The Ethnic Arabs 
Ethnic Singaporean Arabs have been in Singapore since 1819, the year the British established the island as a trading post. Mostly of Yemeni origin, the main influential Arab families are the Alsagoffs, the Aljunieds and the Alkaffs - who became known for their property ownership. The Arabs gradually adopted Malay dressing, way of life and the language as their own since. Also, inter-marriage with Malays resulted in many choosing to identify themselves with the latter. One reason was to qualify for the several privileges like subsidized education which are now abolished. 

The Ethnic Jews
Like ethnic Arabs, ethnic Singaporean Jews first arrived in Singapore at about the same time in 1819. Of Iraqi-Baghdadi origin, hailing from Bombay, India where they had settled for generations; they quickly established themselves as large house property owners. However, subsequent to the Second World War, many emigrated to Australia, the United States, England and Israel. In fact, Singapore's very first Chief Minister was a Jew, the late David Marshall. He fought for Singapore's independence after the Second World War; but accede to Britain's insistance on a partial self-governance in 1955. 

In Conclusion
Each of these communities has its own unique customs and practices that only lately differences are blurred and cross-practiced. Mainly in part due to inter-marriages, but certain prejudices towards one another still prevail, even between ethnic sub-groups. Such attitudes are expected of and commonplace in heterogenous societies. 

Major Festivals Celebrated
Festivals that I will expound on this section are of religious and cultural in nature, besides gazetted as public holidays. It is noteworthy that some of these festivals featured below were practices that were brought by immigrants from China and India in the 19th century. As with immigrant customs, certain elements are preserved which are no longer observed or of any significance in the respective countries today. 

Chinese or Lunar New Year
Chinese New Year traditionally falls between late January and early February. It is on the first day of the New Year that the next animal on the Chinese Zodiac calendar takes over. Red and gold are considered auspicious hence displays in these colours are encouraged. Customarily lasting 15 days, this occasion has the most number of representations and practices that most ethnic Chinese fervently observe. For instance, old things are discarded and the house is spring-cleaned; hair is cut and all debts are repaid before New Year's Day. Most importantly, the family reunion dinner on New Year's Eve. 

On New Year's Day, children and singles will receive red packets [hongbao in Mandarin, ang pow in Hokkien] of money from parents and married relatives. The giving and receiving of mandarin oranges - sound like gold or kum in Cantonese - signify the exchange of wealth. 

Hari Raya Puasa or Eid-ul-Fitr
Preparations for Hari Raya Puasa - also known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri - started early during Ramadan. The festival derives its name from the zakat fitrah, one of the "five pillars" of Islam: a religious tax payable by each member of the family and equivalent to the price of a gantang [a local weight unit] of rice, or about 3 Singapore Dollars [S$3.00]. 

The morning prayers at the mosque [Muslims are dressed in their new clothes] on this day mark the cut-off point for the payment of these taxes. They will then proceed to cemeteries to honour departed family members. Also, younger Muslims ask for forgiveness from their elders. The Muslims also have the habit of giving money to children when they go visiting. The recent practice of putting money in green packets is adopted from the Chinese - who give red packets of money to children and unmarried adults during Chinese New Year. 

Hari Raya Haji or Eid-ul-Adha
Hari Raya Haji - Festival of Pilgrimage in Malay - is variously known as Hari Raya Korban [Feast of Sacrifice] and Hari Raya Aidiladha. Hari Raya Haji marks the end of the period when the faithful make the at-least once-in-a-lifetime one-month pilgrimage or Haj to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Upon completion of the Haj, the men earn the title Haji, whereas the women Hajjah, that precedes their name. 

It is on this day too that Muslims believe prophet Abraham's [Ibrahim] faith was put to the test by God who commanded him to offer his only son Ismail up for sacrifice. However, as he was about to strike his son, God stopped Abraham and revealed that it was a trial. A sheep was then sacrificed in Ismail's place; thus today's observance of sheep sacrifices as a symbolism of prophet Abraham's test. The meat is then distributed by wealthier Muslims to the mainly poor and destitute. 

Deepavali
Deepavali [Diwali to the North Indians] or the Festival of Lights, is an occasion of much rejoicing for Hindus. Because of its ancient origins, the festival is enveloped in a variety of legends. The most common one being the slaying of an oppressive ruler Narakasura by Lord Krishna; symbolising the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. 

Rows of tiny earthen oil lamps are lit to guide souls of departed relatives on their return journey to the next world. Multi-coloured kolam [South Indian] or rangoli [North Indian] are mainly geometrical or floral designs decorated on the floor outside homes. The festival is celebrated in various ways: South Indians will bathe with oil on the morning of Deepavali and wear new clothes that day. For North Indians, it marks the beginning of a New Year; as well as closing of business accounts and ceremonially open new ones for the New Year. 

Christmas
Singapore may not be a Christian country given its secular governance; but a first-time visitor may be perplexed to witness Christmas widely "celebrated" by Singaporeans regardless of race and faith - even by some Muslims. It is an individual choice as to how far he accepts it as a festival though. Some do go to the extent of buying Christmas trees for their homes while most partake in the celebrations at private functions or office parties which are commonplace. It can be said that the rationale behind the celebration is not fully influenced by commercialization or the West. Most Singaporeans see Christmas as a common festival which they can celebrate with their close friends and colleagues; without the religious connotation and obligation. 

Naming and Title Conventions
Asian naming conventions are different from the West, further complicated by different ethnic and cultural styles. I come across many instances where ethnic Chinese are still addressed by their names instead of their surnames. And in the case of Muslims, they are addressed by their father’s name with the prefix "bin": Mr bin Ali. Which literally means Mr son of Ali. 

To the average Western mind, it is not logical that: [1] a person does not have any surname [2] family names come before given names. Similarly, to the average Malay-Muslim or ethnic Chinese; or South Indian, it is not logical that a Westerner is to be addressed by his or her last name. Instead, they address said Westerner, called John Doe, as Mr John. 

The reasoning is simple: they are not aware - as opposed to ignorance - that John is the given name or that he has a surname. To the Malays, it is poor manners to call John "Mr Doe" as they assume it is his father's name. To add to the confusion, South Indians are technically correct by addressing John as Mr Doe. Assuming that Doe is his given name. 

• Chinese name 
• Family Name + First Name + Second Name 

• Malay name 
• Given Name + "Bin"  [son of] / "Bint" or "Bte" [daughter of] + Father's Name * Forename of Syed or Shaikh [male] or Sharifah [female] indicates the person's Arab origin 
• The honorific title of Haji [male] /Hajjah [female] means the person has successfully completed the Haj to Mecca
• South Indian name
• Either one of the two styles which the individual adopts, but the first instance is more commonplace:
• Given Name + "s/o" [son of] or "d/o" [daughter of] + Father's Name
• Father's Initial + Given Name
• North Indian name
• Given Name + Family Name
• Sikh name
• Given Name + Singh [male, meaning "lio" in Punjabi] / Kaur [female, meaning "princes" in Punjabi]
• Unisexual names: for instance, one may come across both Amajit Singh and Amajeet Kaur 

Making and Turning up for Appointment
Singaporeans value punctuality, hence they appreciate that meetings start on time. Confirming the meeting again a day before the actual date is optional. 

Meeting Etiquette
Unlike other Asian business practices, Singaporeans do not take kindly to gifts on the first day of meeting. Bribery is not a Singaporean way of life hence this gesture may be misconstrued as such. 

Again, unlike certain Asian business etiquette, it is not necessary for a senior Executive to accompany the Assignee to the meeting. Unless it is an ethnic Chinese family business, observance and respect accorded to seniority are not practiced. 

Lastly, a firm handshake is more than suffice regardless of the Singaporean's gender. No bowings, putting palms together and a slight bow; or any other pseudo-Asian gesture, please. Personally, I find such gestures not only rude but condescending too. Singaporeans may not voice their displeasure but that does not imply they are not offended. They simply do not wish to kick up a huge fuss. 

Business cards exchange etiquette
Business cards in Asia serve as an extension of the person's business reputation. Hence, the exchange itself upon first introductions is almost akin to a ritual. If the Assignee is new to Singapore - or Asia for that matter - below are some useful pointers that he could take note of. 

Should he come across practices that are not mentioned here, he could observe his counterparts and make a mental note. Although it is important to double-check with other Expatriates or locals before he decides to emulate his counterparts at the next meeting. This is to ensure there are no connotations pertaining to a particular expression or behaviour. Or his gesture may backfire if it is deemed offensive by his hosts. 

Some useful observations:

• Present business card by holding the top corners with name facing the counterpart 
• Receive counterpart's business card with both hands whilst presenting one's card 
• Show interest in the host by: 
• studying it 
• turning to look at the back of the card to see if there was more information 
• asking questions relating to the host's business or work 
• better still, take the cue from the counterpart 
• if this takes place during a formal meeting, place the card on the table to the right for referencing purposes

Never put it inside the shirt pocket immediately; or the trouser pocket as this gesture is deemed disrespectful. That is, the Assignee is literally sitting on them 

Never write on their business cards as this implies he is defacing the card 

It is not entirely necessary to have business cards printed in Chinese as business is conducted in English

While on another occasion, he may find himself engaged in an interesting conversation with another who might have studied in an English-speaking western country for his tertiary education - though not necessarily. Traditional popular destinations for further education being: the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. 

In other words, there is no one easily identifiable Singaporean trait as it is influenced by many sources. For instance: the macro- and micro-environments, family and peer influences, educational background and work experiences to name but a few. 

Non-Confrontational Stance
It is Singaporeans' aversion to "losing face" - or inclination for "face saving" - that they come across as non-confrontational. Even if a conflict arises over trivial matters, they would rather save the other party's face instead of thrashing out the issue. Such behaviour may appear difficult or strange for the Assignee to grasp. However, Singaporeans believe in achieving results together collectively, hence their preference for a harmonious work relationship. It can also be said that they do not have a propensity to kick up a huge fuss as it is bad manners to do so. 

Any wrongdoing committed by the Assignee's peers or staff should be discussed behind closed doors. Rather than risking a "face losing" episode by confronting - or embarrassing - the wrong-doer loudly in the common area. They may turn out to be not guilty. 

Debunking Certain Myths
There are many "myths" or half-truths that a Western expatriate is typically told to observe. One of which is that a smile and slight bowing of the head is suffice when first introduced to a Muslim lady. Or that the male Westerners are to let Singaporean women - regardless of ethnicity - offer a handshake first. Just because they are Asian, they are supposedly conservative. It is perfectly alright to shake hands with them. 

There are some Muslim women who are not exposed outside their social circles or are not well-educated. So, they may not be comfortable with shaking hands with a male stranger; or even a Westerner of either gender. This also applies across other ethnic groups, not necessarily confined to one particular community; or in this instance, religious. 

One Last Word
Relocating to a new country with a completely different set of values and practices is not without its fair share of the unknown. The International Assignee is not alone in feeling apprehensive or anxious about approaching the locals. So are the locals who have limited, superficial or no prior interaction with foreigners. It is crucial to check himself when caught in situations that may lead him to stereotyping due to first impressions.

May I suggest the following "survival" pointers that he may find useful:

• Keep an open mind 
• Partake in the sights and sounds 
• Learn a native language or three 
• A sense of humour helps greatly 
• When in Rome...