When you notice two people speaking very loudly and gesturing animatedly, would you assume they are arguing or just having a normal conversation? Or when someone comments negatively on the work you produce, does that affect you emotionally as a person? Do you welcome disagreements or challenges to your idea in front of your fellow […]
When Is Conflict not a Conflict? Read More »
After a month of waiting, my car is finally back in commission following a replacement of a defective automotive part. My customer service experience was fraught with long waiting periods, lack of progress updates, unanswered calls and the general we-can’t-help-you-much-and-you-will-just-have-to-wait attitude. Even though my car was finally ready for collection, I had to personally follow
Leveraging Our Treasured Malaysian Cultural Values to Elevate Customer Service Standards Read More »
Sarah, an expat from Canada, was expecting a visit from her family during the upcoming week. She went to her usual supermarket located near her home to stock up on groceries and was in the midst of loading them all into a taxi when the driver unexpectedly drove off before she could get in. Flabbergasted,
3 Reasons Why Expats Need to Learn Some Malay Read More »
Wai Keat is busy at his desk when he hears a knock on his door. His American boss, Frederik, extends an invitation to his house for a barbeque this weekend. Wai Keat has made plans for the weekend, so he begins to say, “Ohh…err…I got something to do…” Frederik jumps in and insists that he
Ways Malaysians Say No Read More »
For most of us, an important aspect of our daily lives is the making and answering of telephone calls. We make and receive calls for a variety of reasons – to make appointments, to enquire about something or simply to connect with our friends and loved ones. Telephone calls are also an essential part of
Malaysian Telephone Etiquette Read More »
As with many Asian countries, Malaysia is known to be a face saving culture. Although the term is not commonly used in everyday conversations among Malaysians, the concept is deeply ingrained in our cultural makeup and affects everything that we do. To save face means to preserve one’s reputation, credibility or dignity and this is
The Concept of Saving Face in a Malaysian Cultural Context Read More »
Ever been stuck in an elevator ride alone with the big boss, nervously wondering if you should engage in small talk or give in to your instinctive desire to whip out your phone and pretend to be busy? Or seated at a friend’s wedding dinner amongst strangers who were as awkwardly silent as you were?
Small Talk in Malaysia Read More »
As a non-Malaysian, have you ever conversed with a Malaysian in English and found yourself confounded? You thought you heard some English words used, but couldn’t understand what was being said? Well, don’t be too quick to dismiss us as uneducated and backward for you have just been exposed to an entirely unique version of
Manglish – A Truly Unique Malaysian Language Read More »
