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PRACTICAL TRAVEL
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ETIQUETTE TIPS FOR DOING BUSINESS IN ASIA
Pan Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur advises business travelers that if they attend a function hosted by a Malaysian it is not wise to leave without eating something. The guest will offend the host if they say they are not hungry or have already eaten.
 Pan Pacific Glenmarie Resort in Kuala Lumpur confirms that English is the language of commerce, banking and international trade but business travelers may want to hone up on general greetings and common terms in the Bahasa Malaysia/Malay language as this is the national language.
Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore recommends that business travelers bring a sufficient number of business cards as associates in Asia expect them. The absence of cards implies that businesspeople are disinterested in doing business.
The Royal Garden in Kowloon, Hong Kong advises that while eating chicken feet, duck tongue and frog ovaries, never stick your chopsticks in a bowl upright as this rude gesture is a reminder of the way rice is offered to the dead.
Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore |
Pan Pacific Hotel Bangkok alerts business travelers that at all levels of social interaction, Thai demand the same level of perceptiveness from foreigners as they do amongst themselves. If an associate disagrees with an opinion or idea, it will not be spelled out, but will merely be implied so gently that there is no "loss of face."
Puteri Pan Pacific Hotel, Johar Bahru suggests that business travelers entertaining Muslim guests be reminded to look for restaurants that serve food which is halal (free from pork) as Islam forbids Muslims from eating pork. Business travelers should also know that Indians who practice the Hindu faith and Chinese who follow Buddhism do not eat beef. Always review menu options before selecting a restaurant!
Palau Pacific Resort reminds business travelers to present their business card with two hands, with the written material facing the recipient, and provide a slight bow when presenting the card. In addition, when speaking through an interpreter, continue eye contact with the person you are doing business with and always look interested when foreign business associates are talking among themselves in their own language.
Palau Pacific Resort |
Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, Dhaka recommends that first time business travelers to Bangladesh respect the local protocol of hierarchy as "rank" is very important and highly valued. The first person to enter a room is the head of the group and Americans should follow this practice to avoid confusion.
Gift giving can also be tricky. If you offer a lovely clock wrapped in white paper to your host in Hong Kong or Malaysia, it could spell disaster for your business prospects, as clocks signify the passing of time (i.e. death), and white, as well as black, indicates mourning.
Offering knives as gifts indicate the severing of relationships, especially in Singapore.
Always offer and accept gifts with both hands, and do not expect them to be opened in your presence.
Small talk is encouraged to break the ice at successful business meetings, but avoid discussing politics. It is considered in extremely poor taste in most Asian cultures.
In most of Asia, shoes and feet are considered "unclean." In Malaysia, as in many Asian countries, it is offensive to sit cross-legged, pointing the soles of your feet towards your host. To be safe, always sit with your feet on the floor.
Avoid pointing with your index finger. Instead, gesture with your whole hand, palm down.
Following these tips and learning more about the culture you will be visiting can go a long way towards making your stay, whether for business or pleasure, an enjoyable one.
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