Corporate gifts are always difficult to buy for, especially seen as most of us struggle to buy presents for those we know the best and love the most. With the Fair Trade Agreement that was made between New Zealand and Malaysia, there has been an enhanced level of transport and visitation between both countries.
A huge part of doing business in Malaysia is to do with giving gifts, and it is not as simple as a bottle of alcohol or some cigars. To new businessmen, especially those from New Zealand who were coming over, this was a very confusing time. What corporate gifts do you pick up for a man from Malaysia? Type “Corporate Gift Malaysia” into Google, and see how much helpful information comes up – not much!
Due to the religious beliefs and the culture of Malaysia, it is a very different environment when it comes to gifts. With such a strong cultural diversity in one country, it can make picking gifts quite difficult. Do not get us wrong, the gifts are not expected to be keys to a new car, or a holiday, but the presentation of a small, thoughtful gift at the start of business proceedings shows faith and trust in the business transaction.
Because Western culture varies so markedly from the culture of the people of Malaysia, it’s important that you know what could be deemed offensive. Gifts which are considered thoughtful to us are considered to be quite offensive by some cultures, so take this into consideration when buying a gift for specific nationalities, religions and cultures, especially with the sheer depth of culture in Malaysia.
Remember also that it is not just the gift which is important, but how you deliver the gift. When delivering your gift, make sure you hand it over with the right hand, or both hands if necessary. Also, do not wait for the gift to be opened in front of you, many Malaysians find this disrespectful and will wait until you leave.
While choosing the best corporate gifts in Malaysia can be a little difficult, it is easier to know what offends so you can at least rule out the bad gifts. Remember that the gifts are used to symbolize work and a new partnership, not to curry favour or buy new friends.
However, there are plenty of great corporate gift ideas out there in Malaysia. Remember that these are used as an effective way to continue business relationships, and open up dialogue about a transaction or partnership.
You should be looking to gifts that can either raise the awareness of the ethics of your company, give the client something to do while in your town, or a piece of local specialty. For example, if your company has a very strong branding program, you could consider handing over several personalized company objects, like a pen, or a leather pad. This gives the recipient somewhere to carry all of the information you are about to give them, anyway!
Another great corporate gift is tickets, this could either be tickets for a show in Malaysia, a theater production in another town, or if the business is taking place in another country, tickets for a show or restaurant in that country. This allows you to go out and bond, while also showing that you do not mind going out of your way to provide comfort.
A gift which is also becoming more popular is a donation in that person’s name to a local charity or cause. Not only does this shine a good light on the business, but it is a good way to generate trust as you have then made a commitment to improve their reputation and name, allowing for talks to continue.
Make sure to complete the corporate gift with a personal note, thanking them for their co-operation and business, and you hope that your hospitality is enough etc. This adds a nice finishing touch and will certainly help relations along.
Corporate Gifts don’t have to be difficult – just because the easy presents like alcohol may not work here, does not mean you cannot get creative. Have a look at local restaurants and entertainment areas, find out what they enjoy doing, and surprise them next time they are here to do business. This will strengthen your bond as partners and allow for the present to do its job.
This article is brought to you by Himawari. For inquiries, recommendations or to make an order please contact us at [email protected] or call us at 03-21483494.
A huge part of doing business in Malaysia is to do with giving gifts, and it is not as simple as a bottle of alcohol or some cigars. To new businessmen, especially those from New Zealand who were coming over, this was a very confusing time. What corporate gifts do you pick up for a man from Malaysia? Type “Corporate Gift Malaysia” into Google, and see how much helpful information comes up – not much!
Due to the religious beliefs and the culture of Malaysia, it is a very different environment when it comes to gifts. With such a strong cultural diversity in one country, it can make picking gifts quite difficult. Do not get us wrong, the gifts are not expected to be keys to a new car, or a holiday, but the presentation of a small, thoughtful gift at the start of business proceedings shows faith and trust in the business transaction.
Because Western culture varies so markedly from the culture of the people of Malaysia, it’s important that you know what could be deemed offensive. Gifts which are considered thoughtful to us are considered to be quite offensive by some cultures, so take this into consideration when buying a gift for specific nationalities, religions and cultures, especially with the sheer depth of culture in Malaysia.
Remember also that it is not just the gift which is important, but how you deliver the gift. When delivering your gift, make sure you hand it over with the right hand, or both hands if necessary. Also, do not wait for the gift to be opened in front of you, many Malaysians find this disrespectful and will wait until you leave.
While choosing the best corporate gifts in Malaysia can be a little difficult, it is easier to know what offends so you can at least rule out the bad gifts. Remember that the gifts are used to symbolize work and a new partnership, not to curry favour or buy new friends.
However, there are plenty of great corporate gift ideas out there in Malaysia. Remember that these are used as an effective way to continue business relationships, and open up dialogue about a transaction or partnership.
You should be looking to gifts that can either raise the awareness of the ethics of your company, give the client something to do while in your town, or a piece of local specialty. For example, if your company has a very strong branding program, you could consider handing over several personalized company objects, like a pen, or a leather pad. This gives the recipient somewhere to carry all of the information you are about to give them, anyway!
Another great corporate gift is tickets, this could either be tickets for a show in Malaysia, a theater production in another town, or if the business is taking place in another country, tickets for a show or restaurant in that country. This allows you to go out and bond, while also showing that you do not mind going out of your way to provide comfort.
A gift which is also becoming more popular is a donation in that person’s name to a local charity or cause. Not only does this shine a good light on the business, but it is a good way to generate trust as you have then made a commitment to improve their reputation and name, allowing for talks to continue.
Make sure to complete the corporate gift with a personal note, thanking them for their co-operation and business, and you hope that your hospitality is enough etc. This adds a nice finishing touch and will certainly help relations along.
Corporate Gifts don’t have to be difficult – just because the easy presents like alcohol may not work here, does not mean you cannot get creative. Have a look at local restaurants and entertainment areas, find out what they enjoy doing, and surprise them next time they are here to do business. This will strengthen your bond as partners and allow for the present to do its job.
This article is brought to you by Himawari. For inquiries, recommendations or to make an order please contact us at [email protected] or call us at 03-21483494.