Tonight - apart from spending the entire night writing my last paper for this term - I will have a lovely lovely lovely dinner with my ACF group for some Absolutely Crazy Food. Time for me to say goodbye. My housemates are throwing a goodbye party for me! Isn't this nice? Whoever tells me that German have no sense of humor and no sense of service needs to meet my housemates.

Oh my God...Only a few days left.

I went to confirm my flight at the Singapore Airlines office on Orchard Road. Business Lounge with 24hr news while you are waiting. Raffles Class and Cattle Class self-select themselves at the entrance to make the whole process more efficient. Each person waiting can read about culture tip in Singapore. Here is what I have read:

Business Meetings:
A long term relationship is expected with Asian so do work on building a personal relationship with your contacts. Consider in your dealings that Chinese culture has a great influence on Singapore's business style.

- When making introductions for the first time and in formal meetings, always use the person's title and family or personal name.
- Business cards should be exchanged upon meeting and treated carefully, Ideally they should be given and received with both hands. Upon receiving a card, do not write on it, do not just drop it in your briefcase, or stash it in a folder. These actions could be misconstrued as disrespect

- despite the tropical climate, long-sleeved shirts and ties are the usual calls

- With Malay associates, mainly Muslim, avoid conducting business on Fridays and during Ramadan. Never serve alcohol or pork. Indians do not eat beef and most of them are vegetarians. The inviting party usually pick up the bill. The other party can reciprocate the other time round. There is emphasis on equality of sexes. Spouses of both sexes do not usually attend business functions, unless specially invited

- Gift giving is a common way of expressing thanks. Small business-related gifts such as a pen with the company logo would be sufficient and not considered corruption. Gifts are wrapped, presented and received with two hands. They are opened after the presenter leaves. Gifts with conotations of severance such as knife symbolize conflict and should not be accepted. Letter openers are an exception. The number 4 carries a strong association with death so it is important not to give anything in a set of four. Clocks are also inappropriate for Chinese as the Chinese word for clock has connotations of death. For your Malay associates, avoid products made from pigskin and alcohol as these goods contravene the laws of Islam.

Singaporeans might arrive late at social parties but being late for a business appointment is paramount to an insult

Business breakfasts are rare in Singapore. Lunch is preferred and can take quite some time. Do not schedule anything between noon and 2pm

If you make a faux-pas, apologize! Singaporeans are cosmopolitan and will not take offence if they understand that you come from a different culture. Ask for their advice, they will gladly help!