Getting into Market

Kiwi Link Asia
Date: Next event TBC
Location: Shanghai, China

Business cards are commonly exchanged in all business introductions. When meeting a Chinese businessperson, use two hands to present your card. This indicates esteem for the person you are meeting. Look at their card for a short time before putting it down.

When meeting a Malay (Muslim) person, hand your card over with the right hand, placing your left hand on the right forearm. Try not to use the left hand only as it is considered unclean. If in doubt, it is acceptable to use both hands. Also avoid using the left hand when passing food.

In Malaysia, business dress for men should be a long sleeve shirt and tie. A jacket is sometimes necessary for evening cocktails or other events. A batik shirt is also suitable for formal occasions. For women, dress should be conservative given the strong Muslim culture. Dresses and blouses should have sleeves and mini skirts should be avoided.

In the Malay community courtesy is very highly prized; you should never show irritation or impatience.

Prominent businessmen often have titles such as Tan Sri or Dato. In addressing them one should use these titles, eg Tan Sri or Dato Lim - where Lim is the surname. Otherwise Mr or Miss is normally used, even when the woman is married. For Malay business contacts, males are addressed as Encik (pronounced Inchik) and females are addressed as Cik (pronounced Chik) if they are not married and Puan if they are married.

Pork and alcohol are forbidden for Muslims, so exercise sensitivity when entertaining Muslim companions. Few Malays will drink alcohol or smoke publicly.

Never touch the head of a Malay - the head is considered to be sacred. The Malay handshake (salam) is a simple palm to palm touch followed by the hand touching the heart. This is meant to show that the greeting is sincere and from the heart.

Women are well accepted in the business culture and there are a number of Malaysian female politicians and business leaders.

In Malaysia there were 14.9 million internet users as at November 2007, 60% of the population, up from 3.7 million in 2000. (source: Internet World Stats)