Page 3 - Diplomatic Voice 2014 -3

PROFILE OF PROMINENT PERSON we are no longer the darling of FDI in c. We have to promote our home- hance its reputation and be interna- the region. We are lagging behind grown technologies and SMEs to go tionally recognised. Indonesia and Thailand and of course and invest abroad. It is normal in Singapore which receives about 50% developed economies that SMEs will A: My thoughts on this are: of all FDI in ASEAN. However, we need move into another market in order to to continue with the approach of seek efficiency and new markets. a. IDFR should continue with its entering into FTAs at the bilateral and There has to be a proper system to current programmes to provide a regional level, whilst playing a promi- promote SMEs abroad. We have to multitude of training courses for the nent role at the WTO and ASEAN. remember that SMEs do not neces- various levels of diplomats in the sarily carry negative connotations. Malaysian diplomatic service. b. We have to retain talents and Many SMEs offer high technology and promote Malaysia as a destination for high value products and services. b. IDFR should offer courses to foreign talents. My thought is very clear on diplomats. This has already been done this. We promote Malaysia more and d. We have to find our niche and but could still be enhanced through we pursue foreign talents or Malaysians pursue the niche diligently with a more courses such as “summer or winter” abroad to come home. However, we coherent and less fragmented academy, master classes and joint- are not retaining talents. Many of approach. We have to reduce the PhD programmes. those who do not go abroad feel that sense of territoriality and duplications they are being alienated in their own which lead to wasting of resources. c. To produce research and position papers on various aspects of foreign e. Malaysians cannot policies. rely on the Govern- ment alone. Malaysi- Dr. Sufian Jusoh is a Distin- ans as a whole have guished Fellow of IDFR, Senior to change their world- Fellow and Associate Professor at Faculty of Law, Universiti view. Many are still re- Kebangsaan Malaysia and also liant on hand-outs Senior External Fellow of World and continue to rely Trade Institute, Switzerland. on the Government to do business. Budaya tongkat has to be eli- minated if we want to be successful in the international arena. country. Many of these experts are as Q: What do you suggest IDFR do to good or better than their foreign coun- create more public awareness on IDFR terparts. There has to be concerted public lecture series and other events? efforts to ensure talents at home are properly appreciated and compensa- A: My suggestions are: ted. Our pay scheme is still very low compared to more developed econo- a. There has to be a higher level of mies in compensating the same ta- visibility in the sense that IDFR may lents. We have to provide facilities for need to increase promotion of the the local talents to continue to flourish. events through TV and radio stations. I am a Malaysian who came back after many years abroad and continue b. IDFR may also arrange special slots working as a consultant and advisor on TV and radio to promote Malaysia’s with various international organisa- diplomacy and at the same time, to tions. I can see the difference in the promote IDFR as a leading diplomacy way Malaysians (especially Malaysian institution in Malaysia. Government agencies) treat Malaysian talents and foreigners, i.e. we give Q: What are your thoughts on IDFR’s more respect to foreigners even if we role as the training arm of the Ministry have talents of the same or better of Foreign Affairs? Please provide quality in the same fields. recommendations for IDFR to en- DIPLOMATIC VOICE 3