Document given to all volunteers and representives

1. ASEAN University Games
Training Seminar
Culture and Language Resources
Reviewing these key cultural do’s and don’ts will go far in showing our
international guest that you respect and appreciate their culture, enriching your
ASEAN University Games experience.

2. The ASEAN University Games, is organized by the ASEAN
University Sports Council which is composed of the university
sports associations from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia,
Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore,
Thailand, Timor Leste, Vietnam.
The mission of AUSC is:
To strengthen international ties, appreciation and understanding
amongst the students in ASEAN.
To encourage the development of programs in physical
education, sports and educational recreation in ASEAN.
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3. Brunei Darussalam
The official name, Negara Brunei Darussalam, loosely translates to “The Country
of Brunei, Abode of Peace.”
Head of State:
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah
Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan
Language(s): Malay, English
Culture / Do’s and Don’ts
The official religion of Brunei is Islam, though you will find Buddhists, Christians,
and a number of other beliefs as well. Bruneians are generally very tolerant and
will understand that foreigners are not familiar with all of their customs and
Islamic traditions.
• Bruneians observe the local dress code and dress modestly.
• Bruneians shake hands by lightly touching the hands and then bringing the
hand to the chest. Some people do not to shake hands with members of the
opposite sex.
• You should not point with your finger; instead, use the thumb of your right
hand with the four fingers folded beneath it.
• You should not pass in front of a person in prayer or touch the Koran.
• Gifts (particularly food) should only be passed with the right hand, although
it is acceptable to use the left hand to support the right wrist. Avoid giving or
receiving with the left hand or pointing the soles of your feet towards other
people while receiving.
• It is polite to accept even just a little food and drink when offered. When
refusing anything offered, it is polite to touch the plate lightly with the right
hand.
• During the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, Muslims do not take food
from sunrise to sundown. It would be inconsiderate to eat or drink in their
presence during this period.
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4. Cambodia
(Preăh Réachéa Nachâk Kâmpŭchéa), "Kingdom of Cambodia"
Head of State:
His Majesty King Norodom Sihamon
Capital: Phnom Penh
Language(s): Khmer, or Cambodian, English
Smile, relax and have fun are the big "dos". Cambodia is a mainly Buddhist
country (95% of the population are Theravada Buddhists) and the religion has a big
influence in the country's culture and habits. The people in Cambodia understand
that foreigners may not be familiar with all of their customs, but by showing a
respectful effort you will gain trust, friendship, and have a better overall ASEAN
University Games experience.
• Don't walk over a person's feet.
• Don't use your feet to point at someone.
• Don't raise your feet on tables or chairs.
• When you sit, women must sit knees bent and legs to the side.
• Do not use your left hand to touch, eat, or hand someone something.
• Pointing with your index finger is considered rude. Instead, gesture with
your right hand palm-up.
• Don't start to eat when you are a guest at the dinner table before your host
has taken a bite.
• Don't burp while eating.
• Don't pick your teeth while eating.
• Don't touch someone on the head, it is considered vey impolite.
• Avoid aggression and confrontation at all costs, raised voices and loss of
temper are considered extremely rude.
• When you walk between two Cambodians talking, bow a little as you across
them (it is really rude to walk straight through them without bowing a
little).
• Ask permission before you take photos of people, some people are shy and
do not like being portrayed.
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5. Indonesia
"Unity in Diversity", Republic of Indonesia
Head of State / Goverment:President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
Capital: Jakarta
Language(s): Indonesian or 'Bahasa Indonesian, (Minangkabau or Javanese'),
Malay, English
Although it is not an Islamic state, Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim-
majority nation, with 86.1% of Indonesians declared Muslim. It is made up of over
17,500 islands (6,000 of which are inhabited) which are home to over 300 ethnic
groups.
• Greetings can be rather formal as they are meant to show respect. A
handshake is the most common greeting accompanied with the word
"Selamat".
• Many Indonesians may give a slight bow or place their hands on their heart
after shaking your hand.
• If you are being introduced to several people, always start with the eldest or
most senior person first.
• Titles are important in Indonesia as they signify status. If you know of any
titles ensure you use them in conjunction with the name.
• Any food substance should be "halal" - things that are not halal include
anything with alcoholic ingredients or anything with pork derivatives such
as gelatine. Halal meat means the animal has been slaughtered according to
Islamic principles.
• Offer gifts with the right hand only.
• Dining etiquette is generally relaxed but depends on the setting and context.
• Wait to be shown to your place - as a guest you will have a specific position.
• Wait to be invited to eat before you start.
• Eat or pass food with your right hand only.
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6. Laos
Meuang Lao which literally means "Lao Country"
Head of State: President Choummaly Sayasone,
Secretary-General of the LPRP
Head of Government: Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh
Capital: Vientiane
Language(s): Laotian or Lao, French, English
Theravada Buddhism is a dominant influence in Lao culture.
The Lao are very friendly and hospitable and minimum efforts will you
respect the Lao culture and you will earn its respect in turn.
• A formal greeting for most Lao people is the “Nop” (joining one’s hands
together in a praying gesture at chin level) similar to Thai Wai.
• Handshakes are also commonly used among male friends and with
foreign visitors.
• The head is considered high. It is not acceptable to touch Lao people’s
heads.
• Feet are low. Placing them on furniture or pointing at things or people
with your feet is not acceptable.
• Personal cleanliness is valued highly in Laos. Anyone who has strong
body odor tends to get disgusting looks.
• It is polite to gently crouch down when walking past someone who is
seated, especially older people
• Stepping over someone on your path is very impolite, similarly stepping
over food is disgusting and some Lao won’t eat the food that has been
stepped over.
• Despite the heat, Lao/Laotians dress conservatively.
• You might find it hard to communicate with locals if you don’t speak Lao
especially in the countryside where not many people speak English. If
things don’t quite work the way you expect, remember to keep cool,
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7. don’t lose your temper or raise your voice. It won’t help; it will only
make you look bad.
Malaysia
Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu "Unity Is Strength”
Head of State:
Yang di-Pertuan Agong, referred to as "the Head" or "The Agong”. The
Agong is an elected monarch chosen from amongst the hereditary rulers of the
nine Malay states
Capital: Kuala Lumpur
Language(s): Bahasa Malaysia, Malaysian Standard English
The Malaysian constitutional-monarchy guarantees freedom of religion, although
Islam is the largest and official religion of Malaysia. Malaysia is a multi—ethnic,
multicultural and multilingual society. The main ethnic groups are the native
Malays as well as large populations of Chinese, and Indians. The country is clear
that the ethnicities retain their religions, customs and way of life. The most
important festivals of each group are public holidays.
• Greetings in a social context will depend upon the ethnicity of the person
you are meeting. In general, most Malays are aware of Western ways so the
handshake is normal. There may be slight differences though and a few
things to bear in mind include:
• Malay women may not shake hands with men. Women can of course shake
hands with women. Men may also not shake hands with women and may
bow instead while placing their hand on their heart.
• The Chinese handshake is light and may be rather prolonged. Men and
women may shake hands, although the woman must extend her hand first.
Many older Chinese lower their eyes during the greeting as a sign of respect.
• Indians shake hands with members of the same sex. When being introduced
to someone of the opposite sex, nodding the head and smiling is usually
sufficient. Among all cultures, there is a general tendency to introduce:
• The most important person to the lower ranking person, the older person to
the younger person, women to men.
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8. Myanmar
Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Head of State: Senior General Than Shwe
Capital: Naypyidaw
Language(s): Burmese, English
Theravada Buddhism is a dominant influence in Myanmar culture.
The Myanmar people are very friendly helpful, honest, but proud and hospitable
with minimum efforts will you respect the Myanmar culture and you will earn its
respect in turn.
• When addressing people, don't leave out U (which stands for Mr) or Daw
(which stands for Ms/Mrs).
• Speak slowly and clearly.
• Not always necessary to shake hands.
• Don't hug or kiss in public.
• Don't touch any adult on the head.
• Don't step over any part of a person, as it is considered rude.
• Accept or give things with your right hand.
• In Myanmar, unlike the Indian continent, nodding means YES, and shaking
head means NO.
• Let the oldest be served first.
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9. Philippines
"For God, People, Nature, and Country" Republic of the Philippines
Head of State: President Benigno Aquino III
Capital: Manila
Language(s): Filipino (formerly Pilipino) is based on Tagalog, English
More than 90% of the population is Christians: about 80% belong to the Roman
Catholic Church while 10% belong to other Christian denominations. Philippine
culture is a combination of Eastern and Western cultures. The Philippines exhibits
aspects found in other Asian countries with a Malay heritage, yet its culture also
displays a significant amount of Spanish and American influences.
• Hiyas shame and is a motivating factor behind behavior.
• Filipinos believe they must live up to the accepted standards of behavior and
if they fail to do so they bring shame not only upon themselves, but also
upon their family.
• If someone is publicly embarrassed, criticized, or does not live up to
expectations, they feel shame and lose self-esteem.
• Initial greetings are formal and follow a set protocol of greeting the eldest or
most important person first.
• A handshake, with a welcoming smile, is the standard greeting.
• Close female friends may hug and kiss when they meet.
• Use academic, professional, or honorific titles and the person's surname until
you are invited to use their first name, or even more frequently, their
nickname.
• Dress well. Appearances matter and you will be judged on how you dress.
• Wait to be told where to sit. There may be a seating plan.
• Do not start eating until the host invites you to do so.
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10. Singapore
"Onward, Singapore" Republic of Singapore
Head of State:
Capital: Singapore
Language(s): English, Malay, Chinese (Mandarin), Tamil
Singapore is a multi-ethnic society where Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions
coexist beneath the veneer of a western cosmopolitan metropolis. The three main
ethnic groups are religiously and culturally diverse.
• Greetings will follow a strict protocol often based on both the ethnic origin
and age of the person.
• Younger people or those who work in multi-national companies may have
adopted the western concept of shaking hands with everyone, but this is not
the case with older or more reserved Singaporeans.
• Ethnic Chinese shake hands. Their grasp is rather light although the
handshake itself can be rather prolonged.
• Men and women may shake hands, although the woman must extend her
hand first. Introductions are always done in order of age or status.
• Between men, ethnic Malays shake hands.
• Men and women do not traditionally shake hands, since Muslim men do not
touch women in public.
• Younger Malays may shake hands with foreign women, but it is more
appropriate to use the 'salaam' (bowing the head) greeting.
• This is also the greeting to be used when two women meet.
• Ethnic Indians shake hands with members of the same sex.
• When being introduced to someone of the opposite sex, nodding the head
and smiling is usually sufficient.
• As with the other groups, the elderly or the person with the most status is
introduced first.
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11. Thailand
Kingdom of Thailand
Head of State: His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Head of Government: Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva
Capital: Bangkok
Language(s): Thai, English
The national religion is Theravada Buddhism. Thai culture has been shaped by
many influences, including Chinese, Lao, Burmese, Cambodian, and Indian. Thais
know that foreign visitors have their own customs and different ways of doing
things, but if you are aware of some of the do’s and don’ts you will earn respect
from your Thai hosts.
Most importantly of all, be particularly careful about respecting Buddhism and
the Thai Royal Family.
The Thai people have a deep traditional reverence for the Royal Family, and the
visitor should also show respect for the King and the Queen, and the Royal
Children. When attending a public event where a member of the Royal Family is
present, the best guide on how to behave is to watch the crowd and do as it does.
• Do respect all Buddha images.
• Do dress properly when visiting a temple.
• Do treat monks with the highest respect.
• Do lower your body slightly when passing between or in front of people.
• Do smile a lot.
• Do enjoy yourself. Thais like life to be sanuk. Do keep both feet on the
ground when sitting.
• Do offer and receive anything with your right hand always.
• Do exercise tolerance, particularly when it comes to order food, pay a bill or
waiting for change.
Do use the wai correctly. A Westerner should never wai first and anyone
who is.
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12. • Do wai an elderly person.
• Do sit in the place indicated by your friend.
• Do ask for a receipt if you pay for a room/apartment in advance more than a
day.
• Do make sure your laundry is your laundry when it’s returned.
• Don’t cross your legs when you are in the presence of a monk. This applies
whether you are sitting on the floor or in a chair.
• Don't place your feet so that they point towards a person, religious image or
picture of the Royal family.
• Don’t touch a Thai woman without consent. The majority of Thai women are
conservative.
• Don’t be overly affectionate in public.
• Don’t worry too much about whether you should wai or not.
• Don’t touch a Thai person’s head or ruffle their hair. Apologize if you
accidentally touch somebody’s head.
• Don’t place your feet on the table while sitting, don’t point to anything with
your feet and don’t touch anybody with your feet.
• Don’t raise your voice or lose your temper; try and be jai yen.
• Don’t take Buddha images out of the country. Strictly speaking it is against
the law.
• Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman, or to
accept anything from the hand of one.
• Women should ensure that their legs and shoulders are covered before
entering a Buddhist temple. Please do not wear shorts.
• Don't point with the forefinger at anyone.
• Don't step over any part of another person.
• Don't step on the door threshold.
• Accept things with your right hand.
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13. Timor-Leste
Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
Head of State: President José Ramos-Horta
Head of Government: Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão
Capital: Dili
Language(s): Tetum, Portuguese, Indonesian English
East Timor became one of only two predominantly Roman Catholic countries in
Asia (97%). Most social courtesies are fairly formal. Many conventions will be
similar to those of Indonesia (despite their political and religious differences) and
many old East Timorese conventions will doubtless come to the fore in the coming
years.
East Timor is a relatively small island nation yet full of surprises. "A great deal in
a small package".
Its terrain changes from majestic mountain ranges, the highest peak being Mt
Ramelau at 2963 meters above sea level, to grassy plains, tropical rainforests,
swamps, white and black sand beaches and pristine coral reefs all within a few
hours drive....
Its people are proud, shy yet friendly. When engaged, will reward you with a
prompt smile opening the door for a journey of adventure and discovery of places
that only locals would know to share with you!
This is a mainly Catholic country where religion coexists with Animism, modern
with the ancient and where many cultures intermingle. Animist beliefs and
practices provide the background for the creation of legends and myths passed on
from generation to generation.
Dili, the capital, and other major towns are safe, laid back and still display much of
the Old Portuguese architecture and monuments.
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14. Vietnam
Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Head of State: President Nguyễn Minh Triết
Head of Government: Prime Minister Nguyễn Tấn Dũng
Capital: Hanoi
Language(s): Vietnamese, English
Generally, Vietnamese people are very appreciative if they see you trying to abide
by their customs, and very forgiving if you get it wrong or forget. If you make the
effort, you will be rewarded. Vietnamese society has a fair amount of public
etiquette. The following are some of the more common points.
• Avoid public displays of affection with a member of the opposite sex.
• Do not touch someone's head.
• Pass all items with both hands.
• Do not point with your finger - use your hand.
• Do not stand with your hands on your hips.
• Do not cross your arms on your chest.
• Do not pass anything over someone's head.
• Do not touch anyone on the shoulder.
• Do not touch a member of the opposite sex.
• Wait to be shown where to sit.
• The oldest person should sit first.
• Chopsticks should be placed on the table or a chopstick rest after every few
mouthfuls or when breaking to drink or speak.
• People hold bowls close to their faces.
• Hold the spoon in your left hand while eating soup.
• Meals are typically served family-style.
• Try to finish everything on your plate.
• When you are finished eating, rest your chopsticks on top of your rice bowl.
• Cover your mouth when using a toothpick.
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