Working with Singapore Teams Remotely
Time zone overlap, meeting times, and collaboration tips for SGT (UTC+8)
⚡ Quick Answer
Singapore (SGT) is UTC+8 year-round with no daylight saving. Best overlap with Europe: 2-6 PM SGT (morning EU). With US East Coast: 8-10 PM SGT (morning EST).Australia: excellent overlap (1-2 hour difference).
🌍 Time Zone Overlap Windows
| Their Location | Their 9 AM | Best Overlap (SGT) | Overlap Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 London | 5:00 PM SGT | 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM | ⭐⭐⭐ Good |
| 🇩🇪 Berlin | 4:00 PM SGT | 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM | ⭐⭐⭐ Good |
| 🇺🇸 New York | 10:00 PM SGT | 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM | ⭐⭐ Challenging |
| 🇺🇸 Los Angeles | 1:00 AM SGT (+1) | Very limited | ⭐ Difficult |
| 🇦🇺 Sydney | 6:00 AM SGT | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent |
| 🇯🇵 Tokyo | 8:00 AM SGT | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent |
| 🇮🇳 Mumbai | 6:30 AM SGT | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent |
| 🇦🇪 Dubai | 1:00 PM SGT | 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great |
📅 Optimal Meeting Times
✅ Best for Europe Teams
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM SGT
= 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM London
= 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Berlin
⚠️ US East Coast
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM SGT
= 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM New York
Someone has to flex their hours
✅ Best for APAC Teams
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM SGT
= 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Tokyo
= 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM Sydney
✅ Best for India
9:30 AM - 6:30 PM SGT
= 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM Mumbai
Only 2.5 hour difference!
💼 Singapore Work Culture
📋 Work Style
- • Punctuality matters - Be on time for meetings
- • Direct but polite - Less indirect than other Asian cultures
- • Email heavy - Written confirmations preferred
- • Hierarchy aware - Respect seniority in meetings
- • Efficient - "Kiasu" culture means being prepared
⏰ Working Hours
- • Core hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- • Lunch: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (avoid meetings)
- • Common overtime: Many work until 7-8 PM
- • Weekend work: Not expected but happens in some industries
- • Response time: Usually quick, same business day
🛠️ Async Collaboration Tips
For US/Europe → Singapore
- • End-of-day handoffs: Leave detailed updates before you log off
- • Loom/video messages: Record context for complex topics
- • Shared docs: Use Google Docs/Notion for async collaboration
- • Clear deadlines: Specify timezone when setting due dates
- • Slack/Teams status: Indicate your working hours
Singapore's Advantages for Global Teams
- • Bridge timezone: Can connect with both Asia and Europe in one day
- • English fluent: Official business language, no translation needed
- • Reliable infrastructure: World-class internet, rarely any connectivity issues
- • No DST: Time difference stays constant year-round
📅 Public Holidays to Note
Singapore has 11 public holidays. Key ones that may affect work:
- • Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb) - 2 days, many take extended leave
- • Hari Raya Puasa (varies) - Post-Ramadan celebration
- • National Day (Aug 9) - Singapore's independence day
- • Deepavali (Oct/Nov) - Hindu festival of lights
- • Christmas (Dec 25) - Public holiday
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does Singapore use daylight saving time?
No, Singapore is UTC+8 year-round. This makes scheduling easier - the time difference with other cities only changes when THEY switch for DST.
What's the best time for a global all-hands?
For US + Europe + Singapore: Try 8:00 PM SGT = 1:00 PM London = 8:00 AM NYC. It's late for Singapore but workable for important meetings.
How do Singaporeans prefer to communicate?
Email for formal matters, Slack/Teams for quick questions. WhatsApp is common but usually reserved for closer colleagues. Video calls are standard.
Related Guides
Last updated: December 2024.