Who We Are
Culture Boleh Global Training PLT is a Malaysian/Canadian company with more than 20 years of local experience and cultural understanding. We specialize in building strong cohesive relationships between local Malaysians and international colleagues and clients. Our training is always practical and ensures all participants will be comfortable to learn and to share during our sessions. We believe that all organizations that embrace the cultural differences among their staff become stronger, more competitive and more profitable.
What We Do
We provide organizations as well as local and expatriate individuals with the awareness, understanding and skills needed to build lasting relationships with people of other cultures and backgrounds. We help organizations to develop a communication strategy that creates a Cultural Intelligence among their staff. With Cultural Intelligence, their staff will possess the skill set to communicate regionally or even globally. Cultural Intelligence will also enable them to effectively give global presentations and write proposals, reports or emails to global audiences.
How we can help you and your organization
By developing cross-cultural understanding and intelligence, your staff will save your organization time and money. Cross-cultural understanding and intelligence will ensure you build strong lasting business relationships with colleagues, clients and customers. We can help your staff spend less time explaining the meaning of what they write or correcting misunderstandings. Additionally, your staff will learn how to build trust, cooperation and a strong organizational culture of effective global communication.
About Our Logo
Our logo tells the story of the transformation of an individual from one culture who adapts to communicate and work with individuals from another culture. We could illustrate it this way: Imagine you are from Country Culture Yellow, but you have received a work assignment to Country Culture Blue. Your way of thinking, acting and communicating are totally different. However, you set out to learn and understand your new host country’s culture. Over time and with effort you embrace aspects of your new culture, but still keep your original cultural identity. What is the outcome? You become Green! You are able to communicate both socially and within the business environment in a way that demonstrates great cultural intelligence. You are truly successful in your new work assignment. Of course the same example could illustrate the transformation of a student studying overseas in a new culture. It could also equally apply to a single culture team working with a manager or team from a different culture. The point of our logo is that we stay true to ourselves, but at the same time embrace and adapt to our new cultural environment and ways. We USE THE GREEN APPROACH!
Clients & Testimonials
Contact us today and we will tailor a program to your organization's needs.
Our People
Managing Partner & Principal Trainer
Having lived predominantly in South-East Asia for the past 25 years, Martin has amassed an in-depth and detailed understanding of Asian culture, its rich diversity, and many nuances, having travelled to over 26 different countries. During this period, he has worked extensively in assisting others in developing a similar understanding and in cultivating communication skills that help bridge any perceived cultural divides. He has conducted at varying levels over 600+ coaching and training sessions designed to provide the education, cultural and moral betterment of the audience through more effective communication, and by providing individuals with the awareness, understanding and skills needed to build lasting relationships with people of other cultures and backgrounds. He is strongly motivated to help people to see their potential. He is also known as very effective public speaker, even developing an adult education course for Public Speaking for Belfast University, Northern Ireland.
- Certified In CQ (Cultural Intelligence)
- TESOL Certified
“Martin knows what it’s like to adapt to a new culture. He hasn’t just studied it…he’s lived it.“
Country Experts
Adelina Mathews (Malaysia Country Expert & Global English Expert)
With over 20 years of experience in teaching and training at different universities and institutions in Malaysia, Japan, Thailand, and the US, Adelina is able to tap into a plethora of experiences in sharing, connecting and engaging with people from all walks of life. Having spent more than 10 years living and working outside her home culture of Malaysia, Adelina is keenly aware of what is needed in order to adapt to new cultures and build the right relationships. With her diverse background, Adelina’s main goal is to help her clients assimilate to new cultures and life experiences. She strives to help people understand and express their ideas clearly. She enjoys coaching, teaching and motivating them in the hopes that the skills they learn will help them push through challenges in life and work. Adelina has provided training in both the private and public sector for Malaysian, Korean, Thai, Japanese and Libyan nationals.
Education & Certifications
- Business English Trainer
- Certified English Language Trainer
- Advanced CQ Certified Facilitator
- MA in Sociolinguistics and Multilingualism (U.K.)
- BA in English (U.S.)
Eric Xu (China Country Expert)
Associate professor at ESSCA ( French Business School in Shanghai) and Shanghai University Eric has lived and worked in France and Italy while serving multinational companies as General Manager, Vice President or Chief Representative in China. During that time, his expertise involved working in areas such as Team Building, Joint Venture communication, Business Development, Dealership networking, and Supplier Management. Since 2005, Eric has specialized in intercultural communication and has been invited as a consultant, intercultural trainer and coach to support cross-cultural transitions and integrations. He has delivered over 500 private and group programs to clients from a variety of roles and from diverse cultural backgrounds, industries and economic sectors. They include teams managing international mergers and acquisitions, IT systems implementation teams, regional sales and service functions, candidates for international assignments, corporate executives on global career development and rotation programs, human resources consultants, new employees participating in on-boarding programs, as well as MBA, and EMBA students. Eric has a B.A. in International Trade from Nanchang University and a B.A. in Law from Hunan University. He went to France for his postgraduate study in 2002 after 2 years of working in China.and later obtained his MBA in Euro-Asia Management from IAE Poitiers France. He regularly attends the Summer Institute for Intercultural Communication in Reed College. He is an accredited facilitator (Culture Smart, Cultural Compass, Cultural wizard, Cultural Orientation Model) and Certified as a Global Mobility Specialist. He speaks fluent English, French, and Mandarin.
Gaku Yoshimura (Japan Country Expert)
Having completed a 3 year course of study in Japanese Business Communication, Gaku has years of sales and advertising experience in the Japanese market. He is an expert in verbal and non-verbal business communication, having worked in Japan and other countries. He has enjoyed the opportunity to service major Japanese corporations as clients such as Canon, SHARP, Japan Airlines, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance, and Yahoo! Japan. Gaku is also a certified Japanese language teacher and has taught in the language and education field for over 10 years. He currently teaches Japanese to international students undertaking their International Baccalaureate Diploma courses, and great attention is given to providing cultural awareness and understanding of the target language. In addition, Gaku serves as an interpreter and translator, providing services to international companies and organizations to help them successfully communicate with Japanese clients. He speaks fluent Japanese and English.
Anita Sachdev (North India Country Expert)
Anita defines herself as someone who is “inspired and open to life without borders, forging ahead with integrity and self-expression, and in the process, inspiring and empowering other people”. Cultural psychology, cognitive global communication, and multi-cultural diversity are all inherent to Anita’s professional journey. With strategic communication as her core asset she drove business for consumer brands as head of large advertising agencies in Egypt and UK. She then led entrepreneurial ventures in New York and with an NGO in Canada. Originally from India, Anita left in 1988 for UK before moving on to spend 22 years in North America. She returned to live in India in 2010 bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and experience and an abundant passion for intercultural management. Now, as an Intercultural Consultant to multiple global organizations she delivers successful cross-cultural training for Expat and Indian leaders working across borders, and global leadership programs to multi-cultural management teams. Anita has worked in India with CEOs, senior-level executives and departmental managers from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds to support these leaders become effective and comfortable working with other nationalities. With her Intercultural Coaching, leaders can achieve much needed global and local congruence as well as develop the ability to have ‘Conversations and Dialogues’ by transforming communication to connection, which in turn impacts Individual Performance Rates (IPR). Anita’s wings and roots philosophy reflects her ease in exploring new dimensions in her work grounded in spiritual understandings. Clients from multiple industries partnered with her to achieve goals viz; Unilever, L’Oréal Paris, Danone, GSK, Life Fitness, Brookfield.
Corporate Experience
- 25 years in International Communication, Advertising, Marketing,
- 3 years Multicultural Marketing Company in New York
- 15 years Entrepreneurial ventures including 10 years in Learning & Development in Canada/Mumbai.
- 25 years worked and lived in the USA, Canada, Egypt, Middle East
Education & Certification
- Adult Training and Education – University of Toronto
- Professional coaching qualifications include, Coaching Certified with Coach U and ICA,
- IICM Certified ACP coach, 2nd Accreditation with ICF in Progress
- Assessments: Certified in several Cross Cultural Assessments, DiSC, 360 and Hogan reports to coach executives, NLP Practitioner, Life and Career Coaching Assessments.
- DDI – Facilitation Training & Leadership Competency
- Facilitation Certification – International Association of Facilitators
- Counselling Program – New York University
- Masters in Management Program, Marketing, Advertising, Public Relation
- B.A. (Hons) Economics
She speaks fluent English, French, Hindi and Punjabi.
Áine Edwards (South India Country Expert)
Áine Edwards is a Senior Consultant with Aperian Global, based out of Chennai, India. Aine has over 10 years of cross cultural program management experience in the human resources, pharmaceutical and financial fields throughout India, Ireland and the United Kingdom. As a cross-cultural facilitator, Aine utilizes her project management, recruitment, team management, communication and business development background in her work. Áine’s diverse clientele include: ADP UK, EMI records, Hilton UK, Regus, The Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill India Tour and The Wright Bus Corporation. Áine has worked across Australia, Germany, India, Ireland, the Maldives and the United Kingdom. Áine speaks excellent German utilized during her academic placement at Deutsche Bank AG. Although Áine’s clients have been multi-nationals, she has primarily worked for small and medium enterprises who are going through a state of growth and implementing new business processes cross-culturally. Áine specializes in implementing and defining these processes and relationship building between the United Kingdom and Indian offices. Áine has worked between India, Ireland and the United Kingdom as a program manager delivering software projects to client’s based in Europe. Aine utilizes her knowledge of intercultural communication, relationship building, marketing and public relations to ensure the transitions occur as smoothly as possible. In addition to delivering consulting engagements, Áine provides support and facilitation to software and business companies in Ireland and United Kingdom to do successful long-term business with companies based in South India. Áine also works with groups in Ireland and India to market awareness of social projects, recruit volunteers and raise funds for entities that do work in areas which she is passionate about, such as education, culture, sports environment and travel. Aine holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Applications, Information Technology degree from the Institute of Technology in Cork, Ireland and has studied Prince 2 foundations of Project Management and Development Studies at University College Cork in Cork, Ireland.
Silke Irmscher (Indonesia Country Expert)
Silke is a certified Intercultural Trainer & Coach and Pro-diversity & Inclusion activist from Germany that has lived and worked for more than 15 years in Indonesia. Her passion is to connect people from different cultures on a deeper level and so inspire them to create trustful relationships, thriving team spirits and effective global leadership. Before founding her own intercultural consultation service in 2012, Silke had worked for many years in the development aid program of the German government (GIZ) in different regions of the Indonesian archipelago. Today, she provides Intercultural Training, Team Development and One-on-one Coaching for individuals and teams in culturally diverse environments. To her clients belong Allianz, Bosch, Danone, Mercedes-Benz, Siemens and Tenaris. Her ability to understand Indonesian culture from the inside often resulted in her becoming a cultural interpreter between expat and Indonesian co-workers. Indeed, her passion is to build bridges between people from different cultures. She does this by providing understanding about different ways of “normality” and by helping her clients to develop self-confidence as well as skills to act safely in foreign business settings. Silke works with up-to-date tools of intercultural sciences and positive psychology and holds a license as a Global DISC™ practitioner. As a Brain Gym® certified Coach, she also applies the newest knowledge of neuroscience in order to facilitate these changes and to make cultural learning easy and fun. Silke holds a Bachelor Degree in Business Management and a Master’s Degree in Communication Psychology. She also completed the university-based course Intercultural Business Communication at the University of Jena. The fact that she has lived in Indonesia for more than a decade, combined with her rich working experience in international settings, has allowed her to have a deep understanding of Asian values, particularly the Indonesian way of thinking and communicating. Silke also lives a multicultural family life. With her Indonesian husband, she raises 2 children in 4 languages and with the heritage of various traditional and modern cultures.
Topic Experts
Celina Gan (Coloured Brian Communication Psychology Expert)
Over 20 years working in Asia and Europe, Celina Gan has accumulated a vast experience and know-how in working, training and coaching participants from different cultures, work backgrounds and across languages. Celina trains in Europe, Middle East and Asia, working with leading MNCs, the civil service and educational institutions. She is also a trainer, coach and assessor in the International Business Simulation Program at Regent’s University London, addressing ability for leadership, team building, team bonding and communication skills. Prior to being a full time trainer, facilitator and coach, Celina worked in the healthcare industry. After working within healthcare, Celina undertook legal studies and held positions as Contracts and Commercial Adviser to BP Singapore and worked as a Legal Consultant in the UK, Spain and Malaysia. During this time, Celina headed and managed various legal departments, conducted training workshops and offered consultancy services to international corporations, as well as the educational and public sectors. At the end of 2012, Celina moved into full time training. She has had the privilege of working and training the Singapore Prime Minister’s Office, Singapore Ministry of Education; Commercial Affairs Department; Intel; Dell; Western Digital; Qatargas, Qatar; Nestle’ S.A.; Land Transport Authority Singapore; Regent’s University London; Wycombe General Hospital, UK; the Royal Airforce Clinic UK, Singapore Sembawang Airbase and many more. Celina’s substantive work, consulting and training experience across the Asian and European continent with leading MNCs, the civil and educational sectors have deepened her understanding of the many challenges faced by different entities, leaders and individuals in an ever changing environment. Celina is therefore able to bring to her clients, realistic and workable practices and options to achieve desired goals and objectives. Celina is very passionate about training. Celina is certified in “Colored Brain” Communication Psychology: Human Motivation & Drive; and Mastery in Dynamic Speaking, accredited by the American Business School of Psychology. Celina’s style of training engages participants in practical sessions with personable examples, humour and hands-on activities for instant understanding and applicability. Celina’s motto is: “Stretch your Comfort Zone; Expand your Boundaries; and Enable Transitions to Take Place”.
David W. Fingerote (Culturally Considerate Critical Thinking Workshop)
David began his career teaching in Southern California. Since moving to Asia in 2006, he has focused on increasing his professional skill-set while staying abreast of the latest trends in education and training. Having taught all age levels and all abilities with Ministries of Education and Corporations in South Korea, The Philippines and Malaysia has reinforced David’s belief in the importance of continuing education and lifelong learning. David has extensive and broad experience in working with English Language learners of all skill-levels, ages and abilities. He is particularly interested in helping clients build their confidence where writing, reading, listening and speaking are concerned. For the past 10 years David has trained and educated executives, public servants, educators and students. The last four years have found David in Malaysia working with the Ministry of Education and international corporations focused on language education and training. David is known for his ability to inspire confidence in all learners and his willingness to adapt to learner realities while enforcing appropriate input.
Young Yet (Malay Language for Expats)
Young began his passion for teaching Bahasa Malaysia (Malay Language) some 17 years ago. Growing up in an environment where he is the only non-Malay kid in the neighbourhood has shaped his ability to understand the Malay language and culture right to its core. Young has extensive experience in teaching learners of all ages. His kind and patient demeanor in teaching is endearing to his many students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cross-cultural training?
It is training that provides you with the awareness, understanding and skills needed to communicate successfully with people of other cultures and backgrounds. Culture Boleh Global Training will generally focus on helping you cultivate Cultural Intelligence as a framework for ensuring you will stand out as an effective global communicator.
Why do I need cross-cultural training?
According to BBC, “the number one predictor of your success in today’s borderless world is not your IQ, not your resume, not even your expertise. It’s your Cultural Intelligence (CQ).”
What is the difference between cultural differences and personality differences?
This is one of the most common questions we get, and it is a very valid concern. The basic difference is that personality is based on a combination of an individual’s genetics, and for the most part, their upbringing. Culture on the other hand, is the shared values and beliefs groups of people hold on to and how those values and beliefs impact the way they behave and the environment they create. Culture can shape an individual’s personality; however, an individual’s personality wouldn’t shape the culture they have grown up in. Cultural groups can be national, generational, ethnic or even organizational.
What are some examples of cultural issues at work?
We write dozens of examples of cultural issues in our blog. Read about them and you may be surprised at how relatable these real-life scenarios are to you. Keep in mind that research shows that culture impact 70% of everything we do on a daily basis at home and in the workplace.
What courses do you offer?
Please CLICK HERE to view all our training programs. Our top two programs are Successfully Living and Working in Malaysia (for Expats) and Working Smart Globally with CQ.
Are all your programs related to culture training?
Yes. We always include a cultural element (related to your target culture) in all of our programs. We do this because we firmly believe that culture is what drives people. Therefore, if you are to achieve success in any aspect of your professional relationships with others, you must understand first, what drives them.
How can I know which program best suits my needs?
You may write to us at info@cultureboleh.com and provide us with your objectives, targeted training date(s) and number of participants. We will then propose a suitable course for you. Alternatively, you can CLICK HERE to view relevant programs by category.
How long are your training programs?
We generally offer 1-Day or 2-Day programs. For those with limited time to spare, we offer 2-hour Tea Talks that can be enjoyed over good coffee and yummy cakes or in some other setting preferred by you.
What is the difference between Public Programs and In-House Programs?
Anyone from the public can join our Public Programs which have been scheduled throughout the year. In-House Programs are specifically for organizations that would like a customized session for their staff.
Are you an HRDF certified training provider?
Yes, we are.
What kind of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, bank transfer and cheque payments.
What are your payment terms?
We require a 50% deposit two weeks before training, and the remainder to be paid within 30 days after completion of training.
Who are your existing clients?
We are trusted by individuals from the world’s most respected organizations. View our client lists or pop over to our Instagram page to check out photos and videos of past clients.
Why should I choose Culture Boleh Global Training PLT as a training provider?
We’ve spent 12 years training more than 10,000 individuals all over Malaysia with great results. Our trainers have an intimate knowledge of the cultures they train about and are authorities on the intercultural process. We also only work with trainers and coaches who have gone through the intercultural learning process themselves by living and working outside of their own culture for a minimum of five years. We know what we’re doing, and we do it well.
I’m interested in one of your programs. What do I do?
Send us the name of the program and your information through our Contact Form or email us at info@cultureboleh.com. We’ll be in touch soon after you hit send!
Number Speaks
10+
Awards
5+
Countries
12+
Partners
7K+
Students
