Attending Chinese New Year (CNY) and Hari Raya open houses in Brunei requires cultural awareness and etiquette. Key practices include RSVPing, dressing appropriately, greeting hosts with traditional phrases, following dining customs and respecting traditions like ang pow or duit raya exchanges. Whether in corporate or private settings, showing respect and gratitude ensures a meaningful celebration.
Disclaimer The guidelines provided are based on general cultural practices observed during Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri open houses in Brunei. Specific customs may vary among families, organizations and regions. It's advisable to consider the preferences and traditions of your host to ensure appropriate conduct.
Cultural Guide to Brunei's Festive Open Houses
(For Corporate & Private Events)
Open houses during Chinese New Year (CNY) and Hari Raya Aidilfitri are a cherished tradition in Brunei, bringing together family, friends, colleagues and even business associates in a spirit of celebration, hospitality and togetherness.
While both festivals emphasize welcoming guests with food, warmth and well wishes, they each come with distinct cultural customs. Understanding and practicing proper open house etiquette — whether in a corporate setting or a private home — ensures that you show respect and appreciation for the hosts while making the most of the festive atmosphere.
Below is a guide to navigating CNY and Hari Raya open houses in two different settings:
- Corporate Events – Hosted by companies, government offices or organizations.
- Private Gatherings – Held at homes or private venues by family, friends or colleagues.
By following these etiquette tips, you can participate meaningfully in these celebrations while leaving a positive impression.
Corporate Open House Etiquette
(Hosted by a company, organization or government office)
✔ RSVP & Timing
- Always confirm attendance if invited. Corporate open houses often have scheduled programs and guest lists.
- Arrive within the designated time slot (e.g., 2 PM - 5 PM). Avoid being too early or overstaying.
✔ Dress Code
- CNY: Wear bright colors like red and gold. Avoid all-black or all-white attire.
- Hari Raya: Modest, festive clothing is preferred. Baju Kurung or Baju Melayu is ideal but not required.
✔ Greetings & Social Interaction
- CNY: Greet with “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (Mandarin) or “Gong Hei Fatt Choi” (Cantonese).
- Hari Raya: Say “Selamat Hari Raya” and, optionally, “Maaf Zahir & Batin” (Seeking forgiveness for past wrongs).
- Shake hands if appropriate, but respect personal and religious boundaries (some may prefer a nod or a hand over the heart instead).
- Engage in polite conversation — corporate open houses are great for networking.
✔ Food & Dining Etiquette
- Take moderate portions and avoid food wastage.
- Do not bring alcohol to a Hari Raya event, as it is against Islamic customs.
- If it’s a buffet, avoid overloading your plate—you can always go for seconds.
✔ Ang Pow & Duit Raya
- In corporate settings, red packets (ang pow) and green packets (duit raya) are usually given to employees’ children, not adult guests.
- If received, accept with both hands and do not open in front of others.
✔ Departure Etiquette
- Thank the host before leaving, especially if they are a senior executive or the company owner.
- Avoid lingering too long — corporate open houses follow a schedule.
Private Open House Etiquette
(Hosted at a home or private venue by family, friends, or colleagues)
✔ RSVP & Timing
- Confirm attendance early, as food is often prepared based on guest numbers.
- Do not arrive too late — especially for Hari Raya, as some families may need to attend prayers.
✔ Dress Code
- CNY: Wear red or festive colors. Avoid black or white.
- Hari Raya: Traditional attire (Baju Kurung, Baju Melayu) is encouraged, but neat casual wear is acceptable.
✔ Greetings & Interaction
- Greet elders first before greeting younger family members.
- For CNY, hosts may offer Mandarin oranges as a symbol of prosperity — accept them with both hands.
- Show respect for the home — remove shoes before entering.
✔ Food & Dining Etiquette
- Do not refuse food outright — if you have dietary restrictions, politely decline or take a small portion.
- CNY treats: Pineapple tarts, bak kwa (BBQ meat) and love letters.
- Hari Raya treats: Ketupat, rendang, satay and kuih-muih (local desserts).
✔ Ang Pow & Duit Raya
- Married adults often give ang pow (CNY) and duit raya (Hari Raya) to children and unmarried younger guests.
- If you receive one, accept it with both hands and thank the giver.
✔ House Rules & Cultural Sensitivities
- Avoid discussing negative topics (death, illness, finances, or politics).
- If you accidentally break something, apologize and offer to replace it.
✔ Departure & Parting Words
- Thank the host before leaving with:
- CNY: “Thank you for having me! Wishing you a prosperous year ahead.”
- Hari Raya: “Terima kasih banyak! Selamat Hari Raya.”
- Avoid leaving immediately after eating — spend some time conversing before departing.
Conclusion
Whether you’re attending a corporate or private open house for Chinese New Year or Hari Raya, the key principles of respect, gratitude and cultural awareness remain the same.
By dressing appropriately, following dining customs and engaging with warmth and sincerity, you will not only honor the traditions of the celebration but also strengthen relationships — whether in a professional setting or among family and friends.
May your open house visits be filled with joy, good food and meaningful connections!
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