M.A.P Manners and Protocols for Ministers visiting Singapore
Contents
- Welcome Note from pastors Page 1 - Demographics Page2 - Visa, Customs & Legal regulations Page 2 - getting here page 3 - getting around Page 3-4 - money Matters page 4 - communications & devices page 5 - food and drinks page 5 - language page 6 - shopping page 6 - weather page 6 - attire page 7 - ministering in singapore page 7
Welcome to singapore
Welcome to Singapore!
Pastor Timothy Lee
Thank you for making Singapore a part of your ministry pit-stop. We believe that your visit here is not a coincidence, but it is God positioning you to make an impact in Asia through your ministry in this region. Tabernacle of Joy has the call of being the Antioch of the East and we believe that we can impact Asia, touching millions of lives. This booklet contains basic information about our country and some ministry tips that would help to make your time in Singapore productive and fruitful.
Dear Friend, It is my great pleasure to welcome you here in Singapore. It is indeed our desire to use every possible means to make your stay here comfortable and profitable. Even though we are not 24/7 available to guide you here in Singapore but this M.A.P. was designed for you to get to know better this country and how the people lives here so that you can impact more to their lives and minister to them powerfully.
Pastor Dodjie Cargando
I believe that your love for the Lord has brought you here and He has a great purpose for your coming. We in the Tabernacle of Joy – Filipino Joy Fellowship warmly welcomes you and we are looking forward of your visit in one of our services. May you receive the blessings that God has in store for you as you embark in this land. Thank you so much for taking the time to come and becoming a blessing to us.
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Population: 5.3million (2012) Chinese 74.2% Malays 13.4% Indians 9.2% Eurasians, Peranakans and others 3.2% Religion: Buddhist 33% Christian 18% No-religion 17% Islam 15% Taoist 11% Hindu 5.1% Others 0.09%
If you would like to stay in Singapore for a longer period, you may apply to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) upon your arrival. You should have a valid passport with at least six months validity, onward or return tickets, onward facilities (such as visas or entry permits) to your next destination, and sufficient funds for your stay in Singapore.
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Visa, Customs & Legal Regulations
Most foreigners coming into Singapore do not require a visa for entry and may be given social visit passes for up to 30 days upon their arrival in Singapore. However, it is best to consult your local consular office for the latest information with regard to coming into Singapore or visit www.ica.gov.sg.
Demographics
One of the most remarkable aspects of Singapore is the truly cosmopolitan nature of her population, a natural result of the country’s geographical position and commercial success. By the end of the 19th century, Singapore became one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Asia, with major ethnic groups in the country being the Chinese, Malays, Indians, Peranakans and Eurasians.
Getting Around
Getting Here
As of March 2012, Changi Airport serves more than 100 airlines operating 6,100 weekly flights connecting Singapore to over 220 cities in about 60 countries and territories worldwide. There are also many budget flights which you can take if you are travelling within the Asia Pacific Region. You’ll land at one of the three main terminals or the Budget Terminal at Singapore Changi Airport (6542 1122; flight information 1800 542 4422; www.changiairport.com.sg).
MRT The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system is probably the fastest way to get around Singapore besides taxis. Besides being one of the cleanest transport systems in the world, the MRT provides scenic views of our heartland and city areas, with great access to almost every part of Singapore. Single-trip tickets cost from $1.10 to $1.90 (plus a $1 refundable deposit). For multiple train rides, we would suggest for you to purchase an ez-link card to avoid having to buy and refund your tickets for an easy trip. An ez-link card cost $15, (including a $5 non-refundable deposit). You can top it up as necessary and use it on all buses and trains.
Bus Buses will bring you to the nooks and crannies of Singapore that the MRT would not reach. Bus fares range from 90cents to $1.80. If you use an ez-link card, the fares will be cheaper as opposed to paying cash. When you board the bus, drop the exact amount into the fare box as no change is given, or tap your ez-link card or Tourist Pass on the reader as you board, then again when you get off.
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Taxi You should be able to hail a cab without any problems in most parts of Singapore though it is always best to get a cab from one of the numerous taxi stands in Singapore – hotels and shopping centre taxi stands are a sure bet. If you’re travelling in a group or carrying a load of shopping or luggage, you may want to book a taxi to your designated location. Taxi Booking Hotlines: - Comfort and CityCab CabLink (6552 1111) - Premier Taxis (6363 6888) - SMRT Cabs (6555 8888)
Restaurants often display prices like $19.99++, which means that service charge (10%) and sales tax (7%) are not included and will be added to your bill. Tipping is generally not practised in Singapore, and is officially frowned upon by the government, although bellhops still expect $2 or so per bag. ATMs are ubiquitous in Singapore and credit cards are widely accepted (although some shops may levy a 3% surcharge, and taxis a whopping 15%). Travellers cheques are generally not accepted by retailers, but can be cashed at most exchange booths. Currency exchange booths can be found in every shopping mall and usually offer better rates, better opening hours and much faster service than banks. Rates at the airport are not as good as in the city, and while many department stores accept major foreign currencies, their rates are often terrible.
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money Matters
The Singaporean currency is the Singapore dollar, abbreviated SGD, S$ or just $. There are coins $0.05 (gold), $0.10 (silver), $0.20 (silver), $0.50 (silver) and $1 (gold), plus notes of $2 (purple), $5 (green), $10 (red), $50 (blue), $100 (orange), $1000 (purple) and $10000 (gold). The Brunei dollar is pegged at par with the Singapore dollar and the two currencies can be used interchangeably in both countries. You can safely assume that the ‘$’ sign used in the island-nation refers to SGD unless it includes other initials (e.g. US$ to stand for US Dollar).
Communication & Devices
Singapore’s international dialling code is +(65). There are three main telecommunication providers in Singapore: SingTel, StarHub and MobileOne (M1). You can purchase a local SIM-card cheaply at any of our convenience stores or petrol stations. There are also several options for prepaid 3G/HSPA internet from our local telcos. For more information, please visit their websites:
Food & Drinks
Singapore is a melting pot of cuisines from around the world. You will find quality Chinese, Malay, Indian, Japanese, Thai, Italian, French, American and other food in this city-state.
Singtel: www.singtel.com StarHub: www.starhub.com MobileONe (M1): www.m1.com.sg
The first phase of the nationwide free Wireless@SG system is now operating and visitors are free to use the system, although you must register and receive a password via e-mail or a mobile phone first. Singapore’s IT infrastructure is advanced. If you are preaching in our local church, we have wifi available within the church compound. You can also use video projectors to play PowerPoint’s and videos during your presentation. However, adequate notice will be much appreciated. If you require the use of an electricity source, Singapore uses the British BS1363 three-pin rectangular socket (230V/50Hz). Plug adaptors are available at any hardware store.
There are a range of eating places in Singapore. Ranging from cheap local eats at non-air-conditioned Hawker Centres and Coffee Shops, to air conditioned food courts, fast food chains and restaurants. You can find food to accommodate every budget. A typical local meal in Singapore would cost you $7-$10. Please notify us if you have any special dietary needs. Special Notes - You can drink water straight from the tap as water and sanitation standards are very high. - Chewing gum is illegal in Singapore.
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However, the distinctive local patois Singlish may be hard to understand at times, as it incorporates slang words and phrases from other languages, including various Chinese dialects, Malay and Tamil as well as English words whose pronunciation or meaning have been altered.
Language
The most common language is English, spoken by almost every Singaporean under the age of 50 with varying degrees of fluency. It is also the medium of instruction in schools, except for mother tongue subjects (e.g. Malay, Mandarin and Tamil), which are also required to be learned in school by Singaporeans. In addition, all official signs and documents are written in English, usually using British spelling.
Singapore has an abundance of shopping malls. While you won’t find any bazaars with dirt-cheap local handicrafts (in fact, virtually everything sold in Singapore is made elsewhere), goods are generally of reasonably good quality and shopkeepers are generally quite honest due to strong consumer protection laws. Most shops are open 7 days a week from 10am-10pm.
Shopping
Singapore is known for its hot and humid weather, with little variation throughout the year. The average daytime temperature is 31ºC (88ºF), dropping to around 24ºC (75ºF) in the evenings. The monsoon season can bear down pretty heavily on our tropical weather from November onwards, so be prepared for rain on most days during this period.
weather
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Ministering in Singapore
Our Congregations We have 2 congregations. The local congregation - Tabernacle of Joy (TJ) is a muti-cultural congregation made up mostly of Singaporeans. The main language of ministry is English and translation is usually not required. However, we do have 2 translation booths with Tamil and Chinese translation going on concurrently with the preaching. The fillipino congregation - Filipino Joy Fellowship (FJF), consists of filipino saints speaking both Tagalog and English. A translator is often not needed. Attire Singaporeans usually dress down for weeknight services. Most saints come for services in office attire after work during a weeknight service. Therefore, a shirt without tie would suffice. For the ladies, we would advise for sleeves to be elbow length and skirts to be below the knee. For Sunday services, a Shirt/Blouse and Tie would suffice. However, if you would like, you will not be over-dressed if you decide to wear a coat. Customs When paying a visit to any locals, do remember that it is in the Singaporean custom to remove your shoes before entering. Ministry Etiquette The Singapore Government places much emphasis on racial and religious harmony. As all our services are streamed live on the internet, do keep in mind not to speak of other races or religions in a derogatory manner or protray them negatively. The Internal Security Department takes such matters seriously and will not hesitate to apprehend offenders. Items below must not be broadcasted: 1. Anti-Islamic/Muslim Sentiments 2. Anti-Gay sentiments 3. Sentiments against other religions/denominations 4. Political Commentaries. By refraining from them, you are protecting both yourself and the church in Singapore.
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While visiting in Singapore, you may be approached by saints wanting your personal time in counselling, or offering to bring you out for a meal. If you are approached, simply tell them that the Pastoral team might have made plans and refer them to the Pastors during such instances. If they want your personal time in counselling, you could refer them to their Pastors, stating that you have no influence over Pastoral matters of the church. The Pastors would also like for you to check with them before you take up any offering from the congreagation or approach any of our Saints for lodging or monetary contributions.
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Ministering in Singapore
Interaction with Local Saints