Very few societies on earth are considered matrilineal. As such, a (male) western visitor would most likely be culture-shocked when he travels to Western Sumatra and discovers that it is the husbands who move into their wives’ households and husbands who leave the household in the event of divorce. Male …
Read More »Malaysia is Retirement Heaven According to International Online Magazine
Southeast Asia is world-renowned for its eye-popping natural wonders, exotic local cultures, delicious street foods, laidback lifestyle and almost endless summers, all for a fraction of cost anywhere else in the world. Malaysia: One Size Fits All? As a region, Southeast Asia has it all. But individually, countries still have …
Read More »Vietnam’s Customs, Greetings and Etiquette
Vietnam is a country with people proud of their culture and heritage. While the Vietnamese are quite welcoming to foreigners, knowing a little about Vietnam’s Customs and greetings will win you points with the locals. Here are some of the more common etiquette practices that you will find useful whether …
Read More »Philippines Customs and Etiquette: A Brightly Colored Tapestry of Socially Accepted Behavior
The Philippines was a Spanish colony for more than 300 years, and a regular pit stop of Chinese traders long before the country was claimed for and named after King Philip of Spain. Albeit short-lived, the Japanese occupation during World War II also left indelible marks in the Filipino psyche. …
Read More »Doing Things the Malaysian Way: Malaysia’s Customs and Etiquette
Malaysia is a melting pot of different cultures, religions, and beliefs. This multi-cultural environment is heavily influenced by the colorful mix of races that make up the Malaysian population, which include Malays, Indians, and Chinese. The culture of Malaysia is made even more interesting with the influences of the Portuguese, …
Read More »Singaporean Customs and Etiquette
Singapore has a variety of ethnicities that stay strong to their culture. The three main ethnicities being Chinese, Malay, and Indian, provide an ethnic mix of culture, religion, customs, etiquette, and language. The Singaporean way is almost nonexistent since the country is so diverse, but that doesn’t mean customs shouldn’t …
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