Introducing Yourself in a New Singapore Office Team.
Singlish for Living and Working in Singapore. Lesson 2.
Now you walk into your new office on day one. People greet you warmly but quickly, speak with different local accents and throw in acronyms you have never seen before. In this lesson, you practise giving a short, clear self-introduction that sounds confident but not over-formal in Singapore. You listen to realistic team introductions and pantry chats, notice how colleagues describe their role, projects and background, and learn how they ask friendly questions like You from which country and How long you here already. You also see typical internal acronyms and job titles, and get phrases to check meaning without stopping the conversation. By the end, you can introduce yourself, understand others when they introduce themselves in local style, and handle first-day questions and small talk without freezing or talking too much.
1. Your first team introduction meeting.
Imagine it is your first morning in your new Singapore office. HR has just walked you to a small meeting room. Around the table you see a mix of colleagues: one speaks with a strong local Chinese Singaporean accent, one sounds more Indian Singaporean, and your manager has a kind of neutral, fast international English. Everyone is friendly, but they speak quickly and they do not slow down just because you are new. In this block, you are going to listen to a short team introduction round. Your job is not to catch every single word. Instead, focus on a few key questions. Who is who? What is each person’s role or team? What will you be working on together? And how does the new person, you, introduce yourself in a way that sounds confident but not too formal? After you listen, you will write down the main information you understood. This is exactly what your brain needs to do on day one in a real office: filter the noise, grab the essentials, and stay relaxed even if you do not understand everything.
Scene: 9.30am in the project room.
You are sitting in a small meeting room with your new team. The manager smiles and starts a quick introduction round.
Meeting scene (short script):
Ben (Manager): "Morning, everyone. Today we have a new colleague joining. Let’s do a quick round, lah. I’ll start. I’m Ben, project manager for the regional data team. I look after overall strategy and timelines."
Mei Lin: "Hi, I’m Mei Lin, HRBP for this unit. If you have any HR questions, can just check with me."
Arjun: "Hey, I’m Arjun from analytics. I handle the dashboards and reports for SEA markets."
You: "Hi, I’m [Your Name], I just joined the team. I’ll be working on the [project name] with you. I’ve just moved from [country]. Looking forward to working with you."
You will hear a similar but slightly longer version in the audio below. Notice a few things:
Intros are short. One or two sentences is normal. This is not a full CV.
Roles are clear. Each person mentions their job title or team, and sometimes their area of focus.
Tone is friendly, not formal. You hear phrases like quick round, can just check with me, looking forward to working with you.
Local rhythm and words. You may catch small Singlish touches like lah or slightly different sentence order.
What you will do.
After listening, you will:
Pick out the names and roles you heard.
Write 2–4 short sentences summarising who does what in this team.
Note one phrase from the new colleague’s introduction that you might want to reuse.
Do not worry if you miss some acronyms or fast parts. In later blocks, we will learn how to check acronyms like HRBP and how to ask people to repeat politely.
Practice & Feedback
First, listen to the team introduction audio at least two times. The first time, just relax and follow the general story. The second time, focus on the key information: names, roles, and what you (the new colleague) say about yourself. You do not need to understand every word or every acronym. After listening, write:
One or two sentences explaining who Ben is and what he does.
One or two sentences explaining who Mei Lin is and what her role is.
One or two sentences explaining who Arjun is and what he handles.
One sentence summarising how the new colleague introduces themself.
Write in your own words. Full sentences are better than just keywords, because this will help you later when you build your own introduction.
2. Building your own self introduction.
Now that you have heard a typical introduction round, let’s zoom in on **your** self-introduction. In Singapore offices, people prefer something that is short, clear and friendly. If you give a long, formal speech about your whole career, colleagues may feel a bit paiseh, a bit uncomfortable. At the same time, too short, like just saying your name, can feel distant.
In this block, we will break your introduction into a few simple parts: greeting, name, role and team, where you are from, and one small extra detail to make you human. You will see a few models on the screen and notice how they sound: not too textbook, not too Singlish, but Singapore-ready. After that, you will write your own version for this new team. You can imagine you are in Ben’s meeting room, and when he turns to you and says, “New joiner, you want to introduce yourself?”, you are ready. I will also give you a short checklist, so you can quickly check if your introduction covers all the important points without being too long.
A simple structure for your introduction.
A good first-day introduction in a Singapore office can follow this pattern:
Greeting + name
"Hi, I’m [Name]…"
Role + team or project
"I just joined as [role] in the [team]" or "I’ll be working on the [project] with you."
Where you’re from / background
"I’ve just moved from [country]" or "Previously I was based in [country]."
Small extra detail or connection
"I’m still learning all the local terms." / "I’m looking forward to learning from all of you."
Model introductions.
Model 1 (Singapore-style neutral):
> Hi, I’m Alex, I just joined as a data analyst in the regional data team. I’ll be working on the customer insights project with you. I’ve just moved from the UK, so still learning all the local acronyms. Looking forward to working with you.
Model 2 (too formal for day one):
> Good morning everyone, my name is Alexander Smith. I am extremely honoured to join this prestigious organisation. I have ten years of experience in data analytics across Europe and Asia. I hope to contribute my skills and add value to the company.
Can you feel the difference? Model 2 sounds like a conference speech, not a short Singapore meeting.
Useful phrases from the chunk bank:
Hi, I’m [Name], I just joined the team.
I’ll be working on the [project] with you.
Nice to meet you, I’ve just moved from [country].
I’m still learning all the local terms.
Looking forward to working with you.
Quick checklist.
Before you speak, check:
Did I say my name clearly?
Did I mention my role and maybe team or project?
Did I share a short line about where I’m from or my background?
Did I keep it to about 3–4 sentences, not a full life story?
In the activity, you will now create your own introduction using this structure.
Practice & Feedback
Now it is your turn to write the introduction you would actually use in Ben’s meeting room. Imagine he has just said, “Alright, new joiner, you want to introduce yourself?” and everyone is looking at you, smiling and waiting. Using the models and structure above, write 3 to 5 sentences that you feel comfortable saying aloud.
Try to include:
A friendly greeting and your name.
Your role and, if you like, your team or main project.
A short line about where you are from or your previous location.
One extra sentence that shows you are open and friendly (for example, that you are still learning local terms, or that you are looking forward to working with them).
Write it as if you are speaking, not as a formal email. When you are happy with it, paste it here. I will help you check clarity, length and tone.
Example introduction you can look at again:
> Hi, I’m Alex, I just joined as a data analyst in the regional data team. I’ll be working on the customer insights project with you. I’ve just moved from the UK, so still learning all the local acronyms. Looking forward to working with you.
Notice how this example:
Uses short, clear sentences.
Sounds friendly but not too casual.
Gives just enough background for day one.
3. Handling first-day small talk in the pantry.
The meeting is over, and now real life starts in the pantry. Often, this is where colleagues really get to know you. In Singapore, pantry small talk can sound a bit different from what you learned in your textbook. You may hear questions like, "You from which country?" or "How long you here already?" Grammatically, they are not standard, but they are completely normal and friendly here.
In this block, you will read a short scene between you and Mei Lin in the pantry. I want you to focus on two things. First, notice the **typical questions** people ask on your first day: about your country, how long you will stay, where you live, sometimes even whether your family came with you. Second, notice the **type of answers** that work well: short, warm and not too personal.
You do not need to copy the local grammar. Your answers can be in clear international English, but it helps if you understand their style so you are not surprised. After reading, you will write your own answers to three common first-day questions.
Scene: First-day pantry chat.
You walk into the pantry to get water. Mei Lin is making kopi.
Dialogue:
Mei Lin: "Hi, you must be our new colleague, right?"
You: "Yes, hi, I’m [Your Name], I just joined the team."
Mei Lin: "Nice to meet you. You from which country?"
You: "I’m from [country]. I moved here last month."
Mei Lin: "Oh, first time in Singapore ah? How long you here already?"
You: "About three weeks. Still getting used to the weather."
Mei Lin: "Ya, very hot, right? You staying where now?"
You: "I’m staying in [area], near [MRT station]."
Mei Lin: "Wah, that area nice. Later we go makan with the team, can show you some food places."
You: "Thanks, that would be great, I’m still learning all the local food names."
Typical first-day questions.
Here are some common questions you might hear, in Singapore-style English:
"You from which country?"
"First time in Singapore ah?"
"How long you here already?"
"You staying where now?"
"Family come with you or you here alone?"
The grammar is more relaxed, but the intention is friendly. People are trying to connect and understand your situation.
Answering in a comfortable way.
You can answer in clear, simple English. For example:
"I’m from France. I moved here two months ago."
"It’s my first time living here, but I visited once before."
"I’m staying near Tiong Bahru MRT, still exploring the area."
"My partner and kids are here with me." / "For now I’m here alone, my family will join later."
You decide how much personal detail you want to share. Short answers are fine. If you want the conversation to continue, you can add a small comment:
"Still getting used to the chilli."
"I’m still learning all the local terms."
In the activity below, you will practise answering three of these questions in your own words.
Practice & Feedback
Imagine Mei Lin has just met you in the pantry on your first day, and she asks you some of the typical Singapore-style questions you saw above. Answer as your real self, not as a character.
Please write short, friendly answers (1–2 sentences each) for these three questions:
"You from which country?"
"How long you here already?"
"You staying where now?" (You can name an area or describe it roughly.)
You can add one small extra comment if you like, for example about the weather, food, or getting used to Singapore. Aim for clear international English, but keep the answers short, like in real small talk at the pantry. When you finish, paste all your answers here as one short paragraph or as three numbered answers.
Example answers from another learner:
"I’m from Spain. I moved here about six weeks ago."
"I’ve been in Singapore for a month, still getting used to the humidity."
"I’m staying near Jurong East, quite far from town but convenient for my partner’s office."
Notice that the answers:
Use simple, clear sentences.
Share a little personal detail but not too much.
Sound relaxed, not like an interview.
4. Checking acronyms and job titles politely.
By now, you have survived your first meeting and your first pantry chat. Next challenge: acronyms and job titles. In Singapore offices, people love acronyms. HRBP, OPS, PIC, BAU, ExCo… sometimes it feels like alphabet soup. On day one, colleagues may forget that you are new and throw these terms into their sentences very quickly.
In this block, we will focus on **two skills**. First, recognising that something is an acronym or special term, not just a random sound. Second, asking short, polite questions to check the meaning without stopping the whole conversation. You will see some example dialogues and useful phrases on the screen. Then you will listen to Arjun giving you a fast mini-orientation about the team structure. Your task is to catch the acronyms you hear and then write polite clarification questions such as, "Sorry, what does HRBP mean?" or "Can explain BAU to me? I’m still learning all the local terms." This is a very normal thing to do in a Singapore office, and colleagues usually appreciate clear questions.
Mini-dialogue: too many acronyms.
Later in the afternoon, Arjun walks past your desk.
Arjun: "Later HRBP and OPS head will join the ExCo sync, so our PIC for this project might change, but don’t worry, BAU still same."
You (thinking): "What on earth did he just say?"
Do not panic. Let’s break it down:
HRBP – Human Resources Business Partner
OPS – Operations
ExCo – Executive Committee / senior leadership
PIC – Person in charge
BAU – Business as usual
You will not know all of these on day one, and that is ok.
Useful clarification phrases.
From the chunk bank and local style, you can say:
"Sorry, what does this acronym mean?"
"Can explain HRBP to me?"
"I’m still learning all the local terms."
"Just to check, PIC means person in charge, right?"
Notice the style:
Short and efficient.
Sometimes missing a subject, like Can explain…, which matches local speech.
Still polite, especially if you add sorry or just to check.
Quick strategy.
Listen for capital-sounding words. Often acronyms are said as individual letters.
Decide if this term is key to your work. If yes, ask immediately.
Use one clear question. Do not apologise too much.
In the activity, you will listen to Arjun’s fast explanation and then write a list of acronyms you heard plus two or three clarification questions you would ask him.
Practice & Feedback
You are going to hear Arjun give you a very typical, slightly too fast orientation about your team. Your goal is not to understand every detail. Focus on catching any acronyms or special team names that sound important for your work.
Listen once just to get the general idea.
Listen again and write down all the acronyms or short forms you notice (for example, HRBP, OPS, BAU). Spelling can be approximate; I will help you fix it.
After that, write 2 or 3 short clarification questions you would ask Arjun. Try to use some of the phrases from the screen, like "Sorry, what does this acronym mean?" or "Can explain HRBP to me?" or "I’m still learning all the local terms".
Put everything together in one answer: first your list of acronyms, then your questions.
5. First-day help offers in the team chat.
These days, your first day in the office is not just face to face. Very quickly, someone will add you to a WhatsApp, Slack or Teams group. The style there is usually faster and shorter than email, but still professional. You may see shortened sentences, missing subjects, and local expressions like "wfh" or "later we go makan".
In this block, we move into a **chat-style simulation**. You will see a short Teams chat where a colleague, Sherlyn, welcomes you and offers help. Your job is to reply in a way that feels natural in Singapore: warm, brief, and not too formal. This is a good moment to repeat some of the phrases you learned earlier, like "Hi, I’m [Name], I just joined the team" or "If I’m not sure, can I check with you?".
I will first show you the chat on the screen and highlight how it is different from email. Then, in the activity, you will write your own replies as if you are typing into that chat. This will help you feel more confident when real colleagues message you: you will already have the language ready in your fingers.
Sample Teams chat: welcome to the group.
Teams – #regional-data channel
Sherlyn – 9:12am: "Hi all, we have a new joiner today, [Your Name] just joined the regional data team."
Ben – 9:13am: "Welcome [Name]!"
Arjun – 9:14am: "Welcome welcome. Later I show you our dashboards."
Mei Lin – 9:15am: "Hi [Name], if any HR question, can just ping me."
Sherlyn – 9:16am (direct chat to you): "Hi [Name], welcome onboard! Later if you blur about anything, just ask, ok?"
Notice the style:
Short, friendly lines.
No long greetings like Dear team.
Some local words: onboard, blur (meaning confused), ping (message).
How you might reply.
Here are two possible replies from you:
> You: "Hi everyone, thanks for the warm welcome! I’m [Name], I just joined as a data analyst. Looking forward to working with you all."
> You (direct to Sherlyn): "Hi Sherlyn, thanks for adding me to the channel. I’m still learning all the local terms, so if I’m not sure, can I check with you?"
This matches our chunk bank:
Hi, I’m [Name], I just joined the team.
I’ll be working on the [project] with you.
If I’m not sure, can I check with you?
Email vs chat tone.
Email: more complete sentences, clear subject line, more formal openings and closings.
Chat: quicker, more like speech. It is ok to drop some words, but still be polite.
In the activity, you will continue this chat. Try to keep your messages short and friendly, the way you see here.
Practice & Feedback
Imagine you have just been added to the #regional-data Teams channel. You see the welcome messages from Ben, Arjun and Mei Lin, and the direct message from Sherlyn. Now it is your turn to reply.
Write 4 to 6 short chat messages, as if you are really typing in Teams or WhatsApp. You can:
Post one message in the group chat to introduce yourself briefly.
Reply to Sherlyn in a direct chat, thanking her and saying you may check with her if you are not sure.
Optionally, send a short thank-you reply to one of the other colleagues.
Keep each message to 1–2 short sentences, like in the example. You can reuse phrases such as "Hi, I’m [Name], I just joined the team", "I’ll be working on the [project] with you", or "If I’m not sure, can I check with you?". Write your messages with labels like You (group): or You (to Sherlyn): so it is clear who you are talking to.
Chat snippets you can refer to:
"Hi all, we have a new joiner today, [Your Name] just joined the regional data team."
"Welcome [Name]!"
"Hi [Name], if any HR question, can just ping me."
"Hi [Name], welcome onboard! Later if you blur about anything, just ask, ok?"
Useful reply chunk from the lesson:
"If I’m not sure, can I check with you?"
6. Full first-day introduction practice.
You have now practised each part of your first day: the meeting intro, the pantry small talk, the acronym confusion, and the team chat. In real life, of course, all these moments are connected. In this final block, I want you to bring everything together into one short story of your first morning.
You will write a mini-script that covers three key moments. First, your **self-introduction** in Ben’s meeting. Second, **two or three questions** from colleagues, like "You from which country?" or "How long you here already?", and your answers. Third, **one or two clarification questions** from you about acronyms or roles, using phrases such as "Sorry, what does this acronym mean?" or "Can explain HRBP to me?".
Do not worry about making it perfect. Focus on being clear and sounding like yourself, with a Singapore-ready style: friendly, concise, and open to learning. After you write your script, I will give you feedback on clarity, tone and local fit, and show you how close you already are to handling your real first day with confidence.
Putting it all together: your first-morning script.
You are going to design your own short script for your first morning in the team. Think of it as practice for the real thing.
Your script should include:
Meeting introduction – 3–5 sentences where you introduce yourself.
Use phrases like:
"Hi, I’m [Name], I just joined the team."
"I’ll be working on the [project] with you."
"Nice to meet you, I’ve just moved from [country]."
Colleagues’ questions and your answers – 2 or 3 short question–answer pairs.
Example questions:
"You from which country?"
"How long you here already?"
"You staying where now?"
Example answers:
"I’m from Japan. I moved here two months ago."
"I’ve been here about three weeks, still getting used to the weather."
Clarifying acronyms or roles – 1 or 2 moments where you check meaning.
Example lines:
"Sorry, what does this acronym mean?"
"Can explain HRBP to me? I’m still learning all the local terms."
"Just to check, PIC means person in charge, right?"
You can write it like a mini-dialogue using names:
> Ben: …
> You: …
> Mei Lin: …
> You: …
> Arjun: …
or as a short narrative with direct speech.
Self-check before you submit.
Ask yourself:
Did I clearly state my name, role, team or project, and where I’m from?
Did I keep the introduction short and friendly, not like a long speech?
Did I include at least two local-style questions from colleagues?
Did I show myself asking about at least one acronym or job title?
Does the language feel like something I could really say on my first day?
Use this as your rehearsal. The more you practise now, the easier it will feel in your real Singapore office.
Practice & Feedback
Now write your full first-morning script. Imagine this is a short scene from a TV show about your first day in the Singapore office. Include three parts:
Your meeting introduction to Ben and the team (3–5 sentences).
At least two short questions from colleagues (for example, Mei Lin or Arjun) about your background, and your answers.
One or two moments where you politely check an acronym or job title, using phrases like "Sorry, what does this acronym mean?" or "Can explain HRBP to me? I’m still learning all the local terms."
Write it as a mini-dialogue with names (Ben, Mei Lin, Arjun, You) or as a short story with direct speech. Aim for around 10 to 14 lines in total. Try to reuse some lesson chunks such as "Hi, I’m [Name], I just joined the team", "Nice to meet you, I’ve just moved from [country]", or "If I’m not sure, can I check with you?". When you are done, paste the whole script here.
Checklist for your script:
Name, role, team or project
Where you are from / when you arrived
3–5 sentence introduction
2–3 colleague questions in local style
Short, friendly answers
1–2 clarification questions about acronyms or roles
Polite, relaxed tone suitable for a Singapore office
You can look back at earlier blocks for example lines, but try to make this script your own.
