NCM 120 MIDTERMS G6 - Singapore And Culture Care

SINGAPORE

an island city-state located off the coast of Malaysia. It is a very small country, only measuring 26 km north to south and 50 km east to west, yet it hosts over 5 million people. This makes it the second most densely populated sovereign state in the world.

SINGAPORE'S CULTURE

A unique blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences, reflecting its diverse and multicultural population. Singaporeans emphasize respect, hard work, and community. Its rich food culture, highlighted by popular hawker centers, showcases the nation's cultural diversity and unity.

MAJOR RELIGIONS

The country values racial and religious harmony like Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Taoism.

MAIN LANGUAGE

English is the main language, but Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil are also official languages.

MEDICAL AND HEALTHCARE

Singapore's healthcare system is known for its efficiency and high standards, combining modern medicine with strong government support, while emphasizing personal responsibility and access for all, regardless of background.

SINGAPORE

One of the most religious diverse countries in the world, with no single dominant religion.

According to the 2020 census:

• 31% of Singaporeans are Buddhist

• 19% Christian

• 16% Muslim

• 9% Taoist

• 5% Hindu

• 20% are religiously unaffiliated

In Singapore's collectivist culture, the FAMILY is?

The central to identity, and individual actions reflect on the entire family

FAMILY

Traditionally, extended families lived together, with the father as the head and elders holding significant Influence.

FAMILY

However, modernization has shifted family structures toward smaller nuclear households, with shared parenting roles and greater independence for young adults.

Do's

• Dress neatly and clean up after yourself.

• Keep conversations balanced and respectful — let others speak.

• Give sincere compliments to build face.

• Ask questions in different ways to clarify vague responses.

• Be patient, calm, and polite at all times.

Dont's

• Don't ask Eurasians about their racial background , it may be seen as rude.

• Don't criticize, point out mistakes, or give fake praise, it causes loss of face.

• Don't raise your voice, show anger, or act emotionally in public.

• Don't interrupt or rush to fill silences, pause and give space.

IN SINGAPOREAN, FACE REFERS TO?

A person's reputation, dignity, and social standing. Giving someone face means showing respect, giving compliments, or helping them maintain pride.

SINGAPOREAN People try to?

• Save face (avoid embarrassment)

• Build face (gain respect)

• Avoid losing face (being shamed)

Because of this, they usually?

• Act modestly and with self-control

• Avoid open conflict or criticism

• Use polite, indirect communication

• Losing face can be deeply embarrassing, especially if it affects one's family or social group.

• Emotional outbursts or public mistakes are often seen as shameful.

Integration of Transcultural Nursing

• Cultural sensitivity training

• Respect for cultural practices

• Language support services

• Policies promoting inclusivity

CULTURAL SENSITIVITY

is included in nursing education and hospital programs to prepare nurses for caring for patients from different cultural and religious backgrounds.

RESPECT FOR CULTURAL PRACTICES

is observed in providing diet options, accommodating religious needs for example., prayer times, modesty in care, and involving families in decision-making.

LANGUAGE SUPPORT SERVICES

are available, such as trained interpreters, multilingual signage, and patient education materials, to overcome communication barriers.

POLICIES PROMOTING INCLUSIVITY

are enforced to promote equity, reduce health disparities among ethnic groups, and ensure patient-centered outcomes.

THE CULTURE AND PRACTICES OF SINGAPORE

Multiculturalism & Harmony

Singapore is founded on four official races (Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasian) and promotes racial and religious harmony as a core pillar of society.

Meritocracy

A fundamental principle where individuals are evaluated and rewarded based on their ability,

talent, and effort, regardless of background. This drives the competitive nature of the education and work systems.

Punctuality

Highly valued in both business and social settings; arriving late is considered disrespectful.

Discipline & Order

The culture places a very high value on social discipline, order, and adherence to rules, exemplified by its reputation as "The Fine City."

Filial Piety (孝)

A deeply entrenched Confucian value, requiring children to respect, care for, and provide for their elderly parents.

Official Languages

English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. English is the common working language.

Singlish

The unique, informal, and colloquial English-based creole that is a mix of English, Malay, Hokkien, Cantonese, and Tamil. It is a powerful marker of local identity and is widely used among friends and in hawker centres.

Communication Style

Generally high-context, subtle, and non-confrontational. Singaporeans often rely on tone, facial expression, and posture. Direct refusal or confrontation is often avoided to maintain harmony and save "face."

The Respectful Pause

In business or formal settings, a respectful pause of up to 15 seconds before answering a question can occur, showing the speaker is giving a considered response.

DINING AND FOOD CULTURE (HAWKER CULTURE)

Tipping

Not customary and generally discouraged. Restaurants typically add a mandatory 10% service charge. Tipping is prohibited at hawker centers and the airport.

Chope Culture

The unique practice of reserving a seat at a hawker centre or food court by placing a packet of tissues, umbrella, or personal item on the table. Do not sit at a 'choped' table.

Chopsticks Etiquette

Do not stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice; this is reminiscent of funeral rites and is considered bad luck.

Shared Utensils

Use the serving spoons and ladles provided for shared dishes; do not use your personal chopsticks or cutlery.

Clean Up

It is now legally mandated (and customary) for diners to clear their own tables and return trays, plates, and cutlery at hawker centers and food courts.

LEGAL STRICTURES (THE "FINE CITY" LAWS)

Littering

Strictly enforced with heavy fines (up to S$1,000 for a first offense) and potential corrective work orders (CWO).

Chewing Gum

The sale, manufacture, and importation of chewing gum (for non-therapeutic use) is illegal.

Smoking

Prohibited in most indoor public spaces, public transport, covered walkways, and common areas of apartment buildings.

Vandalism

Severe penalties, including large fines and caning (corporal punishment) for serious offenses like graffiti.

Jaywalking

Illegal and subject to fines for crossing the road outside of designated crossings or against the traffic light.

Public Transport

Eating and drinking (even water) is illegal on the MRT and buses and can incur a fine.

Drugs

Zero tolerance policy. Possession, trafficking, and consumption of illegal drugs carry extremely severe penalties, including the death penalty.

BUSINESS AND WORKPLACE CULTURE

Hierarchy

Strong hierarchical structure rooted in Confucianism. Deference is given to age, seniority, and rank.

Decision-Making

Usually top-down. Junior employees are expected to provide input when asked but should respect the final decision of senior management.

Harmony/Teamwork

Emphasis is placed on group achievement and maintaining a harmonious working environment. Conflict is generally avoided.

Dress Code

While casual clothes are common outside the workplace, business attire is generally professional and conservative (dark suits for men, smart attire for women).

PATIENT CARE

Nation before community and society above self

Nurses prioritize holistic health for the greater community, not only individual needs.

Family as the basic unit of society

Family members play a central role in decision-making, especially for end-of-life care.

Community support and respect for the individual

Care respects individual beliefs while promoting collective support.

Consensus, not conflict

Nurses encourage collaborative care planning, avoiding confrontation.

Racial and religious harmony

Equal respect for diverse practices, ensuring inclusivity in healthcare.

FUNERAL RITES

1. Encoffin Service

Placement of items (joss paper, Incense) in the casket

2. Placing Pearl/Jade in Mouth

Symbol of rebirth into a better life

3. Offering of Food

Vegetarian-only for Buddhists; reflects equality of spirits and humans

4. Mourning Badges

Worn according to dialect and relationship to the deceased

5. Wake & Vigil

Family stays awake to pray and honor the deceased.

6. Red String for Visitors

Worn then removed before returning home

7. Vegetarian Diet

Mourning families avoid meat for good karma

8. Chanting

Sutras recited to ease the soul's transition

9. 49-Day Ritual

Charitable deeds dedicated to the deceased.

10. 100th-Day Ritual

Completion of tomb construction and prayers.

11. 1st/3rd Year Anniversaries

Continued remembrance and unity with ancestors.

12. Taoist-Only Rites

Soul summoning, ritual cleansing, burning paper, and repentance chanting

DIET

Buddhism = Vegetarianism reduces harm to living beings and aids spiritual purity.

Taoism = Diet may include symbolic foods (rice, fruits, vegetables) as offerings to deities and ancestors.

Special rituals = Certain days (e.g., 7th, 49th, 100th day after death) involve food-based ceremonies.

Transcultural nursing in Singapore

Focuses on providing patient-centered care in a multicultural society by recognizing and respecting cultural differences.

It is integrated through cultural sensitivity training, language support services, and accommodation of religious and dietary practices.

These efforts, supported by inclusive policies, help reduce health disparities and build stronger nurse-patient relationships.