I should first warn you that what I write here highly subjective, meaning it is based very much on my personal

experience, opinion and way of life. Other Malaysians may or may not share my point of view. Q1: Time factor Basically trying to reach on time is a common way of thinking but what usually proves to be the case is that we are not very accurate in time estimating and this more than often results in tardiness. The concept of punctuality here is relatively weak compared to Japan, no doubt resulting from our leisure way of life. However, promptness may vary according to the appointment in question. If it is a common gathering between a group of comrades/friends/associates/buddies, assuming that there exist an intimate relationship between them, being behind schedule is not considered a big deal, as this is usually the case due mainly to our prolonged manner of doing things. I would say that within approximately 30 minutes after scheduled time may be regarded as acceptable. In my case, I usually arrive on time, though occasionally I might be late for 10-15 minutes. Ive had friends who arrive much later than that but this is not to say that being late is forgivable. How one handles time may well be seen as a form of respect to the other party. On the other hand, the impression of time on a community level is different. If it is an urgent meeting with high importance, being unpunctual would definitely be offensive. Besides the significance of the meeting, the people attending the meeting are also taken into account. I suppose this is a general thinking anywhere in the world. Tardiness leaves a bad impression on people especially to the eyes of the employer. Q2: Managing a silent atmosphere Well, I would say this is easy. I try to minimize my sound volume or cease talking altogether. I would stay silent unless there is no rule or order for me to keep quiet. Though most of the time I actually prefer a quiet environment, because it helps me focus more clearly (Note that this is not the case in a classroom packed with students where lectures are utterly dull and boring). Places like the library, offices, and examination halls, I try to stay absolutely silent unless there is a need to talk. I believe no one would cause a ruckus under such environments unless they want to be showered with stares of disapproval and condemn from the public. Q3: Facing a silent companion How I react depends greatly on the intimacy and understanding between the other party. I do not believe there is a typical or cultural way of behaving in a certain way under such a situation but I will provide my answer anyway. Considering the factors I mentioned above, if my partner is someone I am very familiar with, I would not be used to the silence. Unless he/she is engaged in something of great importance and requires to be left alone, I would find ways to pull my companion out of his/her reverie and attempt to strike up a conversation with him/her. However, if this is not a common behavior in the other party, I would show signs of concern and try to get the other party to confess whatever it is that is causing their unusual silence. In cases where my partner just happens to be someone I am only acquainted with, I would not attempt to break the silence however awkward it may be except if the other party is someone of great interest to me and I wanted to know more about him/her.