Doing Business in Malaysia
Malaysia is a unique country; it has its own beautiful culture and wonderful people who will welcome any foreigners. If you are going to travel to this astonishing country for a business trip, here are a few tips to help you in dealing with the local business partners.
[All advice was taken from Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental and Industrial Associations website]
Making Appointments:Although punctuality is not always a priority in Malaysia, you should still arrive on time for appointments. Even if you know you are going to be kept waiting, make an effort to arrive on time. Moreover, making a Malaysian executive wait can result in "loss of face," which has negative consequences in this culture.
The majority of Malaysian businesspeople are Chinese; you can expect them to be punctual. Most government officials, however, are ethnic Malays who have more of a relaxed attitude toward time. Although business travellers are expected to be on time, ethnic Malay may not necessarily do the same. The Indian minority's perspective on time is similar to that of the Malays. Nevertheless, the Indian professionals you may encounter will expect punctuality.
Business Dress Code:Standard business attire for women includes dresses and light-coloured, long-sleeved blouses and skirts. Stockings and business suits are reserved for very formal offices. Pantsuits or slacks may be inappropriate in some Malaysian offices. Women must be sensitive to Muslim and Hindu beliefs, and, consequently, wear blouses that cover at least their upper arms. Skirts should be knee-length or longer. In Malaysia, clothing styles for businesswomen tend to be frilly and ornamental.
Conversations:The Good:- your Malaysian host's family and heritage- business- sports, especially soccer- plans for the future- success of the group or organization- praising the local cuisine
The Bad:- criticizing any aspect of Malaysian culture- comparing life in Malaysia to life in the West- politics- bureaucracy- ethnic relations in Malaysia and in general- religion- sex/roles of the sexes
Gifts:The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency has exceptionally strict laws against bribery. Moreover, giving a gift that seems too generous may be interpreted as a bribe and could get you in trouble with the authorities. Gifts are usually reserved for friends. Before giving a gift of any kind, you must first establish a personal relationship with the recipient. Otherwise, the gift may very well be perceived as a bribe.
If you are a man and feel that it is necessary to give a gift to a female colleague, be aware that in this culture, personal gifts from a man to a woman can be misinterpreted as having a romantic intent. Malaysian business protocol requires that a man should explain that his wife sent the perfume, scarf, or similar gift item.
It is Chinese custom to decline a gift three times before accepting; this ritual prevents the recipient from appearing too acquisitive. In the face of these protestations, continue to insist. Once your gift is finally accepted say that you are pleased that the recipient has done so. When you receive a gift, you will be expected to go through the same routine.
EntertainmentYou should think of business entertaining in Malaysia as a kind of test. Your Malay hosts will be monitoring you closely; they will do business with you only if they are confident that you want to establish a personal relationship with them.
The development of a business relationship often centres on food. Therefore, for the sake of politeness, sample everything that is offered--even if you find it unappealing. Expect to be served some hot and spicy dishes.
Public Conduct:With the exception of handshakes, there is no public contact between the sexes in Malaysia. Hugging and kissing--even between husbands and wives--is forbidden in public.
Western women are likely to encounter few problems conducting business in Malaysia