Malaysia has a healthy foreign population who coexist peacefully with the locals. People from various countries come to Malaysia for tourism, business activities, education etc. Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures.
The major ethnic groups in Malaysia are the Malays, Chinese and the Indians. When conducting business in Malaysia, it is very common to run into people from all or some of these groups.
Here’s what to expect the next time you meet a client from Malaysia.
Malays
Handshakes: The ethnic group of Malays practices Islam. It is usual for Malay businessmen and businesswomen to refrain from physical contact, especially with the opposite gender. It is advisable to let them initiate a handshake so as to avoid any awkward situations.
Meetings: When it comes to timings, Malays are not the most punctual yet they do not like waiting. What that means is, make sure you’re on time, or earlier. Allow time for the head of the delegation to start the topic for discussion. Malays usually spend the initial few minutes discussing non-business related matters before easing into the matter at hand.
Chinese
Handshakes: The Chinese in Malaysia are usually comfortable with handshakes amongst members of the same and opposite gender. The handshakes tend to be longer, with a slightly less firm grip. In the event of any uncertainty, it is advisable to let your business host initiate the handshake.
Meetings: The Chinese are seldom late for their meetings and prefer efficiency during them. This means you need to be prepared well. The Chinese are known to be on point and expect the same in return.
Indians
Handshakes: The Indians consider the handshake as an acceptable form of greeting. However, some members of the opposite gender might be uncomfortable and it is advisable to let them initiate and you follow suit. In rare cases, a nod with a smile is considered to be an acceptable form of greeting.
Meetings: As with the Malays, Indian business people tend to be a little relaxed when it comes to their arrival time but also hate to be kept waiting. This means you need to be punctual. Take note of the fact they will prefer to spend a little time talking about general matters before heading into business related talk.
Across all the cultures, there are some similarities.
- Generally, the women are introduced to the men, the older is introduced to the younger and the higher ranking member to the lower ranking member.
- Gift giving during a business meeting is not mandatory. However, should it be an occasion where it is necessary, special care must be taken while gifting Malays Indians. It is advisable to stick to gifts that are allowed in Islam, as Malays as well as Hindus amongst Indians will not take leather goods as gifts.
- Gifts should not be wrapped in white, black or blue as they symbolize death or sadness in all the three cultures.
- Business cards are exchanged after greeting each other. Make sure the business cards are treated with respect as they indicate how much you respect the other person.
Always remember to be polite and courteous and to keep a calm tone during a conversation. Due to the language barrier and cultural differences, there can be instances where the tone of a conversation is misinterpreted.
As with everything, take time to understand the working of the people and the culture in order to succeed in building relations and partnerships.
Or better yet, learn the language and impress everyone!
The official language of Malaysia is Malay, and Chinese Mandarin and Tamil are also widely spoken.
Andrie Steliou
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