Historical Timeline

A critical way to show respect for another person's culture is to have knowledge of their country's history and current affairs. Table 10.1 on pages 212–213 outlines a few key events related to Burma/Myanmar, together with concurrent world events.

Full Country Name and Location

The Republic of the Union of Myanmar (still known as Burma in the U.S. and U.K.) is slightly smaller than the State of Texas in the U.S. It shares land borders with Bangladesh, China, India, Laos, and Thailand. The Bay of Bengal lies to the west and the Andaman Sea to the south.

Government/Political Structure

Myanmar has a parliamentary government. The president of the country is both head of state and head of government. The first elections in two decades were held in November of 2010.

Population and Economic Centers

In 2014, Myanmar's Department of Population⁶ conducted its first census since 1983 and estimated the country's population to be approximately 51.4 million.⁷ The country is divided into seven states and seven divisions. Myanmar is a rural nation, with 34 percent of the population living in urban areas.⁸

The Myanmar government lists 135 ethnic groups divided into eight national races: Burman/Myanmar (approximately 70 percent), Kachin, Kayah, Karen, Chin, Mon, Rakhine, and Shan. Other groups include Chinese and Indian.

The major business centers and populations (2014) are outlined in Table 10.2.⁹

Economy

Myanmar is ranked 177th out of 189 economies in terms of ease of doing business, according to the World Bank Group's Doing Business 2015 report.¹⁰ The composition of its 2013 GDP by sector was services (41.7 percent), industry (20.3 percent), and agriculture (38 percent).¹¹

Corruption Perceptions Index

Myanmar ranked 157th least corrupt out of 177 countries and territories with a score of 21 out of 100.¹² This annual index, compiled by Transparency International, measures perceived levels of public sector corruption.

The Bureau of Special Investigation, Ministry of Home Affairs is the anticorruption agency that conducts investigations in Myanmar.

Human Development Index

Myanmar ranked 150th out of 187 countries and territories.¹³ The HDI, compiled by the United Nations Development Programme, is a composite index of life expectancy, education, and income statistics.

Global Gender Gap Index

Myanmar is not included in the Global Gender Gap Index.

System of Measurement

When shipping or transporting materials to and from Myanmar, be aware that it is one of only three countries in the world that uses the imperial system of measurement instead of the internationally popular metric system (the other two being the U.S. and Liberia).

Climate

Myanmar has three seasons: relatively cool (November–February), hot (March–May), monsoon or rainy (June–October). The highest humidity is during the hot season; the lowest is in cooler months.

Languages

Burmese is the official language of Myanmar, with more than 100 different dialects and languages spoken by ethnic minorities. Although businesspeople in Mandalay and Yangon speak English, it is not commonly spoken outside major cities. Chinese is spoken in Mandalay, Yangon, and major trade zones near the China-Myanmar border. Thai is widely spoken in major trade zones near the Thai-Myanmar border.

Belief Systems, Philosophies, and Religions

The country breakdown is as follows: Buddhist (89 percent), Christian (4 percent), Baptist (3 percent), Roman Catholic (1 percent), Islam (4 percent), Animist (1 percent), and Other (2 percent).¹⁴

For an overview of belief systems, philosophies, and religions, please refer to Chapter 4, pages 64–65.

Time Zones/Daylight Savings

Myanmar has a single time zone, Myanmar Time (MMT). Myanmar is 6.5 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)/UTC (Coordinated Universal Time). It does not operate under Daylight Savings.

It is 11 and a half hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (10 and a half hours ahead in Daylight Savings Time). See www.timeanddate.com/worldclock.

To calculate time in Myanmar, add 6.5 hours to UTC/GMT.

Telephone Country Code and Internet Suffix

The Myanmar telephone country code is 95, and the Internet suffix is .mm.

Currency

The unit of currency in Myanmar is the Kyat (MMK, pronounced chart), which is divided into 100 pyas (rarely used due to inflation). Myanmar is still a heavily cash-based economy. Use only bills that are freshly minted. Small tears or folds in U.S. dollars are just some of the reasons why cash may come under close scrutiny or be refused. Bring larger bills such as $50 and $100 for both purchases and exchange.

Fiscal Year

Myanmar's fiscal year is April 1 to March 31. Dates are written day, month, year; April 1, 2020 is written 01/04/2020.

Working Week

Business hours are not uniform. Most private/government offices are closed on Saturday and Sunday. The working schedule is detailed in Table 10.3.

Holidays and Festivals

Some Myanmar holidays are determined by the lunar calendar and change from year to year. Floating holidays are designated with an asterisk. On specific holidays, an office may remain open with limited staff. Check with your embassy or trade office before planning business travel. Table 10.4 on page 218 outlines common Myanmar holidays and festivals.

Business Dress/Appearance

Despite heat and humidity, professional business dress is expected for first meetings, contract signings, and official events. In less-formal situations, many businessmen wear an open collar, light-colored shirt, and dark slacks. Women should dress modestly, covering arms, legs, and décolleté. Wear dresses or skirts at any length below the knee. Depending on the office, it is common to remove shoes, so choose socks accordingly. Expect local businessmen to wear longyi (a long skirt-like garment) and Mandarin collar shirts.

News Sources

Following are some of the most popular news sources in Myanmar:

• Myanmar Times: www.mmtimes.com
• Myanmar Business Journal: http://mmbiztoday.com

Business Cards

Although few people think of translating their cards into Burmese on the reverse, this is appreciated by local business people.

Technology

The latest figures rank Myanmar 158th in the world for the number of Internet users¹⁵ and 172nd globally for the number of Internet hosts.¹⁶ Expect limited access in major metropolitan and urban areas, mainly in hotels and costly Internet cafés, and none in rural areas. Expect your browsing history to be reported: The government currently requires café owners to submit customer records. Power cuts and outages regularly affect major cities.

Gifts

Appropriate business gifts include pens, golf balls, and liquor, especially whisky. Business visitors to Myanmar have received ties, inexpensive watches, and small flags. Never give cash or gifts to government officials. Consult the latest Myanmar import/export rules prior to departure.

It is not customary to buy gifts for the Chinese New Year in Myanmar. Office colleagues expect gifts on three occasions: leaving employment, getting married, or having a baby. Your gift may be declined with “You should not have gone to so much trouble”. Reply that it is your honor to present the gift.

Introductions, Greetings, Personal Space, and Eye Contact

Men greet each other by shaking hands. Women may be greeted with a smile and a nod. If a Myanmar businesswoman offers her hand, it is acceptable to shake it, but Western men should not offer their hand to a Myanmar woman first. Businesswomen typically shake hands with each other. Refrain from hugging. An arm's length of personal space is most common between men, more than an arm's length distance with women. Ensure no physical contact unless it is invited. Direct eye contact is fine.

Due to the strong respect for elders, Myanmar stand up when an older person enters a room or business meeting. Younger, more junior members of staff bow extremely low as others pass, as if to avoid being seen.

Useful Phrases

The phrases in Table 10.5 can be helpful when traveling in Myanmar.

Names

Naming conventions in Myanmar are a fascinating topic and worth familiarizing yourself with. Myanmar have no surnames; therefore, women have no need to change their names after marriage. Female names frequently contain a double syllable such as Mi Mi Aung. Names are a combination of a virtue and the weekday the person is born in the Myanmar lunar calendar. For example, a Sunday-born person's name will start with “A” like Aung.

Names composed of two, three, or four words are common, and all are spoken when greeting. For example, the name “Aung” means “succeed” as used in three and four word names—Aung San Suu Kyi or Aung Ko Ko. Note, too, the use of honorifics in front of someone's name. The ‘U’ (pronounced Oo) is the honorific used to denote a mature man holding a senior position. In Myanmar, names are preceded by a title as shown in Table 10.6 on page 221.

Meetings and Negotiations

First and second meetings are the time for introductions with ministry officials and for building trust. Myanmar place strong emphasis on chemistry between business partners. It is important to be patient during these early meetings: This is when general administrative and paperwork matters are handled. More in-depth business is discussed in later meetings. Myanmar may consult with astrologers or others before making decisions, or they may conclude business quickly.

Presentation Styles, Conversational Topics, and Humor

Slide decks like PowerPoint are used during formal presentations in business offices, but not in casual meetings, where personal interaction is preferred. Culture-specific jokes and humor used as introductory icebreakers do not translate well. Although the Myanmar are lighthearted, be aware that political dissidents and Myanmar comedians The Moustache Brothers were jailed for making government and military leaders the subjects of their jokes.¹⁷

Gestures

• Removing shoes when entering a business office and placing them with other shoes near the entrance to show respect
• Rising when an elder enters a room or business meeting
• Younger, more junior members of staff bowing extremely low as others pass, as if to avoid being seen

Notable Foods and Dishes

Traditional dishes blend Burmese, Indian, Thai, and Chinese influences. Rice is the basis of almost every meal. Curry and rice are always eaten together. Hindu and Buddhist influences prohibit eating beef and pork; however, fish, chicken, duck, and lamb may be served. All dishes, including rice, are served as one meal, not as separate courses. Tea is the national drink, specifically Burmese and Chinese green tea. Ginger tea is a favorite, with fresh root steeped in boiled water. Strong black tea with sweetened condensed milk is also popular. Beer, water, and juice may also be served with meals.

Specialty Dishes

Favorite dishes in Myanmar cuisine include:¹⁸

• Mohinga: The unofficial national dish; a thick fish-based soup flavored with lemongrass, garlic, onion, and spices, often served with thin rice noodles
• Nangyi thoke: A “salad” of thick rice noodles with chicken, egg, bean sprouts, chickpea flour, turmeric, and chilies, served with broth on the side
• Mondhi: Noodles served with chicken or fish
• Laphet: Pickled green tea leaves with sesame seeds, fried peas, dried shrimp, and nuts
• Jaggery: Burmese chocolate

Dining Etiquette

Most business entertaining takes place in hotels and restaurants. Until recently, it was illegal for international visitors to be invited into a Myanmar home. At business meals, the most junior host will begin serving the guests first. Forks, spoons, or chopsticks may be provided, but knives are not. Serving spoons are provided with each dish.

Drinking and Toasting

Beer, rum, and whisky are popular drinks for businesspeople. Locally brewed Myanmar beers include Irrawaddy, Mandalay, Myanmar, and Tiger. At business events, whisky is commonly drunk neat (unchilled without mixers or ice). In some areas, a drink called toddy made from fermented palm juice is popular.

The toast for “cheers” is Aung myin par say, pronounced ‘Au-ng my-in par say’ in Burmese.

Tipping and Bill-Paying

At dinner, your guest will likely insist on paying. You must insist at least three times to pay the full bill before you are allowed to pay. Tip 10 percent at major hotels and restaurants in the larger cities, although most restaurant servers will be pleased with $2 per guest or 5 percent of the total bill.

Smoking

Smoking is not prevalent during meetings, in government offices, in restaurants, and during meals. If asked, the Burmese/Myanmar will put out their cigarettes.

Taboos

The following are taboo in Myanmar culture:

• Crossing legs by men or women (keep feet flat on floor)
• Wearing shoes in an office when others have removed theirs (observe entryway)
• Placing feet on a desk or table
• Indicating direction with your foot or shoe
• Passing objects or reaching over the head of anyone, especially a monk
• Touching a statute of Buddha
• Touching a monk's robes or body (if female)

Heroes and Sports

Knowing about another country's heroes and sports offers opportunities to incorporate culture-specific references into your conversations and presentations.

1. How Do the Myanmar Prefer to Act: Individually or as a Group?

In terms of individualism…Myanmar is closer to Spain in this dimension than any of the Southeast Asian nations

—Professor Charles Rarick, Purdue University¹⁹

Myanmar's surprising trend toward individualism may stem from two sources. The first concerns the way families are formed. In Myanmar, “sons and daughters make personal bonds to relatives on both sides of the family instead of being limited to the father's side.”²⁰ Also, the predominant religion is Buddhism, which emphasizes the individual, unlike the collectivist values of countries influenced by Confucianism. That is why organizational loyalty is to an individual or personal leader in Myanmar rather than the entity as a whole.

One board member of a Japanese semiconductor company who visits Myanmar frequently pointed out that in the current political climate, “Any entity trying to do constructive business in Myanmar absolutely must have a strong relationship with the government. In my experience, decisions are based on a few people collectively agreeing to allow you, the company, to move forward and succeed—usually someone in the Ministry governing that industry sector.”

Nevertheless, travelers who come to Myanmar with an individualistic mindset, thinking their way is the only way, are unlikely to succeed. Robert Easson, CEO of Imagino Group, pointed out that “Unlike Thailand, Cambodia, or Vietnam, the Myanmar don't put foreigners on as high a pedestal. They will be treated with respect, but that will quickly disappear if you appear arrogant.”

Jonathan Nichols of Nicho Ventures echoed this: “Americans are used to coming in loud and proud and expecting the world to take heed. The Myanmar people seem to have missed this memo and really don't get the whole concept of USA dominance. When a business approach is focused more on me, the response is typically less than positive.”

2. How Are Power and Authority Viewed in Myanmar?

The only way to get anything done in Myanmar is to have boots on the ground in the country. Do not trust brokers…always try to work directly with Myanmar government contacts.

—Jerald Wrightsil, CEO, Eco-Merge USA

In Myanmar, the word power has different forms, resulting in many subtleties in the way business is conducted. Ana represents coercive power, whereas awza is influence based on personal characteristics or charisma. For example, pro-democracy leader and Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has awza, whereas the military exhibits ana.

As David I. Steinberg points out in Burma/Myanmar: What Everyone Needs to Know,²¹ power here is a zero-sum game. The analysis is that because it is seen as a finite resource, authority is diminished if power is shared. This helps to explain why government ministries, mostly run by former military officers, control business in Myanmar.

According to Jonathan Nichols, “Business in Myanmar is far from a level playing field. This is definitely not a place to be betting on the underdog. Anybody who wants to make progress will take my late grandfather's advice to me on my first day at school. ‘Find the biggest, strongest kid in the playground and make him your best friend.’”²²

The country is currently in a state of flux after decades of military rule and economic sanctions. Many Myanmar government departments are experiencing considerable churn. If one minister is ousted, his entire team may follow. It's therefore inadvisable to spend too much time tapping into the influence of one particular individual or group because you could find yourself without any allies at all. The political climate may change after the 2015 elections.

With respect to personal authority, your educational qualifications will be highly valued here. Having letters like M.B.A, Ph.D, or J.D. after your name is considered so important that the Myanmar will include them not only on business cards, but also wedding invitations.

3. How Do the People of Myanmar Compare Rules and Relationships?

Invest in Burma and do it responsibly; be an agent of change.

—Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State

Myanmar was a military dictatorship until recently. Although this may suggest that the nation's culture is more oriented toward processes than people, the opposite is true. Myanmar culture is heavily focused on a complex web of relationships that can appear confusing unless you take the time to understand their importance.

For example, CEO Errol Flynn of business advisory and consulting firm KPC & G International Australia arrived in Myanmar in 1995 with his wife, who was assigned the task of opening a representative office for the ING Bank. While in Myanmar and during his two-year stay, Mr. Flynn nurtured an influential circle of personal connections in both government and in the business community. On one occasion, after meeting a Thai sugar exporter who had traveled 15 times to Myanmar to establish joint ventures without success, Mr. Flynn introduced him and his company to the state minister and cabinet members of Myanmar's Kayin Ministry. Other business entities from the mining and agriculture sectors followed and were introduced to several other relevant state ministries in Myanmar.

Errol Flynn is an example of how you can establish valuable relationships without resorting to bribery and corruption. The most expensive gift he and his senior staff ever gave ministers were several bottles of branded whisky. What has helped KPC & G International Australia and Thailand, together with companies like them, become so influential when introducing clients to high-ranking Myanmar government decision makers is patience, respect, and a sincere approach toward the country and its people. Speaking and understanding the Burmese language also helps. This hugely benefited Mr. Flynn's organization, as Myanmar officials made sure his Australian representatives and sponsored organizations were safe while traveling to remote mining sites in the country.

One of the most challenging things visiting professionals need to learn is that they cannot achieve their business goals in terms of weeks or even months. As one Texas-based CEO pointed out: “You will likely need to invest in relationships over a period of several years before expecting anything to be signed, sealed, or delivered.” We address this further in the next section.

4. How Do the Myanmar Regard Time?

If the Myanmar don't see each other today, they can always meet another day. Both sides will attach the same non-importance to time.

—Dominique Savariau, French consultant

Burmese Standard Time is a fluid concept, so you'll need to manage your expectations about scheduling, punctuality, and any notion that time is money. Deadlines may not be taken as seriously as you are accustomed to in your culture, and written reports may come in late. Meetings and conferences may not stay on schedule because politeness requires that others are not cut short or interrupted.

As Imagino Group CEO Robert Easson advises, “If the people you are connecting with are used to dealing with ‘foreigners,’ they will undoubtedly understand how important punctuality is and make adjustments. The point is to ensure that all appointments are confirmed in advance, especially if you are going to drive long distances. Punctuality is not particularly high on the average Myanmar's list of priorities because of the traffic and public transport challenges.”

Also bear in mind the effects of continuing superstition in Myanmar. Your meetings may get cancelled or contracts delayed because an astrologer consulted by a Myanmar businessperson has said the time, day, or month is not fortuitous. Western perspectives on time are unfamiliar to many Myanmar government ministers and businesspeople. Until relatively recently, the Myanmar lived and worked under a regime where extreme caution was rewarded and the smallest mistakes were punished.

5. How Direct Is Communication in Myanmar?

Myanmar are very courteous and direct. However, when a Myanmar communicates that he can deliver, you need to get confirmation from a government or ministry source. This is your best guarantee.

—U.S. American engineer

Even if you don't hear the word ah-nar-de spoken, this concept will undoubtedly influence your business communications in Myanmar. It is considered a deeply ingrained national trait in a country where there is an unspoken aversion to interfering in someone else's life or business.

Ah-nar-de means saving face in the sense of not wanting to do anything that would provoke strong negative emotions in another person. When a Myanmar exhibits ah-nar-de, they are helping to defuse the potential anger or disappointment experienced when someone demands something of them that they don't want to give or cannot provide. The closest English phrases are: “I don't want to bother you, however…” or “I feel kind of bad, but.…”

For example, a subordinate may accept a bigger job assignment than they are able to handle because they feel ah-nar-de. The project may be completed on schedule, but staff could feel overworked or the final result might not be up to par. Make sure that your written and verbal communications are explicit and that you're regularly checking progress with local partners. Learning to ask nonjudgmental questions helps save face.

At times, an eagerness to please may result in your Myanmar contacts overselling their capabilities or exaggerating their influence. Because people here do not want to disappoint a superior by telling them they can't meet a deadline, many avoid saying no, saying instead, “I would like to, but…” This all depends on the seniority and international experience of the person with whom you are communicating. Some businesspeople in Myanmar will happily say no.

Here is one area in which U.S. Americans and Myanmar are similar: Getting directly to the point. The Myanmar dislike beating around the bush.

6. How Formal or Informal Do Businesspeople in Myanmar Tend to Be?

This is Burma, and it will be quite unlike any land you know about.

—Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936)

In Myanmar a distrust of international visitors, especially after many years of being a closed society, reinforces the need to handle all formal introductions correctly. Your attitude, conversation style, behavior, and small details in your appearance will be observed. Naming conventions are worth familiarizing yourself with (Table 10.6 on page 221) and are especially important in a culture where people believe that the way you act and think writes the “story of your life.” Your handling of introductions lays the foundation for how closely your business acumen and credentials will be scrutinized. You are responsible for your business story, and respect from the Myanmar will begin from that point.

Respect from the Myanmar begins with a formal introduction through another Myanmar business professional. This introduction is considered a local responsibility and will not be undertaken without professional certainty that you are to be trusted. If you have asked for an introduction, be prepared for a number of responses. First, a Myanmar may hesitate before responding because they must think before committing – as they are cautious and a mistake is costly. Second, a Myanmar may agree too readily and quickly. Be prepared for delay, excuses to arise, and a failure of the introductions to materialize.

As an example of the right way to be introduced, one U.S. CEO, who had been doing business in Myanmar for many years, was invited by a Malaysian board member to get involved in a natural resources transaction in Myanmar. Formal introductions to Myanmar counterparts were facilitated by the Malaysian, and the U.S. CEO was well received.

Be prepared for your formal introduction and the process by having business credentials, banking, and funding documentation in hand.

7. How Aligned Are Myanmar Social and Business Lives?

U.S. businesspeople will most likely not be invited for Sunday lunch at a business associate's home; a nice restaurant is more likely in the cards.

—Robert Easson, Imagino Group CEO

Although the Myanmar are sociable among themselves and with close friends, this is not yet a completely open country. A number of restrictions remain below the surface, often impacting business-social events. Until recently, it was illegal for international visitors to be invited into a Myanmar home. Don't take it personally if you're not invited to a business associate's home.

Most entertaining outside of office hours takes place in hotel restaurants and private dining areas. When executives go to dinner, the most junior Myanmar executive will serve the food and alcohol, first to you or other guests. Expect the senior Myanmar executive to offer a toast when drinking. Unlike many parts of Asia where drinking liquor often seems mandatory, in Myanmar, you will be asked if you want to take part in after-hours business socializing. There is no need to feel awkward about declining alcohol; the Myanmar will not hold this against you.

When socializing outside of a formal business environment, watch for unwittingly directing conversations into territory that could be tricky for your Myanmar hosts, such as discussions about politics. According to one source, “There are still one million people in the country who receive small amounts of money to be active as part of the secret police in the country.”²⁶ The secret police may be listening at any gathering. Discussions of sensitive issues involving the military junta or country politics may jeopardize your Myanmar hosts or colleagues after your departure. This is such a concern that one anonymous ‘aging general’ concluded the foreword to Jonathan Nichols's latest book by writing: “The names of the characters and some of the circumstances in My My Myanmar are fictitious to prevent recognition and preserve reputations—and possibly a life or two.”

The other reason why the Myanmar may appear reticent to discuss certain topics with you during business-social gatherings concerns their fear of foreigners. After nearly 50 years under a military regime, the average Myanmar is still trying to come to terms with the fact that people from the outside may actually provide some benefit for their country.

The challenge Myanmar now face in learning to socialize with international colleagues is illustrated by an energy CEO who went drinking with ministers after a long day of business meetings and dinner and told us, “Myanmar business leaders are just beginning to accept their new freedoms and think about how to phrase questions. As we socialize, we can literally see the wheels turning and watch them formulate how to phrase a query.”

8. How Is the Concept of Women in Business Handled in Myanmar?

In some parts of this society, men's clothes must be hung higher (on racks) than women's, and losing face to a woman is considered by many men to be the ultimate insult. Yet there are those in Myanmar who don't concern themselves with many of these traditions.

—Robert Easson, Imagino Group CEO

Businesswomen in Myanmar still face many challenges. As Robert Easson revealed, “Should you decide to host an evening dinner, you might find that a female member of the Myanmar group asks you to speak to her mother beforehand, to confirm that it really is a company event. Make the call: Many adult women in Myanmar still have a 6 p.m. curfew set for them by their parents.”

Business in Myanmar is largely influenced, if not controlled, by the various government ministries, whose decision makers tend to be former members of the military. It was only in late 2013 that women were allowed to join the army. Depending on the success of the proposed amendments to Myanmar's constitution, it may be years before women hold positions of power in the country. However, this wasn't always the case as, historically, women in Myanmar enjoyed much higher status and freedom than in some other Asian countries. This prompted Sir James George Scott (1851–1935) to say, “A Burmese woman going about her business is more than a match for any man.”

Currently, Myanmar is not ranked on the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Index, a measure of gender-based disparities across four criteria: economic participation, educational attainment, political empowerment, and health for 136 countries. It will be interesting to see a future ranking.

Nevertheless, national heroine Aung San Suu Kyi is a highly respected role model across generations.²⁷ As legal consultant Moe Lwin shared, “I show my daughter the speeches of Madam Aung San Suu Kyi on YouTube, whose example of confidence, professionalism, and grace can help women in Myanmar achieve positions of prominence in almost all walks of life and industries. This is how you become admired by your counterparts in our culture.” Mr. Lwin pointed out that the grace and humility with which Myanmar women exert their influence in many smaller, family operations provides a useful hint to Western businesswomen visiting the country. Or, as human resources development manager Aung Ko Ko advises, “If you follow the values our nation stands for, you will have no problem working as a female executive here.”

As Pam Reed, CEO of Texas Climate and Carbon Exchange shared, “While in Myanmar on business, Gay Gillen and I dressed conservatively and were very mindful of the local culture and customs. The Burmese were very polite and respectful to us. We observed that while much in Myanmar is in flux since the ‘opening’ of the country, their society continues to be built on order, respect of elders, and to be centered on their Buddhist faith.”

Aung Ko Ko's advice for businesswoman traveling to Myanmar: Dress conservatively, carry yourself with grace and elegance, show respect for seniority, and use diplomacy when you cannot back down from the terms of the deal.