Malaysia: Doing business and staying in touch
Doing Business in Malaysia
Malaysia's business etiquette reflects its multicultural society, blending influences from Malay, Chinese, and Indian traditions.
A handshake is the most common greeting in business settings, though it may vary slightly depending on the individual's cultural background. For example, a Muslim woman may prefer a slight nod or placing her hand over her heart instead of a handshake. Addressing people with titles, such as "Dato" or "Dr," is a sign of respect, and it's polite to wait to be invited to use first names. Business cards are exchanged with both hands as a sign of respect.
Business attire in Malaysia is generally formal. Men typically wear long-sleeved shirts and ties (full suits are expected for important events), while women should opt for conservative clothing, avoiding anything too revealing.
Malaysians value politeness and avoiding confrontation. Direct criticism is often softened to maintain harmony. Business meetings may start with small talk, as building rapport is considered important. Foreign business people should be patient, as decision-making processes in Malaysia can take a long time due to the hierarchical nature of many organisations.
Being on time is important, though meetings may not always start promptly. It is best to schedule appointments in advance and confirm them closer to the date.
Gifts are not mandatory, but small gifts are appreciated during special occasions or to show gratitude. Avoid gifts with religious or cultural sensitivities, such as alcohol for Muslims or sharp objects for Chinese associates.
Business meals are common, and local dining customs should be observed. For example, use your right hand when eating or passing items to respect Malay and Indian traditions. If dining with Chinese colleagues, a toast may be part of the meal.
Office Hours
Sun-Thu 09:00 to 17:00 in the states of Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu.
Mon-Fri 09:00 to 17:00 in all other states of Malaysia.
Economy
Malaysia has a diverse and open economy, making it one of Southeast Asia's leading economic hubs. It is classified as an upper-middle-income nation, with a well-balanced mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and services driving its growth. The country is a global exporter of palm oil, rubber, and electronics, with the latter contributing significantly to its industrial sector.
Key industries include oil and gas, with Malaysia being a major exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), and tourism, which plays a crucial role in its service sector. Kuala Lumpur, the capital, is home to a thriving financial sector and serves as a regional business hub.
Penang, often referred to as Malaysia's "Silicon Valley", is a key manufacturing hub, particularly for electronics and semiconductors, housing numerous multinational factories and research facilities. The state plays a pivotal role in the country's export-driven economy.
Malaysia benefits from its strategic location along vital shipping routes, making trade and logistics integral to its economy. While the country has seen robust economic growth over the years, it faces challenges such as income inequality, reliance on exports, and ensuring sustainable development.
GDP
US$399.6 billion (2023).
Main exports
Electrical and electronics (E&E) products, petroleum products, palm oil and palm-based products, rubber and rubber products, and chemicals.
Main imports
Machinery, electronics components, chemicals, transport equipment, and foodstuffs.
Main trading partners
China, Singapore, United States, Japan, European Union.
Keeping in Touch in Malaysia
Mobile Phone
Mobile phone coverage in Malaysia is extensive, with reliable reception in cities, towns, and most tourist areas. The country has several major mobile network providers, including Maxis, Celcom, Digi, and U Mobile, all offering competitive prepaid plans for calls, texts, and data.
Visitors can easily purchase prepaid SIM cards at airports, mobile shops, and convenience stores. A passport is required for registration. Plans are affordable, with data packages widely available to suit short-term travellers.
In rural and remote areas, particularly in East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), signal strength may be weaker, so plan accordingly if you're travelling off the beaten path.
Internet
Wi-Fi is widely available throughout Malaysia, particularly in urban areas and popular tourist destinations. Most hotels, cafés, restaurants, and shopping malls offer free Wi-Fi, though the speed and reliability can vary. Airports and bus terminals also provide Wi-Fi, though it may require registration or a time limit.
For travellers needing consistent and fast internet access, portable Wi-Fi devices or local SIM cards with data plans are great options. These ensure connectivity even in areas with limited public Wi-Fi availability.
Media
Malaysia has a diverse media landscape that reflects its multicultural society. English, Malay, Chinese, and Tamil-language newspapers, television channels, and radio stations are widely available. Popular English-language newspapers include The Star and New Straits Times, while online news platforms like Free Malaysia Today and Malaysiakini are also widely read.
Television features a mix of local and international content. Free-to-air channels such as TV3, Astro Awani, and RTM are popular, while Astro dominates satellite TV services, offering a variety of entertainment, news, and sports channels.
Radio remains a popular medium, with English-language stations like Hitz FM and Lite FM catering to diverse tastes. For visitors, streaming services such as Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube are readily accessible with reliable internet connections.
