Hierarchy
Singaporeans claim they are an egalitarian society, yet they retain strong hierarchical relationships that can be observed in the relationship between parents and children, teachers and students, and employers and employees.
This goes back to their important cultural value, group dependence.
This reliance on hierarchy is drawn from Confucianism, which emphasizes respecting age and status, even blind obedience to one's elders. . In the workplace this is seen in the increased deference that is paid to employees who are older.
The elderly are always treated with the utmost respect and courtesy.
Even if you do not personally know the individual, you will be expected to give special consideration.
Elders are introduced first, are given preferential seating, are given the choicest food, and in general put on a pedestal.
There was a law passed in 1996 that mandated that children must assume financial responsibility for their elderly parents should the need arise.
This is indicative of the high status of the elderly and the challenges facing the small country as the next generation becomes more individualistic.