Singapore is actually a very popular country for studying abroad. It is also recognized as a country with a high standard of living in Asia, but its consumption is very low and reasonable.Etiquette and taboos for studying in SingaporeTop 10 things to know about studying in Singapore, ,Health insurance tips for international students in Singapore, ,What are the safety tips for studying in Singapore?The problem.

Etiquette and taboos for studying in Singapore

Etiquette and taboos for studying in Singapore

1. Gift giving

When Singaporeans invite you to their home for dinner, bringing a small gift (a box of chocolates or a bouquet of flowers) will make the hostess happy. In Singapore, it is impolite to open a gift in front of the gift giver, so don't be surprised if the host does not unwrap your gift immediately after receiving it.

2. Table manners

Singaporeans often use chopsticks and spoons, and restaurants also provide forks. When eating chicken or other poultry, you can use your hands. Especially when dining with Malays and Indians, you can imitate them and use your right hand instead of chopsticks and banana leaves instead of plates. When eating, do not place chopsticks on the bowl or serving plate, and do not cross the chopsticks. Place them on the holder, soy sauce dish or dinner plate. When there are sailors, fishermen or other boating enthusiasts at the same table, do not turn over the half-eaten fish on the plate. The fish bones should be removed before continuing to eat the fish meat below, otherwise it will indicate a capsize.

3. Pay attention to environmental hygiene

In Singapore, you must always pay attention to maintaining a clean environment! Spitting or littering will be subject to a fine of one thousand dollars! Strict enforcement must be carried out in places where smoking is prohibited, and a fine of 500 Singapore dollars will be imposed for smoking in violation of the ban.

4. Taboos

(1) Behavior taboos

The following are considered extremely rude by Singaporeans: pointing at someone with your index finger, hitting your open palm with your clenched fist, or clenching your fist and inserting your thumb between your index and middle fingers. Don't put your hands on your hips casually, otherwise it will be misunderstood as being angry.

(2) New Year Taboos

Do not sweep the floor or wash your hair during the New Year, otherwise your good luck will be swept away; do not break things in the house, especially mirrors, as that will foreshadow family division or other misfortunes; do not wear old clothes and do not use needles and scissors, as they will bring bad luck.

(3) Digital Taboos

Singaporeans believe that 4, 6, 7, 13, 37 and 69 are negative numbers. They hate "7" the most and try to avoid this number.

(4) Color taboos

Singaporeans regard black as the color of bad luck and misfortune, and purple is not popular. They prefer red, which they regard as a symbol of solemnity, passion, excitement, bravery and generosity. They also welcome blue and green.

(5) Pattern taboos

Singapore prohibits the use of images of the Tathagata Buddha on product packaging, and is also not allowed to use religious terms. Images of pigs and turtles are taboo.

(6) Conversation taboos

When talking to Singaporeans, it is taboo to discuss political gains and losses, racial friction, religious disputes, and spouses. They prefer to share travel experiences, local delicacies, and famous restaurants. Singaporeans are reserved and rarely joke. It is also taboo to say "Congratulations on your prosperity" to Singaporeans, because they understand "wealth" as "ill-gotten gains" or "being rich but unkind".

Further reading: Safety warning for studying in Singapore

1. National Security

Since the British troops withdrew from Singapore in the 1960s, it has been surrounded by neighboring countries. Coupled with the complicated disputes with Malaysia, the national security situation is not very good. It was once on the verge of war with Malaysia and Indonesia. Therefore, the first generation of leaders with Lee Kuan Yew as the core paid great attention to the development of national defense and implemented a universal compulsory military service system in Singapore. Every male citizen of the right age needs to serve two years of military service. This is why our male classmates in college are generally one or two years older than us. After Singapore's economic take-off in the 1970s, it gradually became the richest country in Southeast Asia.

With Malaysia and Indonesia watching closely around them, Singapore has a mentality similar to that of Kuwait in the Middle East. Therefore, Singapore's investment in national defense is quite huge. In the past few years, Singapore's defense budget has accounted for 5% to 6% of the gross national product and about 34% of the government budget. The total number of the three armed forces is 55,000, of which the army is 45,000, of which more than 38,000 are conscripted, and there are 50,000 in the reserve. There are 250,000 mobilized, 4,500 in the navy, and 6,000 in the air force. Such a large army size is quite large for a city-state with a population of 4 million. Singapore's army has a high technical content and its equipment is quite advanced in the region. The navy and air force are even more advanced in Southeast Asia.

However, due to geographical limitations, Singapore cannot withstand a large-scale war. Therefore, Singapore strengthens its own armaments and enhances its deterrent power, making itself a "little shrimp covered with poisonous spines". On the other hand, it also tries to maintain good relations with neighboring countries and maintains all-round defense cooperation with Europe, the United States, and Russia, especially with the United States. The naval base built by Singapore near Changi can be used for the berthing and replenishment of US aircraft carrier formations.

Due to the end of the Cold War, the easing of international tensions, and the rise of moderate leaders in neighboring countries, Singapore is not facing direct threats of war. Large tracts of wasteland in the north that were used as strategic buffers have been developed into industrial or residential areas. In the foreseeable future, Singapore is basically a safe place, of course, this will also largely depend on the wisdom of the Singapore government and the development of the international situation.

2. Social Security

Compared to most major cities in China, Singapore's public security is quite good, with a very low crime rate. In most places on the island, it is not too dangerous to wander around alone in the middle of the night.

However, as the government itself said, "a low crime rate does not mean no crime." Singapore is not a peaceful country where "no one picks up lost items on the road and no one locks their doors at night." Murder, robbery, theft and other crimes are still heard from time to time. Although Singapore's laws are very strict, there are always people who take risks.

When you first arrive, don't be too bold and be careful. If you go out to play, go with a few friends. Don't run around after dark, especially in accident-prone areas such as Little India and Yalong. Girls should be more careful.

If you encounter any problems, it is better not to try to solve them by yourself. After all, they are the apple of their parents' eyes. It would be bad if they get hurt. Immediately seek help from the nearest neighborhood police station, or call the police immediately. There are also many patrol police in Singapore, and you can ask them for help. Anyway, safety comes first, and don't worry too much about your property. However, I have not encountered such a situation in the five years I have been here.

Another point is about the laws and regulations of Singapore. Singapore is basically a country under the rule of law, with relatively complete laws and regulations. The penalties for violations are also quite severe. A few years ago, an American youth violated the law in Singapore and was caned. Despite the plea of the US President, Singapore still withstood the pressure and insisted on executing the sentence. However, you still don't have to worry too much, important notices and signs are both in Chinese and English to ensure that you don't make mistakes due to ignorance.

A little off topic, when you are at the airport, don't help someone you don't know to carry things through customs. If there are drugs hidden in the things, whether you know it or not, you will still be charged with drug trafficking, and the penalty is death penalty!

3. Traffic Safety

In a word: stop for three minutes, don't rush for one second. Even if you see the green light, don't just go ahead. Cross the street on an overpass, underpass, or at least on a crosswalk. If you are hit by a car while crossing the road, the car owner is not responsible. The speed here is very fast, so be careful.

Etiquette and taboos for studying in Singapore

Summary of etiquette and taboos for studying in Singapore

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