Generally, business days start between 8.30-9 am pausing for a one hour lunch at 12.30, 1 or 1.30pm depending on the firm with the business day concluding at 5 or 6pm. But be warned: Asians are notorious hard workers; it’s not uncommon (especially in Chinese firms) to work ten hours a day and managers to put in 12 hours a day. Saturday, until a few years ago, was a compulsory work day and now it’s discretionary depending on the firm. Don’t be too shocked when you’re asked to work on the weekend. After work functions aren’t nearly as common as in the West but if you’re lucky you’ll be invited to them when they happen. Malay companies allow workers to take a few hours off on Fridays for prayers; factor this in when trying to contact government agencies or companies with Malay workers.