Suicide statistics from Hong Kong & Singapore over the period 1984-1994 were studied. The suicide behaviours in these cities were remarkably similar. Suicide rates increased with age, with a sharp increase among the elderly which was about 4 to 5 times the average. A relatively low male:female ratio & low teenage suicide were also found. Jumping from a height was the most common method of suicide. A different time trend of the suicide rates was observed, with an upward & downward trend for Hong Kong & Singapore respectively. The cultural, social, & economic aspects in understanding suicidal behaviour in Hong Kong & Singapore are also discussed. (22 refs)