ASIAN AND WESTERN VALUES

Asia is an impressive region because of its dramatic contrast to the west. For example, in doing business with Japanese or Korean people, it is very rare to shake hands. Rather, business people bow to one another and offer a business card with two hands.

Asian presence in the international trade market is growing. This is one reason why it is important that Canadians increase their awareness of Asian values so that they can fully utilize Asia's potential as a trade partner.

Ancestors are very important to Asians. In effect, ancestor worship is defined as a religion, particularly in China. The Chinese believe that ancestors reincarnate in their families, through their descendants. This creates an endless cycle whereby life and death replace one another and never break the family chain. In North America, respect for elderly people is not of fundamental value. In American societies, the elderly are placed in the care of nursing homes and hospitals to live out their last days.

The Chinese choose the placement and location of their business, their homes and even their tombs according to Feng Shui.
Feng Shui, the science divination by wind and water, characterizes the Earth as a dragon whose breath must be captured and held in order to increase the well-being of the living and the dead. In the West, businesses use detailed market study analyses to determine the perfect spot for their stores or offices. Location can mean everything in the West.

There are also differences in how Asians and Westernized countries, like Canada, view trademark, patent and copyright laws. Asians tend to believe in the Confucian ideal of sharing information and ideas. They sometimes view it as an honour if their work is imitated. Westerners believe very strongly in intellectual property rights. Check out how the two cultures are trying to bridge the gap at the East-West Intellectual Property Rights, Technical Collaborations, Research and Development site.

Thailand Tales has many interesting tidbits about Thailand and lots of great links. Learn about the traffic problems in Bangkok. See pictures of their incredible capital. Look into the Canada connection with NORTEL, a Canadian telecommunications company, contracts in Thailand. Canada is connecting with people everywhere. Awesome, eh?