Savour Malaysia Networking Event

The Asian Connection Networking Group invites you to Savour Malaysia at the new Ipoh on York Restaurant and to do a bit of networking at the same time. The Ipoh on York, between QVB and the Grace Hotel, has a great selection of Malaysian dishes at reasonable prices. So do drop in from 6pm on Thursday 10th May and delight your tastebuds.   Also, bring a supply of business cards - you never know who you could meet! Just pay for what you consume.   Roti Canai - $8.50; Murtabak $8.50, Hainan Chicken Rice - $10.50, Ipoh Char Kway Teow (above) from $10.50 and many other exciting dishes. Please click on the link below to RSVP.

Register Now!

We look forward to seeing you on 10th May. Best wishes, Richard Poi and Tony Benner Oze Travel Representation OzeTravel@corpfocus.com.au +612 9279 1194

Eating out in Burma - Oze Travel

Eating out in Burma (Myanmar) for Australians is an adventure itself. If you have a passion for food, you must make sure your itinerary of food tasting begins at Yangon (Rangoon) and essentially covers not just the restaurants but also the street stalls and teahouses.



Yangon is the culinary capital of the country and its culinary diversity is a memorable treat. I suggest that you steer clear of Western-style food (which you get anywhere in Australia) and be adventurous by trying the authentic Shan food. In a Burmese restaurant, you will enjoy a cultural experience from the never ending courses that it can offer along with all the complementary side dishes that are necessary to make your Burmese feast complete.

If you less adventurous and prefer to try Indian or Chinese cuisine which you are familiar with, you do not have to go far: for Indian, just go along Anawrahta Road, west of Paya Road towards the Sri Kali Temple, but be cautious of its spiciness. Indian food here is mostly of Southern Indian origin and probably halal. With Chinese food, do not expect it to be like home because it has a Burmese style to it.

For quick meals, it is best to try the teahouses because they offer a wide selection of snacks, one-dish meals and noodles. They are much better than the street stalls.

Unlike some Asian capitals where many eating places remain open until late, you will have to eat early in Yangon for few places, including large hotel restaurants, will serve after 10pm.

Richard Poi
Oze Travel Representation
Richard.Poi@OzeTravel@corpfocus.com.au 
Sydney, Australia

Introducing Oze Travel Representation

Corporate Focus PR Pty Ltd has operated as a full service public relations consultancy since 1993.
In 2006, the directors, Richard Poi and Tony Benner, set up a new division of the company to become more involved with the travel industry.
This new enterprise, Oze Travel Representation, represents the business interests of overseas tourist and travel organisations in Australia and New Zealand.
It also handles media and public relations, advertising and direct marketing campaigns for clients requiring these services.
OzeTravel@corpfocus.com.au

WHAT WE OFFER

• Our combined experience and resources in marketing and public relations, totalling 50 years in tourism, travel and hospitality, is all ready to tap for immediate effectiveness;
• A strong and ready media database, currently being used for our major e-newsletters, “Malaysia Calling” and “Savour Malaysia,” is far reaching and efficient in your distribution needs;
• Strength of our rapport and relationship with the media in Australia and New Zealand;
• Our willingness to focus only on your most urgent marketing and PR requirements with the option to cover wider ground over time;
• Undertake market feasibility studies for hotel, tours and travel business;
• Assist with reservations and sales to increase your business volume;
• Represent your business interests and develop new business opportunities.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES 

• Undertake market feasibility studies for hotel, tours and travel businesses;
• Assist with reservations and sales with a view to increasing volume;
• Develop business opportunities with your business interest in mind;
• Handle all your media and public relations needs;
• Organise advertising and direct marketing campaigns;
• Public relations and promotional support for MICE/business tourism events

Business Card Rituals

Business practice by Chinese is very different from that by Westerners. Being Chinese myself, I can safely say that the Chinese way of doing business has its origins thousands of years ago in China and can be applied across the board in the Asian community.   A simple cultural difference can scuttle a perfectly good working relationship.

A business relationship commences with an introduction, usually at meetings and networking environments. 

When meeting a Chinese professional, the correct ritual of exchanging business cards counts as a good start in creating a positive impression.

You should always give and receive cards with both hands. You do not flick your business card across the table like a croupier does at the baccarat table.  Handing it out with one hand is not seen as being genuinely sincere on your part.

Outside of Japan, it is not necessary to bow when exchanging cards.  However, a slight tilt of the head is a customary thing to do to inject a gesture of sincerity.

If you are targeting the Asian market and have your Western name written to sound phonetically in Chinese, you need to give your card with the Chinese side of your card facing up.

Another important behaviour to include in your business card exchanging ritual is to take some time to examine the card you have been given.  This is to give 'mianxi' (means giving due respect or face, an important practice in Chinese social and business circles) to the owner of the card.  You also demonstrate interest in the card (and of course, in the person) by making a comment or even asking a question about the card or the firm the owner of the card represents.

 

You should not write on, bend or alter the shape of the card as this may be construed as a sign of disrespect.  If you need to make a note on the card, do it after you walk away from the person.

Do not try to save on your business cards and only hand them out after you qualify the person after a conversation.  When networking with Chinese people, business cards generally come out much earlier, during or after an introduction.

If both your hands are free, it will look good to store away the person's card in your card holder and give a firm hand shake as you move away to the next person.

First impressions count and with the Chinese, it is the first block in building a relationship.

Richard Poi runs Oze Travel Representation and is a Management and Tourism Lecturer and Tutor at the University of Technology Sydney.

Richard.Poi@corporatefocus.com.au Tel. 0402 337 045

Affluent tourist, backpacker both needed

James Packer suggests Australia should market itself to the affluent and rising middle-class Asian tourism market and suggests backpackers have lower value. We need to attract both tourist types and they will increasingly complement each other.

Backpackers make up 10 per cent of all visitors and while travelling on a limited daily budget, they stay longer, visit more regions, outspend the average tourist two to one and contribute more than $3 billion to the economy. They frequently return as older and more affluent tourists.

To date, most young independent travellers have been European and North American; however, the annual YHA hostel managers' conference last week identified young Asians and especially young Chinese as the greatest opportunity for growth.

Having studied English from primary age, many have the desire and confidence to try independent rather than group travel. Some are also coming here as overseas students with the opportunity to also travel and see Australia beyond the cities. Research tells us it is the unique landscapes, flora and fauna that most inspire them to visit.

Subject to China further developing Australia's approved destination status and Australia opening the doors for independent young Chinese, we will see more young Asians travelling as backpackers in future. Australia already enjoys reciprocal working holiday visa agreements with Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan and YHA's website has versions in Japanese, Korean and Chinese. Backpacking brings great benefits for cross-cultural understanding and in the future rice cookers and woks in YHA's communal self-catering kitchens will contribute to the melting pot.

Julian Ledger CEO YHA Ltd Killara
(From Letters to the Editor, Sydney Morning Herald, 9/5/2011)