Business Etiquette Guide in Malaysia

Malaysia is known for its multicultural and diversity population. When doing business in Malaysia not only will you be meeting Malay businessmen but also from other Malaysians like Chinese and Indians as well as many others.

There are some differences in rules of conduct between each race which may seem appropriate by one but can be considered as offensive to others.

Handshakes

Different practices apply to handshakes. As Malaysia is a Muslim country, physical touch between sexes might be seen inappropriate. Malay women do not normally shake hand with men. To be on the safe side, wait for the woman to extend her hand first. Only then it is appropriate to shake hand. If she did not, only bow slightly with your right hand placed over the position of your heart to demonstrate respect. This gesture means: “I greet you from my heart”.

For Chinese, it is acceptable to shake hands with a woman, but wait for her to reach out first. As for men, shake their hand only lightly but prolonged.

As for Indians, when introduced, a nod and a smile might be sufficient though shaking hands are allowed.

Dress Etiquette

Men should wear a suit, with dark pants, a long-sleeved shirt and a tie. 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 head scarves are very common.

Business Meetings

When making appointments for a business meeting, avoid scheduling them to a Friday, as Friday is reserved for Muslims to pray. Arrive on time for a meeting but be prepared to wait. Malays and Indians usually have a relaxed attitude to time while Chinese are normally punctual. This means for you: be punctual.

When having a first meeting with a party do not expect business decisions to be made. Initial meetings are usually used for building rapport as business relationships are based on familiarity and trust. They are always started with small talk. Personal questions are not very adequate but questions on hobbies or interests, sometimes also on family, are fine.

Malaysian culture, and this refers to business culture as well, is very hierarchical so make sure to treat persons of senior ranks with great respect.

When communicating be very polite. Under no circumstances should you show anger in public as this is considered very rude.

Also, never criticize and embarrass a colleague in front of a group. Do not say “no”, rather use forms such as “I will try”.

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 entering a Malaysian home, always take your shoes off. Only use the right hand for eating or touching another person as the left hand is regarded unclean.

Business presents or gifts are not very common, but in some cases where you might have to make a gift pay attention to the Muslim rules. Do not give alcohol, pork meat or anything made of pigskin.

Names and titles

As a general rule, address persons by their title and their surname as using first names is not very common. Many Malaysians, however, do not have surnames. They often use their father's name adding it to their surname with the term “bin” meaning “son of”. The term applying to women is “binti”. In cases where the surname is missing you can use the first name together with a “Mr.” or “Mrs.”

The same rule applies to Indians therefore use thei

r first name together with a “Mr.” or “Mrs” or the respective title.

Address Chinese business partners with their title and their s

urname or simply with ”Mr” and “Mrs”.

Some Malaysians have been conferred a title by the government. These are usually “Tun”, “Tan Sri”, “Dato Seri” and “Dato’ or Datuk”. If you know the title, use it!

Business cards

Business cards are usually first given out by the visiting party. When receiving, or presenting a card, hold it with both hands. The business card is held with both hands on the top corners of the card. Thumbs on top. The card is received the same way holding the business card on the bottom corners. Hand your card so it can be read with the print facing the person receiving the card. When receiving it, hold it respectfully and take a moment to look at it before putting it away. Have your card translated into Malay or if you are meeting Chinese partners, translate it into Chinese as well.