Hello everybody,
As you know, professional habits may differ from one country to another. In order to help newly arrived expats better understand their new professional environment in Malaysia, we warmly encourage you to share information and insights about the do's and don'ts in the workplace.
For instance, are there office manners? How do you greet your co-workers? Do you greet your management differently? Is there a dress code? Particular rules to observe? Maybe a professional body language?
On another level, what is key for a successful professional meeting? Are there any steps to follow? How do you a start a negotiation?
In other words, what are the most important things to know for a successful professional integration in Malaysia?
Thank you in advance for sharing your experience!
Julien
Business etiquette in Malaysia
From personal experience.....
1. Never point out that someone is wrong even indirectly and even if they are talking total rubbish SHUT UP. The top guy gets to explain the problem/solution in childish terms (usually wrongly) and everyone knows but has to say wow! I made that mistake with a famous Tan Sri once..... oooops
2. Dont overload presentations with figures. Lots of pretty visuals. Keep it simple. The higher the person is the simpler it needs to be. Eg dont be surprised if the IT Director cant use a mouse. In Malaysia promotion is about social status not competence.
3. Risk management doesnt exist. "I can guarantee you 30% returns" is believed by 75% and the other 25% who know it's BS wont say anything due to point one. And anyway "special commissions" are the deciding factor......
4. As a man dont be surprised to end up in a ktv bar after a meeting with a girl on each lap. Hey when in Rome..... but it's takeaway service anyway so just enjoy the singing and dissapear later - no need to be a bad boy!
5. Unlike many countries "sales commissions" are not paid in a bag of cash (well not by expats). Dont ask too many questions. Contracts here are 3 times the real price for a reason...... although I have seen contracts inflated by a factor of TEN.
6. Typically a Malaysian businessman will own a car worth more than their house as "your clients see your car not the house" so dont drive a Proton if in business. Bling bling!
7. Dont buy a Malay any food presents - seen that mistake as Chinese cook some biscuits/cakes with Pork fat.
8. TIM - This is Malaysia. Remember that. Look listen and learn. If you want western (or home country) business values GO HOME!! Or adapt and stay.
Nemodot has revealed all the dirty secrets!!! 
Woooo... someone's been playing in the Big Boys arena. 
Have a local partner or local associate to bring along in a meeting. The locals can open the meeting, do the pleasantries, lead the meeting and since we lack the technical knowledge, the expat can do the explanation in that area.
Ladies, when you greet a Malay-Muslim/ Indian Muslim man in a meeting, never extend your hand for a handshake. Your gesture will be ignored and you will be left embarrassed. Not all Muslim men are like this but majority are. Wait until they extend their hand to you first only then you are free to reciprocate. A nod followed by pleasantries will suffice.
Articles to help you in your expat project in Malaysia
As the commercial and financial center of Southeast Asia, Malaysia attracts foreign investors from all over the ...
If you want to work in Malaysia, it is important to know the labor market and the conditions related to employment ...
Johor Bahru, Malaysia's second-largest city, is located in a strategic region that confers rapid development ...
Ipoh is the capital of the state of Perak and is often considered a quiet, medium-sized city that offers fewer ...
Subang Jaya is located in the district of Petaling in the state of Selangor, 20 minutes from downtown Kuala ...
Klang, also called Kelang, is a bustling port town located on the Klang River in the Selangor State. It is found ...
