Local Customs & Etiquette in the Chinese Singaporean Community

Here are some important everyday customs and etiquette practices that reflect our blend of traditional Chinese values with modern Singaporean life:

Greetings & Respect

• Always greet elders first with a smile and a respectful “Uncle/Auntie” or “Lao Shi” (teacher). A light handshake for men or a nod is common.

• Use both hands when giving or receiving items (especially red packets, business cards, or gifts) to show respect.

• Address people by their full name or title + surname (e.g., Mr. Tan, Auntie Mei) until invited to use a first name.

Dining Etiquette

• Wait for elders to start eating before you begin. It’s polite to offer food to others before taking more for yourself.

• Don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice (it resembles incense for the dead). Tap them on the bowl or rest them on the side.

• When eating at a round table, turn the lazy Susan gently and don’t reach across the table.

Home & Family Visits

Remove shoes before entering someone’s home.

• Bring a small gift (fruits, sweets, or biscuits) when visiting — it’s a sign of goodwill.

• Compliment the host’s home or cooking — it shows appreciation.

Public & Social Behavior

• Queue orderly and be punctual — Singaporeans value efficiency and respect for others’ time.

• Speak softly in public places like MRT trains and hawker centres.

• Offer your seat to elders, pregnant women, or people with disabilities.

Gift-Giving & Festivals

• Avoid giving clocks, sharp objects, or white flowers (associated with funerals). Red, gold, or orange are lucky colors.

• During Chinese New Year, give red packets with even amounts (avoid $4 or $40 as “si” sounds like death).

These customs emphasize respect for elders (孝顺 - xiào shùn), harmony, and consideration for others — core values passed down in our families. Singapore’s multicultural environment also encourages openness and sensitivity to other races’ customs.