Some photo comments and wishes I've received in friendster...
Very creative, YS and Beah!


Talking about friendster, I wonder why some friendster'mate who have viewed my profile are not willing to leave a message. It is like "going to people's home without saying hello". It could be anything under the sun.

Maybe like what I've learned in ABE, the way of Culture is very important. Or maybe I am the one who is sticking to the culture. Let me try to retrieve the notes.

National culture

It is the way you were brought up

Your culture is like your nose:
• although you do not see it properly yourself,
• everybody else perceives it,
• and thinks it is peculiar if it differs from theirs.

moreover,

• you always go where it leads you, and
• it is always in the way.

Quanxi

• Personal Relationship
– The first important thing to understand is that the Asian believes in the continuity of relationships.
– Business is based on personal relationships.
– Do not expect to achieve business from cold calling.
– An introduction is still an absolute essential to obtain business in Asia.

The best way to introduce yourself to an Asian businessman is through a third party. Getting an introduction at the highest level saves having to go through the organization, level by level.
– Perhaps this is the reason why exclusive business clubs with exorbitant entrance fee still attract the desired membership amongst the business people.

INTRODUCTIONS

• The person with the highest rank is normally introduced first.
• Everyone else is introduced in turn according to their rank.
• Avoid using first names, that is, either your own or those of your Asian counterpart.
• First names are used only among close friends and family. Asians will feel uncomfortable calling another person by their first name unless the relationship is very close.

"Face"

• A society based on such a humanistic culture is highly personalized with a consciousness of not only oneself but of government and authority too.
• Consciousness of oneself produces this extreme feeling, or regard, for "face". "Face" is an aspect of not only everyday Chinese life but all other parts of Asia. In South East Asia, "face" is important because:-
• * every person has a place, and
• * that place must be respected
• * another person's place should never be trespassed on
• * nor personal dignity directly affronted
• "Face" therefore, has a deeper and more profound meaning to Asians than the Western word "honor". Every Asian especially Chinese, high or low, has a "face" to protect.
• Generally, to oblige is to give "face" and not to oblige is to cause the other party to lose "face". If a person has a sufficiently important position or has some relationship with you and he comes to ask for a favor which it is reasonable for you to give, but you refuse, he or she has lost "face". In Chinese tradition, not to give a man "face" is rude.

I am carrying this type of personality. Sounds a bit like Korean ha...