Is kissing on the cheek when greeting polite in Singapore?

Not customary, avoid. In Singapore, cheek kissing is not a standard greeting practice, especially among the multi-ethnic population of Chinese, Malay, and Indian communities. It may be perceived as overly intimate or awkward in most social gatherings, where a handshake or a simple nod is preferred. Exceptions exist among close friends or in Western-influenced circles, but it is not the norm.

Stick to a friendly handshake or a smile and nod when greeting someone for the first time at a social gathering.

Among younger, Western-educated Singaporeans or in expatriate-heavy settings, cheek kissing may occasionally be accepted, but it remains rare.