Guests to the first WIT*e got an unexpected lesson on how to do the haka, the Maori war dance that is performed by the New Zealand rugby team before their matches.

Coaching the more than 120 people gathered for the event, Hancock, who is director of operations of Asian Oasis, Thailand, said most people mistook the haka as a dance meant to intimidate and frighten the  opponent, when it was actually a way of saying, “We are going to play to our utmost, and we challenge you to rise to our level of play also."

He added: “It’s a way of tapping into that energy source – mahana – within us. Once we create this energy it is so much easier to explore our unique talent and inner resources that enables to be the best we can.

“This is particularly needed during these difficult times. Only when we are at our best can we do the best for our business.”

“Mahana” is a Maori word meaning energy and warmth.

Hancock said there was a lot we could learn from traditional cultures, whether it be Maori or Thai hilltribes where Asian Oasis operates community tourism projects at Lisu Lodge and Lanjia Lodge.

He took the group through the first few steps of the haka, and then  divided the room into two, with one team facing the other.

“This is only a taste of what’s to come,” he said. “We will continue to perform this at the second and third WIT*e, and during WIT, The  Main Event, we will do the full haka.”