Connecting with Intention: Overview of Local Customs & Trends in 5 APAC Countries

Each country in the Asia-Pacific region is unique. Each has specific local customs and practices, unique values and cultural attitudes, and different regulations and restrictions. These differences manifest in the way people conduct meetings, conferences, and other business events, and how they expect those events to be planned and organized. Thus, to plan, manage, and execute the best possible event, it is imperative that we understand each country’s unique culture and approach to business.  

This is especially important in a world where much of our interactions are happening online – when people are removed from the physical connection and can’t as easily discern each other’s emotions and body language, knowing cultural etiquette becomes even more essential for a smooth experience.  

To help you better navigate these cultural differences, we have put together a couple of key points you should know if you’re planning your event in the following Asia-Pacific countries – China, India, Singapore, South Korea, and Australia. 

China 

      Local customs to know 

•  Relationships are key to business in China, and they will be instrumental in helping you organize and plan events or meetings. Having strong relationships helps build trust and understanding over time. But remember, hierarchy, status, and seniority are crucial in China.  
• People in China value knowledge and preparation when it comes to business meetings and events. So, make sure you’re all ready to go at the time of the meeting, and that you have set up your event to streamline communication and the exchange of knowledge.  
• Remember to be composed and collected throughout – this includes your demeanor and body language.

      Local trends to monitor

• Livestreaming has seen incredible success in China. For example, the Louis Vuitton Shanghai fashion show  that occurred in early August was livestreamed on multiple social media platforms and received more than 100 million views.  
• Chinese consumers are becoming more thoughtful and cautious with their money, spending more on safe, healthy and eco-friendly products and services. 
• Recently, China launched the “Clean Plate” campaign to minimize food waste. This means clients might want to adjust their catering orders to keep food waste to a minimum and be in line with these new measures. 

India 

     Local customs to know 

• Relationships, trust, and family are highly valued in India, so make sure you invest in building good foundations for any meeting or event you’re organizing. 
• Body language is really important in India. For example, avoid using your left hand by itself – either use both hands or your right hand. In Indian culture, the left hand is considered unclean, and so should not be used to offer or accept gifts, food, money, or business cards. 
• Patience and flexibility are virtues, and they’re important in everything that’s done – whether business negotiations, meeting start times, or event planning.  

      Local trends to monitor 

• Concern about the environment is on the rise, and spans across multiple issues – air quality, plastic pollution, and food waste. This means that any meetings or events should be planned with their environmental impact in mind.  
• Many Indian people are shifting back to their desktops from their mobiles in the midst of the pandemic. This means that investment in desktop and web marketing will be essential for reaching more people for events in India. 

Singapore

      Local customs to know 

• Recognize, respect, and celebrate local diversity and the mix of cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds that’s in Singapore’s DNA. 
• While the market is quite competitive, people in Singapore tend to prefer a win-win outcome in business. This means that if you’re patient and persistent, you could likely reach a promising compromise in your next event negotiation. 
• Respect and hierarchy are important. And this extends to digital mediums as well, such as email — email communication in Singapore tends to be formal and traditional.

     Local trends to monitor 

• Singapore is all about innovation and digitization. This is a government-backed trend, which means it will be widely incorporated and top of mind for many businesses in Singapore. 
• There has been a heavy focus on education, training and upskilling in Singapore. Incorporating some elements of education in your next event or meeting can boost awareness and interest. 

South Korea

      Local customs to know 

• Relationships are key. Focus on building connection and trust at the beginning. This will be fruitful in the long run. Consider working through a mutually trusted third party, especially in the initial phases of the meeting or event. 
• Seniority and status are important and determine the hierarchy for meetings or events. This extends to body language, greeting, and eye contact –for example, direct eye contact should be avoided between people who are at different status levels.  
• Persistence, patience, and humility are great virtues. Make sure these are reflected in the way you conduct yourself.  

      Local trends to monitor 

• There’s a digitalization and globalization trend in Korea, with global companies like Google, YouTube, and Instagram rising in popularity. This means that casting a wider net that includes local and global companies is bound to boost awareness of your event.   
• Mobile marketing and e-commerce are becoming the go-to in South Korea. Unlike what we saw in India, South Korea is moving more towards the mobile platform. Keep this in mind when you’re crafting the marketing and outreach strategy for your event.  

Australia

     Local customs to know 

• Humility and authenticity are very important in Australia, which means that a heavy focus on status and achievement can raise eyebrows. 
• Australians tend to adopt a more casual style in business meetings, meaning that formality and hierarchy are not as important. Don’t be afraid to use humor to lighten the conversation. However, keep in mind that casual doesn’t mean unprofessional. 
• Be aware of the communication style – Australians tend to be straightforward and blunt in their conversations. Don’t take this personally.

      Local trends to monitor 

• Australians are increasingly looking to travel domestically. According to a study done by Tourism Research Australia, more than half of Australians say they’re planning to take a domestic trip in the next 3 months. This is a promising statistic for the event and hospitality industry.  
• Healthification and sustainability are top trends in Australia right now, making them the next area of focus in recovery. This means that any events happening in Australia will need to keep sustainability and health top of mind in the preparation and execution of the event. 

We hope these tips help you better navigate business meetings and events in each of these Asia-Pacific countries. After all, understanding the local culture is a fundamental first step in building a successful event.  

If you’re still unsure about local trends and guidelines, it’s always a good idea to check with local teams. Our Marriott associates are knowledgeable about local customs and practices and are up to date with local regulations and restrictions that could impact your event.   

No matter where you’re thinking of hosting your next event, Marriott has your back. Our hotels are equipped with the best tools, and staffed with the best people to help you execute your event. Our commitment to safety and health, our awareness of the most up-to-date regulations (including COVID-19 regulations), and our first-in-class facilities allow us to take care of the details, so you can focus on what really matters. Plus, our mix of local and global expertise makes us uniquely positioned to assist you – our staff is deeply ingrained with the local culture, while the global presence of the Marriott brand helps you connect across countries and regions, as necessary.

Book an event with us now, and experience the best for you and your guests!