Business etiquette
Business tips
English language is normal for business discussion.
Personal relationships are an important part of business in Malaysia. It is important to take the time to develop them, often over a meal.
Exchange of business cards is a common practice. Cards should be offered to another person with two hands and vice versa.
Respect for both age and title are an important part of the culture. Many business people have honorific titles such as ‘Tan Sri’ (approxomates a knighthood) or ‘Dato'. Address them using these titles, for example, ‘Tan Sri Lim’ or ‘Dato Lim’ (where ‘Lim’ is the surname). During speeches, it is normal practice to acknowledge dignitaries during the introduction.
While ‘Mr’ and ‘Mrs’ are normally used in addressing business contacts, Malay men are addressed as ‘Encik’ (pronounced as ‘Inchik’) and Malay women are addressed as Cik (pronounced as ‘Chik’) if they are not married and ‘Puan’ if they are married. 'Tuan' can also be used to address a man if he is married, but it is not commonly used.
Malaysians tend to dress more formally than Australians. It is recommended that men wear ‘dress’ trousers, a long sleeve shirt and tie. On more formal occasions and initial meetings it is wise to wear a suit coat. Women dress variably in Malaysia ranging from the traditional to the very modern. It is recommended that women dress relatively conservatively. This usually means a knee length skirt or trousers and a top which covers the shoulders. Malays will fast for one month prior to Hari Raya Puasa (Malay New Year). During this month avoid inviting Malays to lunch or dinner meetings.
Malaysia is ethnically and religiously diverse hence it observes a number major festivals during the year including Deepavali (Hindu), Christmas, Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Puasa (Islam). The different ethnic groups commonly take holidays around these festivals hence trying to arrange appointments at these times can be difficult. Malays will fast for one month prior to Hari Raya Puasa and during this period it is wise to avoid lunch, late afternoon and dinner meetings.
In formal situations (especially meetings with royalty, government or religious officials), it is considered improper to cross your legs. If attending a fuction with Malaysian royalty, avoid wearing the colour yellow as this is the royal colour.
Social etiquette
Use both hands at all times when giving or receiving. Use of only the right hand is acceptable. Avoid using only the left hand.
Malaysian men and women shake hands gently and Malay women may not shake hands as a form of greeting.
Avoid touching and pointing. If you need to point, use the thumb of your right hand.
Accept at least a little of any refreshments offered.
When inviting Malaysians to lunch or dinner, consider their ethnic origins (eg. pork and alcohol are forbidden to Muslims, only halal food products should be used).
When entering Malaysian homes and mosques, shoes should be taken off and left outside. Females are prohibited from entering mosques.
Dress at social functions is often ‘smart casual’ which typically means a smart pair of trousers and an open necked shirt for men. Again it is recommended that women dress relatively conservatively.
If going to a private dinner at a Malaysian home, a small gift of chocolates or flowers would be greatly appreciated by your host. If your host is Chinese, a bottle of red wine would also be acceptable. Gifts will generally not be opened in front of the giver.
Please also note: Bribery of foreign public officials is a crime. Australian individuals and companies can be prosecuted in Australia for bribing foreign officials when overseas. For more information, go to the Attorney General's Department on foreign bribery.
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