Practice Makes Etiquette
Tatler Malaysia|August 2024
Author, entrepreneur and host of Daytime Emmy-nominated Netflix show, Mind Your Manners, Sara Jane Ho, on why confidence is a bigger superpower than we realise
Tania Jayatilaka
Practice Makes Etiquette

Would you like to move my things to the floor so you can sit more comfortably?” Sara Jane Ho says with an easygoing charm, referring to her bag on the chair nearest to her during our chat at her photo shoot. Her tone, somewhere between casual and courteous, gives you the sense that she would go out of her way to find you a seat in a crowded room or make you feel right at home five minutes after meeting you. Spend a bit of time with her, and you’ll realise why she is so great at what she does. For starters, spending one’s childhood and teen years across Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea, the UK and the US teaches a girl a thing or two about breaking the ice with people and forming meaningful connections despite cultural differences and communication barriers.

Graduating from Harvard with an MBA, she saw an unmet need for etiquette coaching in China and spent the first 10 years of her career running Institute Sarita, a finishing school she founded in Beijing. In 2022, Ho rose to fame as the host of her own Netflix series Mind Your Manners. Her trademark “wicked” humour, down-to-earth manner and pragmatic advice to clients made the show—and Ho—a hit with viewers who may have previously been put off by the exclusivity and superficiality associated with etiquette training. While the traditional principles of etiquette go against modern-day mantras to be yourself and prioritise authenticity, Ho counters with a more realistic, tried-and-tested view of the matter.

This story is from the August 2024 edition of Tatler Malaysia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the August 2024 edition of Tatler Malaysia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM TATLER MALAYSIAView All
How Working Out Transforms Your Skin
Tatler Malaysia

How Working Out Transforms Your Skin

When we think about the benefits of exercise, glowing skin might not be the first thing that comes to mind. That said, getting that sweat going is not only great for your body but also an absolute game-changer for your skin

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Mane Attraction
Tatler Malaysia

Mane Attraction

Dr Chang Chee Seong of Kaiteki Clinic shares his expert insights on hair loss, from the most common causes to cutting-edge solutions and what to expect on the journey of hair recovery

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Body Manscaping
Tatler Malaysia

Body Manscaping

Discover the entrepreneurial journey of Jared Chuah, cofounder of Nateskin, and how this Malaysian brand is breaking taboos around men's grooming, particularly below the belt

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Skin Superfoods
Tatler Malaysia

Skin Superfoods

Glow from within with these six ingredients that are good for your complexion

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Elevated Wellness
Tatler Malaysia

Elevated Wellness

Discover Amani Biohacking Club: Malaysia's first biohacking society for optimal leadership and life balance

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
The Dior Warrior
Tatler Malaysia

The Dior Warrior

Drawing inspiration from the world of sports and the strength of female Amazonian warriors, Maria Grazia Chiuri redefines empowered femininity as something both graceful and formidable for Dior's spring-summer 2025 collection

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
ASIA'S MOST INFLUENTIAL - MALAYSIA
Tatler Malaysia

ASIA'S MOST INFLUENTIAL - MALAYSIA

Meet the country's most influential individuals: 100 prominent figures who are changing the landscape in Malaysia across industries in our main categories, from business and STEM, to social impact and culture.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Innovating with Purpose
Tatler Malaysia

Innovating with Purpose

Chor Chee Hoe, co-founder of Qarbotech, talks about how carbon-based innovations are changing the face of farming and ensuring a greener, more productive future

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Grounded Vision
Tatler Malaysia

Grounded Vision

Minister of housing and local government, Nga Kor Ming shares the personal experiences and guiding principles that have shaped him, revealing the thoughtful man behind politician

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Raising Penang's Bar
Tatler Malaysia

Raising Penang's Bar

Backdoor Bodega's Koh Yung Shen is elevating Penang's bar scene with Penang Cocktail Week

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024