North South MRT Line (Red)

East West MRT Line (Green)
Circle MRT Line (Yellow)
Bukit Panjang LRT Line(Light Rapid Transit)(Grey)

Taxis

Taxicabs are a popular form of public transport in the compact sovereign city-state of Singapore,
with fares considered relatively low compared to those in most cities in developed countries. As
of December 2014, the total taxi fleet in Singapore is 28,736 taxis, operated by six taxi
companies and 178 independent drivers. Taxis may be flagged down at any time of the day along
any pubic road outside of the Central Business District (CBD).

Communication Styles
 Due to the diverse ethnic mix in Singapore, there are four languages in common usage -
Malay, Mandarin Chinese, Tamil and English. English is widely used as the 'common'
language because of its apparent neutrality as well as its importance in the international
business arena. Many Singaporean schools run the curriculum in English. Therefore, levels
of English are extremely good in Singapore and foreign business people who also have a
good command of the English language will have little difficulty communicating.

However, good communication and mutual comprehension often require more than a
common language and many misunderstandings flow from differing concepts of the
appropriate or inappropriate use of language.

Abilities of singaporian:
Singapore sits at the top in a new index that measures Asian economies' ability to transform
themselves amid digital disruptions brought about by the likes of Chinese e-commerce giant
Alibaba and United States-based ride-hailing firm Uber.

The inaugural Asian Digital Transformation Index, launched on Tuesday (Nov 22), ranks
Singapore ahead of economies in South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

The study by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) is based on 20 wide-ranging indicators
including infocomm technology expenses, 4G network coverage, broadband affordability, the
quality of maths and science education, digital partnerships and the ease of accessing
government data online. The study of 11 Asian economies was commissioned by Australian
telco Telstra.

3.3 INDUSTRY:

3.3.1 IT INDUSTRY
1. Singapore is the third largest in IT sector in the world

2. Singapore has latest technology in IT which can contribute in its progress

3. To start the new business in IT sector Singapore is the best place to do it.

4. Gujarat also contributes high in IT sector in Indias growth.

5. Gujarat also has latest technologies which can be used by other countries for their
development.

6. Good infrastructure & supportive political environment also helps to grow

business.

7. The culture of Singapore is also good for starting new businesses like IT,
Electronics etc.

8. Small and medium Enterprises are playing key role in Singapore IT sector.

9. About 76 % of the businesses of Singapore are using the IT facilities

10. For youngsters getting job in IT sector Singapore is the best place.

3.3.2 Pharmaceutical Industry

Singapore has following positive points for Pharma business initiative.
1. The Pharmaceutical industry in Singapore is rapidly growing industry with a
considerable amount of GOVERNMENT support

2. Singapore has host 15 world-class biomedical science companies and become the
region's hub including drug discovery and development, clinical research, and health care
delivery.
3. Singapore has a an open, pro-business environment, relatively corruption-free and
transparent, stable prices, low tax rates (14.2% of GDP) compared to other developed
economies, and one of the highest per-capita gross domestic products (GDP) in the
world.
4. Pharmaceutical has government initiatives for the increase the growth in market
worldwide.

5. Singapore Pharmaceutical industry is providing the education, training and

clinical sciences institute for the increase lifestyle of Singapore population.

6. Singapore has different norms for Pharma industry like governing authority and
regulatory structure, governing legislation, the licensing requirements, clinical drug trials,
environmental issues economic and tax incentives, import procedure etc.

7. Singapore has many trade barrier like clearance process, certificate of origin,
technical barriers to trade (TBT'S), Singapore import prohibitions, FedEx international
priority (FXIP) prohibitions, general import restrictions etc.

8. Gujarat is also moving towards a growing hub for Pharma sector which will help
in the growth of the state in future by deal with Singapore.
9. Singapores Pharmaceutical companies have been merged with many companies
and also acquired many other Pharma companies.

10. In Singapore many disease will rise now a days as per the expert so good potential
market and opportunity to Pharma industry in Singapore.

3.3.3 Tyre industry:

Singapore's automotive sector witnessed a decline in sales during 2010-2014

This was predominantly due to implementation of various government initiatives to

control increasing motor vehicle ownership in the country. The tyre market in the country
is dominated by passenger car and commercial vehicle tyre segments, which
cumulatively captured a market share of around 82% in 2014. With no domestic
automobile production facility in the country, the tyre market is completely dependent on
replacement demand. Moreover, replacement demand is addressed through imports, due
to absence of tyre production units in the country.
 3.4 International trade statics:

3.4.1 Singapore Imports 2016-2017 :

Imports in Singapore increased to 39404.25 Million SGD in January from 37413.06
Million SGD in December of 2016. Imports in Singapore averaged 13718.60 Million
SGD from 1964 until 2017, reaching an all time high of 44108.04 Million SGD in
January of 2012 and a record low of 266.38 Million SGD in July of 1964.

3.4.2 Singapore Exports 2016-2017 :

Exports in Singapore decreased to 42691.63 Million SGD in January from 42861.73
Million SGD in December of 2016. Exports in Singapore averaged 14450.81 Million
SGD from 1964 until 2017, reaching an all time high of 46169.53 Million SGD in
February of 2014 and a record low of 197.68 Million SGD in July of 1964.
 3.4.3 Balance of payment:

Data Date of information

61.19 billion $ US 2015

58.77 billion $ US 2014

54.08 billion $ US 2013

49.77 billion $ US 2012

60.56 billion $ US 2011

55.94 billion $ US 2010

Ranking of the country (Singapore) at the global level is (from the highest to the lowest data) : 8
/ 186
Singapore : 36 records since 1980 , the average of these recordings : 19.29 billion $ US

The highest data : 2015 is the highest year for the indicator : Balance of payments
(billion $ US).
The result is: 61.19 billion $ US.

The lowest data : 1980 is the lowest year for the indicator : Balance of payments (billion
$ US).
The result is: -1.58 billion $ US.
 3.4.5 Exchange Rate:

Singapore, Dollar: The Singapore Dollar is the currency of Singapore. Our currency

rankings show that the most popular Singapore Dollar exchange rate is the INR to SGD

rate. The currency code for Dollars is SGD, and the currency symbol is$.

3.5 Taxation System :

Singapore Corporate Taxation:

Tax-residency for companies in Singapore

For foreign sourced service income, the IRAS always determine the fixed place of operation,
before deciding on the tax exemption. It refers to a place of management, an office, or a certain
amount of floor space, with a degree of permanence and regular usage.

The Authority usually takes into account from where the management and control of the
company was exercised while deciding the residency of a company and issue a Certificate of
Residence (COR).

The factors, which determines if the control and management was indeed carried out from
Singapore, include the decision-making bodys power to raise finance and control the companys
bank accounts; approve accounts; appoint those who manage the companys day-to-day
operations; declare dividends; as well as decide on matters relating to mergers/acquisitions/joint
ventures.

It is also important for getting the COR that the directors live and keep the books and records of
the company in Singapore.

Corporate Tax System

The system prevalent in Singapore is called a one-tier corporate tax system, under which tax paid
by a company on its chargeable income is the final tax. The taxation is on territorial basis which
means that tax is imposed on all income accrued in or derived from Singapore, as well as all
foreign-sourced income remitted to the country, with certain exemptions.

Corporate Tax Rates

The corporate income tax rate since 2010 has been fixed at 17%. It is calculated on the basis of
the companys chargeable income i.e. taxable revenues less allowable expenses and other
allowances. But the effective tax payable comes out to even lower if one takes advantage of all
the government incentives, subsidies and schemes.

For instance, through its enhanced Productivity and Innovation Credit (PIC) Scheme, the
Singapore government has made it possible for a firm to not pay any corporate tax even if it
earns as much as S$28 million annually.

Tax Exemptions:

Start-up Tax Exemption (SUTE) scheme for newly-incorporated companies:

The eligibility conditions include:

must have no more than 20 individual shareholders

in case of corporate shareholders, one individual must hold at least 10% of the issued
shares
property and investment holding companies are not eligible

If the above three conditions are satisfied, tax exemption is given to start-ups on normal
chargeable income of up to S$300,000 for each of the first three consecutive years of its
operation.

For first S$100,000, after 100% exemption, the exempt amount is S$100,000
For next S$200,000, after 50% exemption, the exempt amount is S$100,000
Thus, the total exempt amount for income up to S$300,000 is S$200,000
 Effective Corporate Tax Rates for Individual Shareholding:

Effective Corporate Tax Rates for Corporate Shareholding and after the Third Year:
Tax Exemption for Foreign-sourced Income

Detailed in Sections 13 (7A) to 13 (11) of the Income Tax Act (ITA) of Singapore, companies
can benefit from the Foreign-sourced Income Exemption scheme (FSIE), which is applicable to:

Foreign-sourced dividend: A dividend paid by a non-Singapore tax resident company,

which may have been temporarily deposited into a foreign custodian account before its
remittance into Singapore. However such remittance must be made within one year from
the date it was deposited into the foreign custodian account and any interest earned on
such deposit must not be included in the dividend, for which FSIE is sought.
Foreign branch profits: Profits generated by business operation of a Singapore company
registered as a branch in a foreign country. It excludes non-trade or non-business income
of the foreign branch.
Foreign-sourced service income: Income generated by a resident taxpayer for services
provided through a fixed place of operation in a foreign country. This may mean a place of
management, an office, or a certain amount of floor space at the disposal of the specified
resident taxpayer.

Do note that these exemptions apply only when the headline corporate tax rate in the foreign
country from which the income is received is at least 15%, and the income had already been
subjected to tax in that particular country.

Other Taxes on Companies

(1) Goods & Services Tax (GST):

Goods & Services Tax (GST) is a broad-based consumption tax levied on

the import of goods (collected by Singapore Customs), as well as nearly all supplies of goods
and services in Singapore. However, some items are specifically exempt from GST include
financial services and the sale or lease of residential properties. A company must be registered to
collect GST if its annual turnover exceeds or is likely to exceed S$1 million from the sale of
taxable goods and services. This requirement may be waived if most of the goods or services are
exported or supplied internationally (zero-rated supplies). The current rate for GST in
Singapore is 7%.

(2) Stamp Duty:

Stamp duty is a tax on documents relating to immovable properties, stocks or shares. Examples
of such documents are lease/tenancy agreements, mortgages, and share transfer documents.
While there is no Additional Buyer Stamp Duty (ABSD) for commercial properties, industrial
properties (a type of commercial properties) attracts the Sellers Stamp Duty. This is 15% of the
sale price if sold on the first year, 10% for the second year, and 5% for the third year.

(3) Foreign Worker Levy

Singapore companies are required to pay foreign worker levy (FWL) for their certain work visa
holding employees (Work Permit and S Pass). This is a price mechanism introduced by the
Singapore Government to regulate the foreign manpower numbers in the country. The amount of
FWL to be paid for each worker is determined by the sector the employer/company belongs to,
and the educational qualifications and skills of the workers. Employers can avail some
concessions in the levy if they employ skilled workers with relevant qualifications.

(4) Property Tax, and Social security or Central Provident Fund contributions

Provisions are the same as mentioned in the Personal Taxation segment earlier.

(5) Capital duty : None

(6) Transfer tax: None

3.6 IMPORT TARIFFS:

Singapore is generally a free port and an open economy. More than 99% of all imports into
Singapore enter the country duty-free. For social and/or environmental reasons, Singapore levies
high excise taxes on distilled spirits and wine, tobacco products, motor vehicles and petroleum
products.

Singapore levies a 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST). For dutiable goods, the taxable value for
GST is calculated based on the CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) value plus all duties and other
charges. In the case of non-dutiable goods, GST will be based on the CIF value plus any
commission and other incidental charges whether or not shown on the invoice. If the goods are
dutiable, the GST will be collected simultaneously with the duties. Special provisions pertain to
goods stored in licensed warehouses and free trade zones. See http://www.iras.gov.sg and
http://www.customs.gov.sg for more information.
 3.7 Inustry-Specific Business Licenses in Singapore
Listed below are some of the industry-specific licenses that must be obtained in order to run a
particular business in Singapore.
(1) Retail Business
Licensing requirements for retail shops vary depending on the nature of goods and services being
sold：-
Tobacco Retail Licence, issued by the Health Sciences Authority, for the retail of tobacco
products.
Liquor License issued by the Liquor Licencing Board for retail of liquor.
Telecommunication Dealers Licence issued by Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) of
Singapore for the manufacture, import, hire, sale, offer or possession for sale of any approved
telecommunication equipment or equipment set out in the First Schedule of the
Telecommunication (Dealers) Regulations.
Pet Shop Licence issued by the AVA, if you intend to use a premises for the display, sale or
export of pets. You do not need a pet shop licence if you are only selling pet accessories or
engaging only in pet g
rooming activities.
Wholesale Dealers Licence for Chinese Proprietary Medicine (CPM) issued by the Health
Sciences Authority of Singapore (HSA) under the Medicines Act to allow the companies to
import Chinese Proprietary Medicines (CPM). The CPM must be listed and approved for sale in
Singapore prior to importation.
Certificate of Registration of Pharmacy issued by HSA for pharmacies or drugstores.
Cosmetic Products Notification under the guidance of HSA for retail of cosmetic products
(2) Construction Business
There are several permits, approvals and licenses that are required for setting up a construction
company in Singapore. In addition, one needs to apply to the Ministry of Manpower for work
permits in order to hire foreign laborers.
(3) Import and Export Permit
Registration for Central Registration Number (CR No.) had ceased from 23 Dec 2008. With
effect from 1 January 2009, Singapore Customs implemented Unique Entity Number (UEN) to
replace CR number.
You will need to register with Singapore Customs, the companys account will then be activated
and it will also enables your company to apply and submit Import and Export Permit applications
through TradeNet? if necessary.
It is a regulatory requirement to complete this process and activate the account (by either one of
the owners or directors) if your organisation wishes to import goods into or export goods from
Singapore, or submit permit applications on behalf of other traders.
Singapore permits the import and export of non-controlled goods without any licence
requirements. Examples of non-controlled goods include: books, stationery, handicrafts,
jewellery, toys and games, sporting and recreational goods, CD ROMs, VCDs, DVDs, flowers
and plants etc.
For trading of controlled goods, you will require a relevant import/export licence relating to the
goods you are dealing in, issued by the specific governing agency. Examples of controlled goods
include cigarettes and tobacco products, drugs, petrochemicals, animals and food products.
(4) Hotel
There are several licenses and approvals to be procured in order to set up a hotel or boarding
house in Singapore. Apart from the principal Hotel-Keepers License and approval from the
Hotels Licensing Board, permits or licenses will have to be obtained for the following types of
activities: housing TVs, organizing ad-hoc entertainment, playing copyrighted music or videos,
running a spa, selling tobacco products, operating a swimming pool, etc.
(5) Spa: A Massage Establishment License is required in order to offer massage services, foot-
reflexology services, manicure treatments, spa baths or other similar treatments.
(6) Medical Clinic
There are three essential types of licenses in order to operate a western medical clinic in
Singapore ?the Medical Clinic License which is a compulsory license for all health-care
institutions; licenses for dealing with hazardous chemicals, using irradiating equipment or for
purchasing certain medicinal products; and licenses and approvals to carry out medical
procedures such as such as liposuction, abortion and sterilisation.
(7) Employment Agency: Any business activities that involve recruitment and job placement
services for other employers, an Employment Agency Licence is required from the Ministry of
Manpower (MOM) of Singapore before business can commence.
Employment agencies include: head-hunting firm, executive search companies, foreign domestic
worker agencies, local and foreign staffing companies, construction worker agencies, online jobs
portals, nanny-placing agencies and so on.
 4.
Political & Legal
analysis
 4.1 Introduction to Singapores Political System:
Since the day Singapore officially gaining sovereignty on 9 August 1965, its politics has been
dominated by the Peoples Action Party (PAP). During the 2006 election the PAP won 82 out of
84 seats in the nations Parliament. Despite the PAPs dealings with communists in the early
days, its governing philosophy for the last several decades can best be described as Socialist
Democracy.
Since the day Singapore officially gaining sovereignty on 9 August 1965, its politics has been
dominated by the Peoples Action Party (PAP). During the 2006 election the PAP won 82 out of
84 seats in the nations Parliament. Despite the PAPs dealings with communists in the early
days, its governing philosophy for the last several decades can best be described as Socialist
Democracy.
Singapore, under the leadership of the PAP, possesses a distinct political culture: authoritarian,
pragmatic, rational and legalistic. Singapores power structure is highly centralized,
characterized by a top-down style. It features appointment rather than election to most offices.
Economic growth and political stability were maintained by the paternal guidance of the PAP.
Thus, Singapore is not administered by politicians, but by bureaucrats, in a meritocracy where
power is gained through skill, performance, and loyalty to the nation and its policies.

4.2 Politics and government:

Singapore is a parliamentary democracy with a president as the constitutional head of state. The
president plays a ceremonial role in the political life of the country and until 1991 was elected by
the parliament. In 1991, the constitution was amended, allowing citizens to vote for their
president in direct popular elections. Current president S. R. Nathan took office for a 6-year term
in 1999. Singapore's unicameral (one house) parliament has 83 members elected by popular vote.
Executive power rests with the cabinet, led by the prime minister who is responsible to the
parliament.
Several political parties have been active since Singapore's independence in 1965. Five of these
parties have a high profile and influence in the country. These are: People's Action Party (PAP);
National Solidarity Party (NSP); Singapore Democratic Party (SDP); Singapore People's Party
(SPP); and Worker's Party (WP). Unlike many neighboring countries, the Communist Party does
not have mass support in Singapore, and there has been no violent confrontation with
communists. The military has never been an influential force in the political arena of the country.
Politically, Singapore has remained remarkably stable and nearly untouched by political violence
since independence.

Since the end of World War II, the major issues shaping political competition in Singapore have
been the promotion of political stability, economic growth, and maintaining a balance among the
3 main ethnic groups. The PAP came to power spreading an ideal of national consolidation,
economic growth, and state paternalism. It has remained the country's dominant political force
for the past 40 years, controlling parliament in every election since independence. The PAP's
strong man, Lee Kuan Yew, became prime minister in 1959 when Singapore acquired self-
governance, and retained this position until 1990. After his resignation, Goh Chok Tong, Lee's
chosen successor, became the new prime minister. One of the unique features of Singaporean
political development is the governing by a single party since gaining independence in 1965.
This has led prominent human rights groups to criticize the Singaporean government over its
failure to promote and protect the political and civil rights of its citizens.
Since the early 1960s, under the leadership of both Lee Kuan Yew and then Goh Chok Tong, the
Singapore government has promoted a free-market and export-oriented economy. This policy has
been successful and the country has experienced unprecedented economic growth and prosperity.
Leading technocrats were able to capture major trends in technological change in the modern
world and utilize the benefits of globalization. In 1992, as a member of the Association of South
East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Singapore created a regional free trade zone , to be known as the
ASEAN Free Trade Zone (AFTA). Singapore managed to minimize the negative effects of the
oil crisis of 1979 and the Asian financial meltdown in 1997.
4.3 Foreign relations :
Singapore maintains diplomatic relations with 189 countries[1] although it does not maintain a
high commission or embassy in many of those countries. It is a member of the United Nations,
the Commonwealth, ASEAN and the Non-Aligned Movement.
Due to obvious geographical reasons, relations with Malaysia and Indonesia are most important.
Historical baggage, including the traumatic separation from Malaysia, and Konfrontasi with
Indonesia, have caused a siege mentality of sorts.[citation needed] Singapore enjoys good
relations with the United Kingdom which shares ties in the Five Power Defence Arrangements
(FPDA) along with Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand. Good relations are also maintained
with the United States; the US is perceived as a stabilizing force in the region to counterbalance
the regional powers.
Singapore supports the concept of Southeast Asian regionalism and plays an active role in the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which Singapore is a founding member.
Singapore is also a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum which has
its Secretariat in Singapore. As part of its role in the United Nations, Singapore held a rotational
seat on the UN Security Council from 2001 to 2002. It participated in UN peacekeeping/observer
missions in Kuwait, Angola, Kenya, Cambodia and Timor Leste.

4.4 Legislation:
Legislation for work passes

Find links to the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA), Immigration Act and other
legislation related to work passes and foreign manpower.
Legislation covering work passes:
Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (Chapter 91A)
Immigration Act (Cap 133)
EFMA subsidiary legislation:
Employment of Foreign Manpower (Levy) Order 2011
Employment of Foreign Manpower (Security Measures for Work Place) Notification
Employment of Foreign Manpower (Work Pass Exemptions) Notification 2
Employment of Foreign Manpower (Work Pass Exemptions) Notification 4
Employment of Foreign Manpower (Bail and Personal Bond) Regulations
Employment of Foreign Manpower (Work Passes) Regulations 2012
Employment of Foreign Manpower (Infringement and Appeal Board Proceedings) Regulations
2013
Employment of Foreign Manpower (Work Passes) Regulations - Conditions of Work Pass
Legislation covering foreign manpower:
Employment of Foreign Manpower (Work Passes) Regulations - Conditions of Work Pass
Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (Cap 91A)
Immigration Act (Cap 133)

Employment of Foreign Manpower Act

The Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA) regulates the employment of foreign
employees and protects their well-being. Find out what it covers and your key responsibilities as an
employer under the Act.

What is the EFMA

The Employment of Foreign Manpower Act prescribes the responsibilities and obligations for
employing foreign employees in Singapore.

It covers regulations and enforcement for:

Work passes
Offences

Who it covers
The EFMA covers any person issued a work pass by the Ministry of Manpower. Work passes
include Employment Pass, S Pass and Work Permits.

Key responsibilities

The EFMA outlines responsibilities relating to work passes, including applications,

cancellations, medical insurance, levy, cancellation and repatriation. For specific requirements,
see the individual work passes.

Foreign employees who are covered by the Employment Act are entitled to:

Salary
Hours of work, overtime and rest days
Public holidays
Annual leave
Sick leave
 You are encouraged to have a written employment contract with your foreign employees that
covers these areas.

Report a possible infringement

If you want to report a possible work pass infringement, you can call our hotlines or submit your
feedback online.

Penalties

The penalties for common offences under the EFMA are listed in the table:

Offence Penalty

Employing a foreign employee without a valid work pass
A fine between $5,000 and $30,000, or
imprisonment for up to 1 year, or both.
For subsequent convictions, offenders
face a mandatory imprisonment and a fine
between $10,000 and $30,000.

Contravening any condition of a work pass A fine up to $10,000, or imprisonment for

up to 1 year, or both.

Making a false statement or providing false information A fine up to $20,000, or imprisonment for
in any application or renewal of a work pass up to 2 years, or both.

Receiving money in connection with an employment of a A fine up to $30,000, or imprisonment for

foreign employee up to 2 years, or both.

Obtaining a work pass for a foreign employee for a An imprisonment term of 6 months and to
business that does not exist, or is not in operation or does a fine not exceeding $6,000. Offenders
not require the employment of the foreign employee may also receive caning.
 4.5 Government Regulations That Affect Marketing in Retail
Advertising laws and regulations exist at both the federal and state levels. In the retail industry,
advertising rules dictate the messages companies may convey when attempting to sway
consumers to purchase products and services. Violations of these regulations can lead to stiff
financial penalties that far exceed any actual monetary damages consumers may suffer.
Truth in Advertising Laws
It's a violation of federal and state law for any company, including retail businesses, to make
false or deceptive claims with advertising regarding products and services. The Federal Trade
Commission enforces false advertising laws at the federal level, and similar agencies have
jurisdiction at state level. In light of these regulations, business marketing departments devise
advertising campaigns to emphasize only truthful features or benefits of company products. For
example, a retail tire company can't legally market its tires as lasting over 30,000 miles when the
company knows the products last only up to 20,000 miles.
Consumer Protection Laws
Each state across the country has consumer protection laws in place, with the goal of preventing
businesses from using misleading marketing campaigns as a means to drive sales numbers. For
example, according legal information website Nolo, consumers may be able to sue a business
that advertises services that the company can't actually perform. Consumers may also be able to
sue companies that advertise discounted prices for products and services but refuse to honor the
advertised lower sale amounts. The liability risk these lawsuits represent encourages businesses
to act responsibly in using marketing techniques to increase sales revenue.
Misleading Discount Prices
While it's illegal for businesses to refuse to honor advertised pricing discounts, it's also illegal for
companies to deceive consumers into thinking a discount exists where it actually doesn't. For
example, a retail clothing store's promotion of the regular $55 price of a pair of jeans as a $20
discount when the jeans have never been sold for $75 might represent a violation of consumer
protection laws. The regular price of merchandise may not be advertised as a sale price.
Seeking Punitive Damages
Consumer protection laws allow customers wronged through deceptive advertising practices to
seek punitive damages from the offending business. A consumer seeking punitive damages may
receive a much higher settlement amount from a business than in a lawsuit through which the
consumer may recoup only actual losses.

4.6 Trade policy

Navigating A Challenging Economic Environment:
2.1. Trade contributes significantly to the Singapore economy. During the period under review,
Singapore's trade to gross domestic product (GDP) ratio averaged around 368%. Trade
accounted for approximately 60% of Singapore's GDP in value-added terms and half of
employment in the same period.1 2.2. The challenging global economic environment has had an
impact on Singapore's economic performance. Sluggish global demand and sustained low oil
prices have adversely affected significant sectors of the economy, such as the marine and
offshore sector. Singapore's resource constraints in land, manpower and energy pose additional
challenges to our efforts in sustaining economic growth. In 2015, the economy grew at a
moderate pace of 2.0% compared to an average annual growth of 3.9% between 2012 and 2014.
2.3. The manufacturing sector recorded the weakest performance, contracting by 5.2% in 2015.
This was a reversal from the average annual growth rate of 1.6% from 2012 to 2014. With the
exception of the chemicals sector, all manufacturing sectors experienced declines in output in
2015. Growth in the construction sector was 2.5%, compared to an average annual growth rate of
6.9% from 2012 to 2014. This was attributed to a slowdown in private sector construction
activities. 2.4. In contrast, the services sector expanded by 3.4% in 2015, a reduction from the
average annual growth rate of 4.8% from 2012 to 2014. The wholesale and retail trade and the
finance and insurance sectors registered the strongest growth. Notably, the wholesale and retail
trade sector expanded by 6.1%, improving from the average annual growth of 4.0% from 2012 to
2014. Meanwhile, the finance and insurance sector grew by 5.3% a significant fall from the
average annual growth rate of 9.7% between 2012 and 2014.
ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING TOWARDS PRODUCTIVITY AND
INNOVATION-LED GROWTH
3.1. Singapore views productivity-led growth as the most sustainable way to ensure long-term
economic growth. This is especially crucial in view of Singapore's ageing society and manpower
constraints. SkillsFuture 3.2. A key pillar of Singapore's productivity drive is SkillsFuture.
SkillsFuture aims to educate and equip the workforce with skills and knowhow for the future
economy. Launched in November 2014, SkillsFuture seeks to provide guidance to individuals to
make well-informed choices in their personal education, training and careers, develop an
integrated high-quality system of education and training that responds to constantly evolving
economic and global needs, promote employer recognition and career development based on
skills and mastery, and foster a culture that supports and celebrates lifelong learning.
Infrastructure Development 3.3. Singapore has also developed infrastructure to optimize the use
of scarce resources, strengthen our companies' competitiveness, and support new growth sectors.
For instance, Jurong Town Corporation's (JTC) Surface Engineering Hub and Chemicals Hub
consist of shared facilities, such as a centralised wastewater treatment plant and fire-water
retention tanks. Companies can make use of these shared facilities and in turn, reduce their
capital investment and operating costs. The 600-ha Jurong Innovation District is another
initiative. When ready, the District will host several new growth sectors, including advanced
manufacturing, robotics, urban solutions, clean technology and smart logistics. The District will
also support Singapore's manufacturing value chains in these new growth sectors, including
through functions such as research and development, design, prototyping, production and supply
chain management. For instance, companies within the District will have access to the research
and engineering capabilities of Singapore's Nanyang Technological University, a full-fledged
comprehensive and research-intensive university. Research, Innovation and Enterprise 3.4.
Research, innovation and enterprise (RIE) remain cornerstones of Singapore's knowledge-based
and innovation-driven economy. To this end, Singapore has committed S$19 billion in funding
for the RIE2020 Plan (2016 to 2020) to develop research & design capabilities within industries
and nurture innovative enterprises to spur economic growth. This is an 18% increase over the
budget allocated in the previous 5 year plan (2011 to 2015). The RIE2020 Plan will focus on
areas including Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering; Health and Biomedical Sciences;
Urban Solutions and Sustainability; and Services and the Digital Economy. WT/TPR/G/343
Singapore - 5 - These research activities will be supported by programmes with a focus on
human capital namely, academic research, to ensure excellent science; manpower, to sustain a
pipeline of skilled manpower; and innovation and enterprise, to maximise value creation.
SUPPORTING THE RULES-BASED MULTILATERAL TRADING
SYSTEM
4.1. Singapore's trade policy is anchored in the rules-based multilateral trading system as
embodied by the WTO. Singapore takes its WTO membership seriously and has actively
participated in work across the full WTO agenda to support the multilateral trading system.
Singapore was amongst the first to ratify the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), a key
deliverable from the Bali Ministerial Conference. Singapore has also submitted its notification
on the granting of preferential treatment in Services to Least-Developed Countries (LDCs), in
accordance with the Services waiver agreed to at the Geneva and Bali Ministerial Conferences.
4.2. Singapore is committed to advancing rule-setting and trade-liberalising efforts at the WTO.
As part of the Friends of Anti-Dumping Negotiations (FANs), Singapore has actively pushed for
greater disciplines on transparency and due process in anti-dumping actions. Singapore has also
maintained a pragmatic and open approach at the WTO. Singapore's participation in plurilateral
initiatives where benefits are multilateralized, such as the expansion of the Information
Technology Agreement (ITA) and the ongoing Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA), reflect
its view that such efforts will contribute to greater liberalisation at the WTO and strengthen the
multilateral trading system. 4.3. Singapore has also supported the WTO's regular work in trade
monitoring, dispute settlement and capacity building. Singapore is part of the Friends of
Safeguards Procedures (FSP), which has organised informal sessions on the sidelines of the
regular Safeguards Committee meetings since 2013 to discuss and understand Members'
practices in safeguard proceedings. During the period under review, Singapore has also stepped
up its third party participation in the WTO dispute settlement system.
MODERNISING REGULATORY REGIME AND FACILITATING TRADE
THROUGH DOMESTIC POLICIES
6.1. Singapore continually reviews and reforms its already liberal regulatory regime, which does
not maintain any export subsidies, exchange restrictions or price ceilings. This is to ensure that
Singapore's regulatory regime keeps pace with the changing business environment and remains
conducive for business activities. Singapore has been ranked first in the World Bank's Ease of
Doing Business index from 2006 till today.
Customs and trade facilitation
6.2. Singapore is committed to improving its already liberal and facilitative trade regime through
active engagement with businesses, robust regulations and effective risk-based enforcement. This
holistic approach facilitates the movement of legitimate cargo while keeping out dangerous and
undesirable cargo from entering or leaving the country. 6.3. To raise the overall proficiency and
professionalism of the declaring agents and declarants, Singapore implemented the Declaring
Agent Governance Framework in 2013. The Framework ensures the accuracy, completeness and
integrity of trade declarations. In addition, to further support the industry's need for rapid
turnaround time for air cargo, the permit exemption threshold for export of non-controlled and
non-dutiable goods by air was increased from S$400 to S$1,000 (total value of goods).
Non-tariff measures
6.4. In order to address the global rise of non-tariff measures, the Ministry of Trade and Industry
established a Non-Tariff Measures (NTM) Unit in October 2014 as an inter-agency undertaking
to identify and address NTMs faced by companies based in Singapore, and to ensure that
Singapore's trade policies are consistent with Singapore's international obligations.
Intellectual property
(IP) 6.5. Singapore has completed several major reviews to update Singapore's IP policies to
ensure that they remain robust and effectively support businesses and innovators in the
protection of their IP. International surveys consistently rank Singapore's IP regime as one of the
best in the world; the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report 2015/16 ranked
Singapore 4th globally for IP protection. The introduction of the patent positive grant system in
2014 has raised the quality of granted patents in Singapore. Further, the completion of the
designs review in March 2016 will support creativity and innovation in Singapore's designs
ecosystem, and allow businesses to obtain design protection in Singapore and overseas markets
more easily and effectively.
Legal services
6.6. Singapore has expanded its range of dispute resolution services to support the growth of
business activities in Singapore and in the region. In November 2014, the Singapore
International Mediation Centre (SIMC) was established to provide international commercial
mediation services. At the same time, the Singapore International Mediation Institute was set up
to ensure the quality of the SIMC's mediators. In January 2015, Singapore established the
Singapore International Commercial Court and supplemented the Singapore bench with a
number of international judges to hear international commercial disputes. Foreign lawyers have
rights of audience in certain circumstances. Together with the existing Singapore International
Arbitration Centre and the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Centre, Singapore now offers
disputing parties a complete suite of dispute resolution services to choose from based on their
business needs.
6.7. To update and modernise the regulatory framework for the legal profession in Singapore,
Singapore amended the Legal Profession Act to provide a streamlined disciplinary framework
for all lawyers, and an integrated licensing regime for all law practice entities in Singapore. A
new regulatory body the Legal Services Regulatory Authority was set up in November 2015
to administer the integrated licensing regime that brings together certain regulatory functions
previously undertaken by the Attorney-General's Chambers' Legal Profession Secretariat and the
Law Society of Singapore. To provide law practices with the flexibility to attract and retain non-
lawyer talent with strong management or finance backgrounds, since November 2015, non-
lawyers have been allowed to become partners, directors or shareholders in, or to share in the
profits of, law practice entities (up to prescribed limits).
A robust Intellectual Property (IP) rights regime is essential to encourage innovation, creativity
and the growth of industry and commerce in Singapore. The Ministry of Law is committed to
help create an environment that is conducive for the development of IP, which covers patents,
trade marks, copyright, registered designs, plant varieties protection, geographical indications,
trade secrets and layout-design of integrated circuits.

4.7 Intellectual Property Rights:

MinLaw formulates policies and strategies in support of Singapores drive towards an
innovation-driven economy. Specific functions include ensuring a robust domestic IP protection
and enforcement regime that is responsive to our economic needs; fostering the growth of a
vibrant IP services sector, and developing Singapore as an Asian IP hub.
The implementation of IP policies is undertaken by the Intellectual Property Office of
Singapore (IPOS), a statutory board under MinLaw. IPOS is the lead government agency that
advises on and administers IP laws and, promotes IP awareness. To develop Singapore as an IP
hub of Asia, IPOS mission is to provide the infrastructure, build expertise and grow the
ecosystem in support of the greater creation, protection and exploitation of IP.

Developing Singapore as Asias Intellectual Property Hub

In the last decade, Singapore has made tremendous strides in the development of a thriving IP
landscape. The high international rankings for Singapores IP regime bear testament to this. For
example, since 2006, our IP regime has been consistently ranked among the top five in the world
by the World Economic Forum, and top 10 by the Institute for Management Development.
According to the Global Innovation Index 2013 compiled by the INSEAD Business School in
collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Singapore is Asias
most innovative country.

4.8 Subsidies:
1. Housing
Singapore Citizens are the only ones who can apply for a new HDB BTO flat. Even if youre a
Permanent Resident, you cant apply for a new flat unless youre applying with a spouse
(whether married or engaged) or children who is a Singapore Citizen. As you know, new flats in
Singapore are heavily subsidised. Even without including further subsidies from grants, a new 4-
room HDB flat in Tampines will cost $281,000. In contrast, a resale 4-room flat in the same
neighbourhood will probably cost around $425,000 or about 50% more than a new flat.
But since I mentioned housing grants, did you know that Singapore Citizens qualify for up to
$100,000 when buying a new or resale flat? The exact amount depends on their average monthly
household income, with lower-income families naturally receiving higher subsidies.
Simply put, Singapore Citizens not only are eligible for subsidised housing, they are also eligible
for grants to further lower the property prices. On the other hand, Singapore PR and foreigners
are not only subject to the full price of property, they are also penalised with Additional Buyers
Stamp Duty, which adds anything from 5% to 15% of the purchase price. 15% of a resale flat
that costs $425,000 is $63,750. Thats not a small sum.

2. Healthcare
Whether it is just for a simple checkup at the polyclinic, or an urgent surgery at a local hospital,
the healthcare costs for Singapore Citizens are subsidised more than Permanent Residents, while
foreigners end up having to pay in full.
For example, a general visit to a polyclinic will cost an adult Singapore Citizen around $11.80.
The same visit would cost between $22.50 and $30.80 for a Singapore PR, around 2 times more.
A foreigner would be charged about $45. And this is just for a general polyclinic visit!
When it comes to hospital wards, a Singapore Citizen would be charged about $75 a day for a
Class B2 ward (not including treatment, of course). This goes up to about $130 a day for a
Singapore PR, and as much as $235 for a foreigner. Working backwards, we can say that
Singapore Citizens get subsidised $160 a day for a Class B2 ward.

3. Education
This may come as a surprise to some of you, but Singapore Citizens dont pay a cent in school
fees for Primary School education, and only $60 a year for Secondary School education. That
means, for the first 10 years of your childs school education, it will only cost around $240, or an
average of $24 a year.
Compare this to the cost of an international student, especially after the recent education fees
increase announced last week. Starting next year, they will have to pay $550 per month for
Primary School education, and $800 a month for Secondary School education. Over 10 years,
that can come up to $39,600 for Primary School and $38,400 for Secondary School, for a total of
$78,000. Thats an average of $7,800 a year!
Singapore Citizens therefore are being subsidised a hefty average of $7,776 a year for Primary
and Secondary School Education. Lets not even talk about the difference in fees for tertiary
educational institutions.
 5.
Reference List
https://globaledge.msu.edu/countries/singapore/tradestats
https://www.google.co.in/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-
8#q=import+%26+export+stastics+of+singapor&*
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore
https://www.google.co.in/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-
8#q=Intellectual+Property+Rights+of+singapor&*
http://www.tradingeconomics.com/singapore/gdp-growth
https://www.guidemesingapore.com/relocation/introduction/singapores-political-system
https://www.guidemesingapore.com/relocation/introduction/singapores-political-system
 6.
Appendix