Pacific Rim cultures value respect and appreciate efforts taken by their North American counterparts to learn their customs.  In order to help pave the way, associates from several of Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts� properties offer tips for first-time business travelers to Asia. 

The First Impression:  Asian cultures tend to honor formality as a sign of respect, so addressing the host correctly will enhance a first impression. It is acceptable to call the host by his/her surname, together with a title such as "Director Wang" or " Chairman Cheng." Avoid the Western tendency to become too friendly too soon. Asians generally accept the western custom of shaking hands, but don�t mistake a weak handshake or lack of eye contact as a lack of assertiveness. Rank is important and highly valued. Do not interrupt during a presentation, wait until the host is finished before posing questions. 

Small Talk:  While Americans often enjoy political debate, discussing politics is a sign of poor taste in most Asian cultures. Small talk is a common way to launch successful meetings and is customary in many Asian countries. Favorable topics include family, health and the local cuisine. Discussing television and sports is also a good way to break the ice.

Gift Giving:  Gift giving shows good manners and respect in many Asian cultures and indicate that associates are interested in building a relationship.  However, in Malaysia, a business contact would not expect a gift, and in Japan, gifts are exchanged once a relationship is established. The wrong gift or gift-wrap can insult the recipient. A bottle of premium liquor would be appreciated in Thailand but disfavored by Muslim cultures and religions in Malaysia or Indonesia where liquor is not acceptable. A lovely clock, wrapped in elegant white paper would be a thoughtful gift in America but in Malaysia clocks symbolize the passing of time (death) and the colors black and white connote mourning. The gift of a designer pen, a scarf or a book of art might be appropriately wrapped in red paper. It is unwise to give knives as they represent the severing of relationships, this is particularly true in Singapore. Always give and receive gifts with both hands and do not expect gifts to be opened in your presence.

Body Language:  In most of Asia, shoes and feet are considered "unclean" so it is offensive to sit cross-legged pointing the soles of your feet toward your hosts. To be safe, always sit with your feet on the floor. Avoid pointing with your index finger. Instead, gesture with your whole hand, palm down. Never touch your host�s head, or pass objects over it, particularly in Thailand, where gesture taboos abound.

Best of Both Worlds:  Combining the ambiance of the local culture with modern amenities and superior service is the standard at all Pan Pacific properties. Pan Pacific associates will help travelers acclimate to their surroundings by offering a blend of local charm with high tech support services. Pan Pacific concierge teams provide North American guests with all the necessary services needed to ensure a pleasant and successful experience as they are specially trained to assist travelers from the U.S. and Canada.

Steve Halliday, Director and Senior Vice President of Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts, comments, �As a veteran traveler I�ve seen many changes over the last few decades however, the most important tip I can offer has been an important consideration from day one. In Asia, the first step in business relationships is to develop respect and trust with your associates.  Once you learn this time-honored tradition, business will come much easier.�

Hotel Tips

Pan Pacific Bangkok alerts business travelers that at all levels of social interaction, Thai demand the same level of perceptiveness from foreigners as they do amongst themselves.  If an associate disagrees with an opinion or idea, it will not be spelled out, but will merely be implied so gently that there is no �loss of face.�  In addition, it is recommended that business travelers check with their concierge before departing the hotel for an appointment, as there are times when the entire city �turns into a huge parking lot� and cars simply don�t move.

Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur advises business travelers that if they attend a function hosted by a Malaysian it is not wise to leave without eating something.  The guest will offend the host if they say they are not hungry or have already eaten.

Pan Pacific Singapore recommends that business travelers bring a sufficient number of business cards as associates in Asia expect them.  The absence of cards implies that professionals are disinterested in doing business.

Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur International Airport suggests that business travelers who wish to present a gift to their guests for any occasion should find out the religion of their guests.  For example, for superstitious reasons, it is not advisable to give a clock to Chinese colleagues or friends for their birthday.  Apparently, the direct translation of �clock� to Chinese means paying last respects at a person�s funeral.

Pan Pacific Glenmarie, Kuala Lumpur confirms that English is the language of commerce, banking and international trade but business travelers may want to hone up on general greetings and common terms in the native Bahasa Malaysia/Malay language as this is the national language.

Pan Pacific Yokohama recommends that business travelers print double sided business cards with all the pertinent contact information in Japanese on one side and also suggests arriving at meetings five minutes before the appointment as Japanese are very punctual.

Pan Pacific Manila points out that Filipinos want to get to know professional partners before engaging in business, which may involve asking about your family and personal background. It is best not to take offense to questions of this nature. Additionally, because the Filipino culture is so cuisine-oriented, food is served at all social and business gatherings. Therefore, it is advisable not to eat before attending a function.

Puteri Pan Pacific, Johor Bahru suggests that business travelers entertaining Muslim guests be reminded to look for restaurants that serve food, which is halal (free from pork) as Islam forbids Muslim from eating pork.  Business travelers should also know that Indians who practice the Hindu faith and Chinese who follow Buddhism do not eat beef.  In other words, always review menu options before selecting a restaurant. 

Hotel Sari Pan Pacific Jakarta advises those paying a visit to an Indonesian home to offer to take their shoes off before entering the house because the Indonesians believe a house must always be always clean since the floor is used for praying.  Additionally, the property reminds travelers to use the right hand when presenting a gift because left-handed offerings are considered impolite.

Palau Pacific reminds business travelers to present their business card with two hands, with the written material facing the recipient, and provide a slight bow when presenting the card.  In addition, when speaking through an interpreter, continue eye contact with the person you are doing business with and always look interested when foreign business associates are talking among themselves in their own language.

Pan Pacific Sonargaon, Dhaka recommends that first time business travelers to Bangladesh respect the local protocol of hierarchy, as �rank� is very important and highly valued.  The first person to enter a room is the head of the group and North Americans should follow this practice to avoid confusion.

Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts
www.panpacific.com