Working in Asia: Recommended Reading
 

I am about to take on a role that will require extensive travel throughout Asia, working with almost all of the countries there and spending around 80% of my time on-the-ground.

I have previously worked in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bangkok, so I have an idea of what I am getting myself into, but it's always good to do a bit of reading. I wonder if anyone here has recommended reading re: cultural norms / doing business across Asia? Or any specific advice?

Do you mean reading in English only? Or any Asia language will do?

Not sure about your language skills but there are gems you can only find in local languages. :)

If you visit Asia Forum, you may find some threads that interest you as well. All the places you mentioned are hot destinations for FTers that you'll see designated (sub)forums over there.

"Dave Barry does Japan" will give you subtle, thoughtful insights.

As suggested above, please follow the thread as it moves to our Travel->Asia forum. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator, TravelBuzz.

Most of my career was in international business. I bought quite a number of books from Intercultural Press, as they specialize in books dealing with a wide range of cultures.

Culture Shock series of books
 

I recommend a series called CultureShock published by Marshall Cavendish Editions. They appear to be published in Singapore and are available for many Asian countries and areas at bookstores such as Kinokuniya in Singapore.

For example, my copy of the edition for Borneo, was $S23.54 in April. They are intended for expats. living in an area, but as a traveler, I find many portions of them quite insightful and informative. They are also available through www.amazon.com which probably means that they will available at your local bookstore in the travel section as well.

Since you are located in Paris, may I suggest the local W.H. Smith as a possible source. W.H. Smith UK does carry them, but, for example, the edition for Borneo is out of date. http://www.whsmith.co.uk/CatalogAndS...812042453.html

Here is the link to what Kinokuniya on-line has available: http://bookweb.kinokuniya.co.jp/gues...+shock&AREA=04

From Paris it might be worthwhile to take a short trip to London and the School of Oriental and African Studies library.

My former alma mater will give out guest passes against a plausible request and the amount of books, magazines, studies etc. is amazing.