The role of translation services in Singapore’s business environment
Singapore is basically an English-speaking country isn’t it? Why is there a need for businesses to translate or localize their English documentation and contents into other languages? Is translation and localization really a necessity? What exactly is the role of translation services in Singapore’s business environment?
Singapore is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Asia, with major ethnic groups in the country being the Chinese, Malays, Indians and Eurasians. The ethnic Chinese forms around 74.2% of the Singaporean population, the Malays comprising 13.3%, the Indians make up 9.2%, while Eurasians and Asians of different origins make up a combined 3.3%. So does it mean that Chinese is a major language used in Singapore?
The answer is NO! The four official languages in Singapore’s constitution are English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. And even though Malay is the national language, English is the most common language used for businesses, in government bodies and also a medium of instruction in educational institutions.
According to the latest report from the World Bank and IFC, Singapore continues to be one of the world’s most business-friendly environment for entrepreneurs, followed by Hong Kong SAR, China. Singapore is also home to many expatriates coming from countries as diverse as North America, Australia, Europe, China, Japan and India.
Even though Singapore is by no means the cheapest place to do business in, its efficiency, predictability and high standards still makes it a natural choice for businesses.
While Singapore has very little or no red tape involved for businesses trying to set up a branch in Singapore, there are still some documents you need to submit for approval, especially if you are a foreign business.
According to the Companies Act of Singapore, a foreign company or any multi national company (MNC) has to appoint two people in Singapore to carry out the business on behalf of the company. The Companies Act also requires that the company name be approved before it can be registered. Apart from the requirement that the company name must not be identical to the name of another local company, branch of a foreign company or business firm, undesirable names, including offensive, religiously offensive names or vulgar names are strictly prohibited as well.
Once the business name is approved, the company can then submit an application for approval online via Bizfile through a professional firm.
Now, the question is, do you need your documents translated before you submit them to the relevant authorities in Singapore?
Yes, companies will need to get professional translation agencies to translate your documents into English, if an English version is not already available. Besides, it is not sufficient to simply get your documents translated by a translation agency that offers translation services. The translated documents must be properly edited, proofread and certified as true and accurate translations before you submit them to the relevant authorities. Sometimes, you may even need the translated documents notarized and legalized.
Moreover, if you want to sell your products and services in Singapore, it is recommended that you have your messages translated into the 4 official languages in Singapore – English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. As you go around Singapore, you may notice that important public messages, public campaigns, announcements and signboards are all created/translated into the 4 official languages – English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil.
To boost staff morale and improve communication, even your company’s memos, newsletters, handbook, employment contracts etc have to be translated into a language that is understood by the people you employ. This is particularly important if you have safety instructions for your skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled employees carrying out physically demanding missions at worksites. These safety instructions have to be translated into languages that your employees can understand.
That said, translation matters in Singapore’s business environment. Translation can not be an afterthought in your marketing & product strategies, nor is it an option. In fact, translation is a necessity for most businesses. Companies need professional translation service in order to communicate effectively.