BRUNEI - Ethics, Equity & Social Justice

Dayang Hajah Surianah binte Dato Alwi should be addressed as
‘Dayang Hajah Surianah’ – Dato Alwi is her father’s name.
While it is common to abbreviate a person’s name when speaking
with them, full titles are used in formal documentation or at official
occasions, such as when acknowledging officials within a speech.
In Brunei a man will shake hands lightly and will sometimes bring
his hands to his chest. Women are not normally expected to shake
hands with members of the opposite sex.
Conversation Topics
Conversations about religion, politics or sex should be avoided.
Safer topics of conversation include home, children, sports and
movies. Visitors find that Bruneians tend to speak slowly and softly,
and pause frequently.
Body language and Gestures
Pointing is considered rude, especially with the foot. If there is a
need to point, use the thumb of the right hand with the four fingers
folded inwards or wave the whole hand in the direction you wish to
indicate. Never use the forefinger.
The right fist should never be smacked into the left palm.
It is considered impolite to show the soles of the feet to a person
seated opposite.
Touch
Casual touch should be avoided, particularly between members of
the opposite sex. Muslim or ethnic Indian children and adults should
not be touched or patted on the head as the head is considered to
be sacred.
For a Malay Muslim, contact with the wet nose or fur of a dog is
considered unclean and is forbidden (haram).
Personal space
It is advisable to keep a reasonable distance when talking,
especially with those of the opposite sex.
Eye contact
It is best to avoid direct eye contact, as this can be taken as an
invasion of personal space. Bruneians tend to look away or
downwards as a sign of respect or modesty.