Have you eaten yet?

Hawker Culture was successfully inscribed as Singapore’s first element on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural of Humanity on 16 Dec 2020. Indeed, the blood, sweat and tears of our many generations to keep the hawker tradition alive commands our respect and admiration.

The value of a fulfilling, shared meal, is collectively treasured amongst our diverse local cultures. The very first greeting you’d likely receive is, Nǐ chī le ma? (Mandarin), neengal saapptingala? (Tamil), Awak Suda Makan? (Malay), which means… Have you eaten yet?

Why such a greeting you may ask?
In Singapore and most of Asia, it is often customary to ‘ask after’ their clients before driving serious business discussions. This gesture is intended to sign cordiality and must not be misconstrued as an excessive friendliness, or over-eagerness to close the deal.

Remember, graciousness at the negotiating table does not mean concessions. Instead, it will be productive to return such earnestness in kind.

Now that you’re gained this insight: Attempt to use it at your next opening statement in Asia and experience first-hand the benefits of ‘putting the other party before yourself’.