New research also shows that half of respondents believe that engagement rings should be worth at least one month's salary.

What makes a perfect application? A recent study by YouGov, the world's leading online research firm, reveals that many traditions are still embraced in Asia-Pacific. However, while many people still prefer tradition, new norms and are being embraced by many throughout the region.

Half Australians say that no matter which gender to apply

Across APAC, two-thirds (66%) of respondents believe that a man should apply for a woman, although this belief varies widely among countries. This belief is most widely held in Indonesia (86%), Thailand (78%), and Philippines (76%). On the other hand, Australians are the loosest; half of those assessed (50%) said it does not matter whether the man or the woman is applying.

Although most respondents have a strong fondness that the man who has to apply, three quarters (74%) of those being explored say it is acceptable that the woman who proposes to the man, which suggests a degree of flexibility even in the midst of hope which is widely adopted.

Diamonds are still the most popular choice for engagement rings

Consumers also expect an engagement ring, with almost nine out of ten (88%) people viewing the ring as one of the core components of a perfect application. It rises above other traditions in terms of importance; half of those explored (54%) viewed interest as important, although only a third (36%) saw the man kneeling on one foot as important.

Regarding which of the materials should the engagement ring be made, nearly half of all respondents (46%) will choose a diamond, although yellow gold is the most popular metallic choice, supported by 37% of those explored. However, yellow gold appears less fashionable among the younger generation; This metal is favored by 41% of those over 45, but only 33% by 16-29 year olds. Silver is twice as popular as this generation over the older generation, chosen by 15% of people aged 16-29 years, but only by 7% of those aged over 45s. Platinum is also quite popular among young consumers (15%), but again lacks enthusiasm from the 55s up (10%).

However, the wastage comes at an expensive price, and half (52%) of those surveyed believe that the engagement ring should be worth at least a month of salary. Chinese, Thai and Filipino consumers are the largest shoppers, with 38%, 23% , and 20% of respondents wanted to spend more than three months' salary for an engagement ring.

Asking for permission from the bride's father before getting engaged is more important for the young than their parents

Another tradition that is upheld is asking permission from the bride's father before the engagement. Across the region, 85% still believe that this is important. This figure jumped to 96% in Indonesia, 94% in Thailand, and 94% in Vietnam. However, nearly four out of ten (38%) Australians, a quarter (25%) of Hong Kong, and a fifth (19%) of Singaporeans believe that seeking permission from the bride's father before becoming engaged is unimportant.

It also appears to be more important for young couples than for their parents: although only one in ten of the 16-29 year olds (9%) feel unimportant to seek permission from the bride's father, one in five (19%) respondents over 45- felt it was not important.

Contrary to old wisdom, when it comes to getting engaged, it seems that the young instead of the elder who keep this tradition alive.