Regarding the concept of “punctuality” in Southeast Asian culture, there are indeed some characteristics that are different from Western or East Asian culture, but this is a complex cultural phenomenon that cannot be simply summarized as “unimportant”, but needs to be understood in combination with specific regions, occasions and social backgrounds. ###1. The pervasive culture of “flexible time” 1. **Climate and social rhythm** Most parts of Southeast Asia have a tropical climate, and the high temperature and humidity environment objectively affects people's pace of life. Traditional agricultural societies have a low dependence on precise time, forming a relatively flexible concept of time. 2. **Collectivist values** In a society that emphasizes interpersonal relationships, punctuality may give way to “maintaining harmony”" For example, in Indonesia, “jam karet” (rubber Time) is used to describe the elasticity of time; “Filipino Time” in the Philippines also refers to the common lateness. 3. **Religious influence** The mentality of “following fate” in Buddhist culture (such as Thailand and Laos) and the Islamic way of thinking of “Insha'allah” (meaning “as Allah wishes”) may weaken the obsession with strict schedules. ###2. Differences in different scenarios 1. **Formal occasions** Punctuality is usually still required for business meetings and government affairs, especially in cities with a high degree of internationalization (such as Singapore and Kuala Lumpur). But small businesses or traditional industries may have greater flexibility. 2. **Daily life** The time for social gatherings and family activities is often more flexible. For example, the dinner party in Vietnam agreed to “6pm" may not actually start until 7pm, which is considered normal. 3. **Transportation system** The departure time of public transportation (such as Angkot minibuses in Indonesia and double-decker buses in Thailand) is often uncertain, reflecting the permeability of the concept of time. ###3. Changes brought about by globalization -The younger generation is influenced by Western education, and their sense of punctuality has gradually increased. - Multinational companies, international schools and other scenes have basically adopted punctual culture. -The investment of Japanese and Korean companies has also brought about an East Asian-style concept of time. ###4. Cultural misreading and coping suggestions 1. **Avoid stereotypes** Singapore's punctuality is no different from that of the West, while rural Myanmar has greater time flexibility. Pay attention to regional differences. 2. **Contextualized response** -Confirm in advance: “Shall we start at the agreed time?" ”(Southeast Asian partners often specify whether strict punctuality is required) -Reserved buffer: Important meetings can be prepared 15-30 minutes in advance. -Observe and follow: pay attention to the time habits of local colleagues, maintain flexibility and patience. 3. **Understand deep logic** Time elasticity is often associated with “paying attention to human feelings” and “avoiding conflicts”. For example, in Malaysia, it may be considered rude to directly criticize others for being late, and it is more appropriate to remind them tactfully. ###5. Anthropological perspective Scholar Edward T. The “monochronic” and “polychronic” theories proposed by Hall can explain this difference: Southeast Asian culture belongs more to the latter, emphasizing dealing with multiple things at the same time and focusing on relationships rather than strict schedules. **Summary**: The concept of time in Southeast Asia is not that it “does not pay attention to punctuality”, but that it has formed a time management system adapted to the local social environment. Understanding this kind of cultural logic is more conducive to cross-cultural interaction than simply judging “important or not”.