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tions on a one-on-one basis versus asking questions
Paying attention to nonverbal cues, therefore, becomes Citizens of Kuala
or debating in a wider team meeting or town halls.
important in building trust and relationships. Lumpur are popularly

What are the key future developments to look for? known as KLites.
With massive investments in infrastructure develop-
ment, including the high-speed train link to Singapore,
Kuala Lumpur has the potential to become a twin city DINING
of Singapore. Singapore and Japan typically are the
largest investors in Malaysia; however, in 2017 we saw CANTALOUPE AT TROIKA SKY
an increase in foreign direct investment in the manufac- DINING
turing sector from China. With the government hoping Under Chef Christian Bauer, the
CHECKING IN WITH RANGA to make Malaysia the gateway to ASEAN (Association menu offers an innovative fusion
SOMANATHAN of Southeast Asian Nations), Kuala Lumpur is in a good of European cuisines with an Asian
CEO, Singapore and Malaysia, Omnicom Media Group position to leverage the opportunity. twist, located on the 23rd floor of
the prestigious Troika skyscraper.
Which local attractions do you recommend?
What is your connection with Kuala Lumpur? 19 Persiaran, Troika Sky Dining,
Kuala Lumpur is close to our hearts. It was the city My all-time favorite is the Petronas Twin Towers. Built in Tower B, The Troika
where my wife and I started our married life and had the midst of the ASEAN financial crisis of the 1990s, it is $$$$
the epitome of modern technology in confluence with
our firstborn. We lived in KL 2002–2005 and returned
to live there 2009–2012. Now I live in Singapore and ancient design elements. In and around KL, you’ll find LITTLE PENANG CAFÉ
oversee the operations for Singapore and Malaysia for both manmade beauties and natural wonders to visit. In You’re not here for ambience — it’s
Omnicom Media Group. addition to the Towers, Petaling Street and Pasar Seni located in the ultra-modern Suria
offer a great experience of local shopping. Putrajaya, KLCC Mall. The attraction is au-
the seat of the government, is worth a visit to enjoy
What opportunities does Kuala Lumpur offer Ameri- thentic cuisine from the Malaysian
can investors? the natural scenery and the monumental architecture. island of Penang, served quickly and
If one is into adventure, there are some cool nature
For starters, it is a great place to live — people need cheaply.
to experience the multicultural environment, the trails in the fringes of the city, including some spec- Level 4, Suria KLCC Mall
cosmopolitan lifestyle and the Malaysian hospitality for tacular caves found within the country’s limestone cave $
formations. Driving a few hours from KL, great weekend
themselves. From a business perspective, the Malaysian
government has made it easier to set up and do busi- getaways offer experiences ranging from world-class OPIUM
ness in Malaysia, with a particular focus on developing beach resorts to hill stations with a colonial vibe. At this atmospheric Asian restau-
the startup ecosystem — for instance, by simplifying rant, eat indoors or on the terrace.
business registration, visa clearances, tax moratoriums Specialties include rending, the
and so on. Add to that the abundance of trained, popular Indonesian dish, made here
English-speaking workers that affords a decent talent with Angus beef.
bank for investors starting businesses in Kuala Lumpur.
50 Changkat Bukit Bintang
Compared with the United States, is it easier or $$$
more difficult to do business in Malaysia?
Not having worked in the United States, my under-
standing of ease of business there is just anecdotal. In JUST THE FACTS
that context, I believe KL is a positive business environ- Time zone: GMT +8
ment. There are challenges, however. In recent years, Phone code: Country code: 60 City
consumer confidence has been soft, resulting in the code: 3
business sentiment softening as well. This could be a Currency: Malaysian ringgit
cycle the country comes out of once the 2018 General Key industries: Tourism, retail,
Elections remove uncertainty in the market. financial services, oil and gas,
manufacturing
Are there any significant cultural differences Ameri-
can business travelers should be aware of?
Being from a multicultural country, Malaysians are GOING LOCAL:
aware of the cultural nuances of different communi- Ranga Somanathan (top), and Petaling
ties, both within Malaysia and across the world. Lack shopping street (bottom)
of awareness of those nuances among foreigners can
cause irritation or offense. In a corporate setup, people PHOTOS: © OMNICOM MEDIA GROUP,
© MOSAYMAY | DREAMSTIME
are more comfortable giving feedback and asking ques-

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