Greeting The Sultan: Proper Etiquette For Meeting Brunei's Monarch

Greeting the Sultan of Brunei requires a specific set of manners and customs. The Sultanate of Brunei is a constitutional monarchy with a rich history, and its people are proud of their centuries-old royal heritage. The current Sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah, is the 29th ruler of Brunei and has been in power since 1967, celebrating his 50th year in 2017. As the head of state, he is treated with the utmost respect, and certain protocols must be followed when meeting him. Greeting the Sultan involves demonstrating respect and deference, with formal introductions and light handshakes. It is customary to introduce the most important person on your team first and to address individuals with their titles. When shaking hands, Bruneian men often raise their hand to their heart, and it is rare for men and women to shake hands across genders. Instead, placing the right hand over the heart and bowing is a respectful alternative.

Greeting the sultan: bowing and hand-over-heart gestures

Greeting the sultan of Brunei requires a specific set of manners and customs to be followed, especially when it comes to bowing and hand-over-heart gestures. Here are some detailed guidelines to follow when greeting the sultan:

Bowing

Bowing is a common form of greeting in Brunei and is often used when meeting someone of the opposite sex. When greeting the sultan, it is important to demonstrate respect and deference. A small bow with the head is appropriate, especially for foreign women greeting the sultan. This gesture shows respect and avoids physical contact, which may be uncomfortable for some. Younger Bruneians may also opt to bow their heads instead of shaking hands with foreign visitors.

Hand-over-heart Gesture

Placing the right hand over the heart is another respectful way to greet someone in Brunei, especially when meeting someone of the opposite sex. This gesture is often used in conjunction with a small bow. By doing this, you are showing respect and courtesy without the need for physical touch. This is particularly important to note if you are visiting Brunei, as shaking hands across genders is rare and may be uncomfortable for some.

Combining the Bow and Hand-over-heart Gesture

When greeting the sultan, you may choose to combine the bow and hand-over-heart gesture. This involves placing your right hand over your heart and performing a small bow. This action demonstrates respect, courtesy, and humility. It is a way to honour the sultan's position and show that you are aware of and respect the local customs.

Other Considerations

It is worth noting that titles are important in Brunei, and the sultan's full title may be quite lengthy. Using the appropriate title when addressing the sultan is crucial. Additionally, Bruneians often raise their hands to their hearts after shaking hands, which is another way to show respect. When greeting the sultan, it is also important to remember to maintain eye contact and use a respectful tone of voice and body language.

In conclusion, when greeting the sultan of Brunei, it is essential to follow the local customs and demonstrate respect. Combining a small bow with the hand-over-heart gesture is a polite and respectful way to greet the sultan, especially for foreign women or when interacting with someone of the opposite sex. Remembering to use appropriate titles and maintaining respectful body language are also key aspects of greeting the sultan properly.

Greeting the sultan's family: titles and formalities

Greeting the Sultan of Brunei's family requires an understanding of the various titles and formalities associated with the royal family. The Sultan's family is known as the House of Bolkiah, which is composed of the descendants of the first sultan, Sultan Muhammad Shah, and his family. Here are some important guidelines to follow when addressing or interacting with the Sultan's family:

• Titles: It is important to use the correct titles when addressing the Sultan's family members. The Sultan's full title is "His Majesty The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam". The Sultan's sons and grandsons are typically addressed as "His Royal Highness" (HRH) or "Pengiran Muda" in Malay. Other male members of the royal family who are not direct descendants of the Sultan may be addressed as "The Lord" (HH) or "Pengiran Anak" in Malay. Female members of the royal family may also have specific titles, such as "Her Royal Highness" or "Pengiran Anak". It is respectful to use these titles when greeting or addressing the Sultan's family members.
• Formalities and Etiquette: When greeting the Sultan's family, it is important to maintain a level of formality and adhere to certain etiquette rules. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
• Respect and Deference: Greetings should be formal and demonstrate respect and deference. It is important to show reverence and avoid any form of criticism or negative comments about the royal family.
• Introductions: When introducing yourself or others to the Sultan's family, it is customary to introduce the most important person first. This shows respect to the royal family and their position.
• Handshakes: Handshakes are typically light, and Bruneian men often raise their hands to their heart after shaking hands. However, it is important to note that most Bruneians do not shake hands with members of the opposite sex. Foreign women may nod their heads in greeting, while foreign men should wait for a woman to extend her hand first.
• Eye Contact: It is considered disrespectful and rude to stare directly into the eyes of a member of the royal family, especially those who are senior in age or status. A respectful greeting involves lowering your gaze slightly.
• Gifts: If you are invited to a member of the royal family's home, it is customary to bring gifts such as good quality chocolates or fruit. Avoid giving gifts made of pigskin or anything that is not 'halal'. It is also important to use your right hand or both hands when offering a gift.

These guidelines provide a general overview of the titles and formalities associated with greeting the Sultan of Brunei's family. It is important to remember that specific protocols may vary depending on the context and the individual family member you are interacting with.

Greeting the sultan in business: introductions and business cards

When greeting the Sultan of Brunei in a business context, it is important to follow certain protocols and etiquette to ensure respect and deference. Here are some guidelines to follow when meeting and greeting the Sultan:

• Greetings should be formal and demonstrate respect. It is important to introduce the most important person on your team first.
• Handshakes with Bruneian men tend to be light, and they often raise their hands to their hearts after shaking hands. However, it is important to note that most Bruneians do not shake hands with members of the opposite sex. Foreign businesswomen should nod their heads in greeting, while foreign businessmen should wait to see if a Bruneian woman extends her hand first.
• Titles are important and can be confusing. Bruneians can have up to 20 words in their title. Titles such as "Pengiran" with several different words following it, "Awangku", and "Dayangku" indicate a relation to the royal family. It is acceptable to address someone with a title by their title alone. Honorific titles are "Awang" for a man and "Dayang" for a woman.
• Business cards are typically exchanged after introductions and handshakes. Present the card with both hands or with the right hand and the left hand supporting the right hand. Give a business card to each person you meet. Examine any business card you receive before putting it away, as the respect you show to someone's business card is considered indicative of the respect you will show them in business. It is considered a breach of etiquette to write on a person's business card in their presence.

When meeting the Sultan of Brunei, it is crucial to remember that Bruneian culture values respect, honour, and hierarchy. Age and position are revered, and maintaining "face" is of utmost importance. Therefore, your communication style should be formal, respectful, and indirect to avoid causing embarrassment or disharmony.

Greeting the sultan in his palace: shoes and seating

Greeting the Sultan of Brunei in his palace is a unique experience. Here is a guide to ensure you are appropriately dressed and mannered for the occasion.

Shoes

When visiting the Sultan's palace, it is important to dress respectfully and modestly. For men, closed-toe shoes are acceptable, and there is no need to wear formal shoes. However, it is advisable to avoid wearing jeans or any other casual attire that may be seen as too informal for such an occasion. It is recommended to wear trousers and a long-sleeved shirt, covering your body except for your hands, face, and hair.

Seating

The process of meeting the Sultan involves passing through several waiting rooms and queues. The first waiting room is usually an extravagant room where visitors wait for their row to be called to proceed to the next room. This process repeats itself a few times until there are no more rooms left, and visitors find themselves in a covered outdoor area, slowly moving towards the final room where the Sultan is. It is important to note that the queues are often split by gender, with men meeting the Sultan and women meeting the Queen.

The entire process can take a significant amount of time, with some people reporting waiting for almost three hours to meet the Sultan. Therefore, it is advisable to arrive early, as the queues can get long, and the wait can be lengthy.

While the dress code for men is relatively relaxed, with security being quite lax in their enforcement, it is always best to adhere to the recommended attire to avoid any issues at the entrance.

Greeting the sultan appropriately: eye contact and body language

Greeting the Sultan of Brunei appropriately requires an understanding of the local culture and customs. Brunei is a hierarchical society, with a strong emphasis on respect for elders and those in positions of authority. This respect is demonstrated through formal greetings, such as handshakes, which tend to be light. It is also customary for Bruneian men to raise their hand to their heart after shaking hands.

When it comes to eye contact and body language, it is considered disrespectful and rude to stare directly into the eyes of the Sultan, especially if you are of a lower status or younger age. Instead, it is more respectful to bow your head when greeting the Sultan. This shows deference and humility. Maintaining eye contact for an extended period can be seen as a challenge or an attempt to dominate, which is not appropriate when greeting someone of higher status.

Additionally, it is important to be mindful of your body language during the greeting. Avoid any actions that may be perceived as aggressive or disrespectful, such as standing with your hands on your hips or crossing your arms across your chest. Keep your body relaxed and open, with your hands at your sides or in a respectful gesture, such as placing your right hand over your heart. This demonstrates honour and respect.

The tone of your voice is also crucial. Speak in a polite and respectful tone, avoiding any raised voices or aggressive language. Use formal language and titles when addressing the Sultan, such as "Your Majesty" or "Sultan" followed by their name.

It is worth noting that Bruneian communication style tends to be indirect, as they value harmony and avoiding embarrassment. They may use evasive responses or insincere yeses to maintain politeness and avoid confrontation. Therefore, pay close attention to their tone of voice, body language, and eye contact, as these can often convey more meaning than their words.

In summary, when greeting the Sultan of Brunei, it is important to demonstrate respect and deference through appropriate eye contact, body language, and tone of voice. Avoid direct eye contact, opt for a respectful bow, use polite and formal language, and be mindful of your body language to ensure a successful greeting that adheres to Bruneian cultural norms.

Frequently asked questions