Coworking Challenges – The Do’s And Don’ts Of Working In KL

If you are frequently on the move as an international businessperson, you are already aware that every country has unique quirks that filter into the business culture. Failing to heed local business customs or rules of etiquette can make a bad first impression on potential clients or colleagues. You certainly do not want to alienate the locals when you have just arrived.

There are some critical do’s and don’ts of working in Kuala Lumpur, so it is essential to be aware of and follow the business norms of the country you are visiting. In Malaysia, with the rise of coworking spaces in Kuala Lumpur, a variety of international expats and business people from all walks of life can be found working alongside each other.

Let’s look at some of these essential etiquette tips in more detail with specific attention paid to the coworking spaces in the city.

Put Your Best “Face” Forward

The concept of ‘face’, as in other Asian countries, is highly important to be aware of. ‘Face’ represents a person’s general respectability and reputation in society. This means that Malaysian people strive to avoid shame in order to maintain their ‘face’ at all times.

To help you save face, make sure that you do not become visibly upset or angry in business or your personal life in the country. It is also important not to openly criticise others and to stick to your promises. Failing to do these things can give your Malaysian colleagues the impression that you cannot control yourself and are hot-headed. Potential clients will be very hesitant to engage in business if your character is in question.

Meet and Greet

Malaysia is a highly international country and you should expect that the day-to-day norms of business do not differ greatly from other countries. However, when meeting and greeting there are some minor points to consider. Make sure to treat introductions in business with the respect that they are due. Use professional titles and, if in a group, make sure that the most important person is introduced first.

The exchanging of business cards is part of most Malaysian business greetings. Be sure to have some cards printed off before arriving with one side in English and the other printed in Malay. When you receive a card, treat it with respect as this is a sign of how much you respect the person themselves.

Working Well

If you are working in a shared space in Kuala Lumpur, such as a coworking space managed by a premium provider, then be aware that silence is a virtue in Malaysian culture. While this rule applies to conversations more generally, it would be extremely distasteful to be overly chatty in a communal environment devoted to productive work. Save your important phone calls for the lounge areas of your coworking space.

Malaysian culture is also full of non-verbal cues and gestures. Be prepared to search for the deeper meaning of what your colleagues are saying. Statements are rarely direct and the point of a conversation may be subtle and not immediately apparent to the untrained observer.

Coworking Common Sense

Ultimately, being polite and using your common sense when working in a shared space will take you most of the way towards endearing yourself to your new colleagues and clients. Everyone makes mistakes and faux pas from time to time, but you should make the effort to learn from these and pay respect to Malaysian customs. With a little practice, you will be on your way to assimilating to Kuala Lumpur business life before you know it.