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Business Etiquettes in Malaysia:
Meeting and Greeting

Initial greetings should be formal and denote proper respect.

When you shake hands with Chinese business partners, it is appropriate to shake hands with a woman, but wait for her to reach out her hand first. As for men, shake the hands only lightly but prolonged.

It is important that professional titles (professor, doctor, and engineer) and honorific titles are used in business. Malays and Indians use titles with their first name while address Chinese business partners with their title and their surname or simply with”Mr” and “Mrs”.

Business Meetings

It is a good idea for the most senior person on your team to enter first so that he or she is the first to greet the most senior Malaysian.

At the first meeting between two companies, Malaysians will generally not get into in-depth discussions. They prefer to use the first meeting as an opportunity to get to know each other and build a relationship and establish trust, which is essential in this consensus-driven culture.

Arrive in time for a meeting but be prepared to wait. Malays and Indians usually have a relaxed attitude to time while Chinese are normally punctual.

There will be a period of small talk which may serve as preliminary before the actual agenda is discussed, which will end when the most senior Malaysian is comfortable moving to the business discussion.

While discussing be polite . Under no circumstances should you show anger in public as this is considered very rude. Also, never criticize anyone and embarrass a colleague in front of a group. Do not say “no”, rather use forms such as “I will try”.

It is customary for leaders to sit opposite each other around the table.

It shows good manners if you take a moment of silence before answering a question as this demonstrates that you are giving the question the appropriate consideration.

When making appointments for a business meeting, avoid scheduling them to a Friday, as this day is reserved for Muslims to pray.

Business Card Etiquette

Business cards are exchanged after the initial introductions

If you will be meeting Chinese, have one side of your card translated into Chinese, with the Chinese characters printed in gold.

If you will be meeting government officials, have one side of your card translated into Malay language.

When receiving or presenting a card use two hands or the right hand only to exchange business cards.

Examine any business card you receive before putting it in your business card case.

The respect you show someone’s business card is indicative of the respect you will show the individual in business. Act accordingly.

Never write on someone’s card in their presence.

Women have slightly more freedom regarding their dress etiquette. They can wear skirts, trousers or a traditional dress. Revealing clothes are inappropriate. Garments, fully covering a woman’s body or headscarf’s are very common.

Dress etiquette

Men should wear a suit, with dark pants, a long-sleeved shirt and a tie.

Follow Up

Thank you notes, samples and other promised information should be sent as soon as possible.

Regular correspondence with Malaysian contacts will prove your interest and sincerity.

For Business Etiquettes & Manners in other countries, please visit our countrywise network sites at :  http://www.japanesecartrade.com/help/sites

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