Tips for Suitable Business Gifts for Malaysia by Cathy Knight
Following on from the recent signing of the Free Trade Agreement between New Zealand and Malaysia, there is expected to be significantly increased business travel between the two countries. Learning about other countries, and their cultural practices can be both part of the charm and the challenge of international business relationships. There is no doubt that the better your understanding of the differences, the better your chances of success.
Business gifts are a common part of doing business with the Malaysian people, and are a little more complex than in some countries due to religious and other beliefs of the various ethnicities.
While the gift does not need to be lavish, a small gift at an initial meeting does indicate you are genuine and sincere in trying to build a relationship. However you must pay careful attention to the type of gift you choose, so as to not offend the recipient. There is a mix of Muslim, Asian and Indian ethnicities, each of which may be offended by various aspects of business gifts commonly given in New Zealand.
It is easier if you know the ethnicity of the people you are meeting, but if you do not, it is best to avoid the following products altogether:
* Alcohol (offensive to Muslims)
* All leather (pig leather is offensive to Muslims and cow leather is offensive to Indians)
* Gifts which depict dogs (offensive to Muslims, considered unclean)
* Gifts which are predominantly white or black or wrapped in white or black (signify mourning to Hindus)
* Personal items
* No sharp items (eg letter openers) which symbolize severing (of your relationship)
* Artwork depicting the human form (especially if partially naked)
* Avoid clocks, and sets of four (especially when giving to Asians)
* Items which are overly personal
Make sure you have chosen New Zealand made gifts (many items which have a NZ or 'Kiwiana' theme will not be made in NZ). Some items which may be suitable include:
* Framed Greenstone Carvings
* A scenic book of New Zealand (eg 'New Zealand Landscapes' or 'Light and Landscape' by Andris Apse)
* Wooden Desk items, for example a Wooden Business Card holder or box
* Maori Glass Waka
* Hand Turned Pen in a wooden gift set, or pen & pencil sets
* Chocolates or quality confectionary (must be Halal if giving to Muslims)
Remember also gift wrapping is significant, so ensure you avoid the 'mourning' colours of black, white or blue. Red is a good 'happy' colour to wrap in.
How you give the gift is also significant. The left hand is generally considered 'unclean' so use the right hand only, or both hands if it large. Do not expect your gift to opened in front of you.
While the cultural considerations of business gifts to Malaysia may require a little more thought in choosing your gift, your thoughtfulness will help to make the relationship a more successful one. A gift retailer who specialises in business gifts should be able to assist.
For more information or assistance, please feel free to call or email:
Cathy Knight
P: +64 9 630 1544
E: ck@newzealandshowcase.com
W: http://www.newzealandshowcase.com
About the Author
Cathy Knight from New Zealand Showcase Ltd provides advice to corporate clients on international gifting. New Zealand Showcase specialises in gorgeous NZ gifts for personal and business gifting, with a focus on business to business gifting.
http://www.newzealandshowcase.com/about-our-corporate-service.cfm
Slavery of Black Muslim Africans in Modern Arab Muslim Country for 800 years TODAY
|
|
When the Moors Ruled in Europe $14.36 Historian Bettany Hughes hosts this enlightening British documentary that sheds new light on the seven centuries of rule enjoyed by the Islamic conquerors known as the Moors. Revealing how the dark-skinned rulers brought about advances in agriculture, mathematics, medicine, astronomy, and other disciplines, the program offers fresh insights about an era fraught with myths and misinformation. 101 m… |
|
|
Muhammad Ali: The Greatest $12.00 Director William Klein’s gritty documentary chronicles the boxing legend’s meteoric rise to the top. From his historic 1964 bout with Sonny Liston and the transformation from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali to the monumental Rumble in the Jungle with George Forman in 1974. Standard; Soundtrack: English; Subtitles: French; audio commentary…. |
|
|
Muslim Head Scarf Keffiyeh Shemagh Arab $9.95 This fashionable, fringed, square scarf is handmade using traditional craftsmanship and super soft 100% cotton. Its light design makes it perfect for all seasons and desert environments. Measures approximately 39×39 inches. Known variously as a keffiyeh, shemagh, ghutrah, square, triangle, hip-hop, Euro, or hipster scarf…. |
|
|
Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention $30.00 Years in the making-the definitive biography of the legendary black activist. Of the great figure in twentieth-century American history perhaps none is more complex and controversial than Malcolm X. Constantly rewriting his own story, he became a criminal, a minister, a leader, and an icon, all before being felled by assassins’ bullets at age thirty-nine. Through his tireless work and countless … |
|
|
The Hand of Christ (A Sterling Novel) $1.49 A document bearing the hand print of Christ is stolen. Another is discovered. Middle East peace talks at the Umayyad Mosque in Syria are attacked and CIA Officer Dr. Michael Sterling is caught in the middle. Along with the ambassadors of each nation in attendance, a Syrian agent is fatally wounded but, before dying, passes shocking intelligence to Michael – intelligence that outlines the planned a… |
|
|
The Autobiography of Malcolm X (Penguin Modern Classics) $8.50 From hustling, drug addiction and armed violence in America’s black ghettos Malcolm X turned, in a dramatic prison conversion, to the puritanical fervour of the Black Muslims. As their spokesman he became identified in the white press as a terrifying teacher of race hatred; but to his direct audience, the oppressed American blacks, he brought hope and self-respect. This autobiography (written with… |
Tags: black muslims book