Session with the Association of Former Malaysian Ambassadors (AFMA) on Malaysia’s Foreign Policy
On 27 June 2019, participants of the Diploma in Diplomacy (DiD) organised a roundtable session with the Association of Former Malaysian Ambassadors (AFMA). The guest speakers for this event were YBhg. Tan Sri Othman Hashim, former Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and YBhg. Dato’ Ibrahim Abdullah, former Malaysian Ambassador to Paris, France. The title for this event was New Malaysia’s Foreign Policy.
During the session, both speakers shared their experiences while serving at the Malaysian diplomatic missions abroad. To develop a successful and colorful career path, they encouraged DiD participants to instill good attitudes, including the thirst for knowledge, the sense of curiosity and the desire to explore.
Along the session, the guest speakers also shared their memorable stories during their various assignments at Wisma Putra and diplomatic missions. They highlighted that the life of a foreign service officer is not glamorous, but very demanding as it requires sacrifices that normal people do not see. To meet the expectation of the foreign service and the ever-changing world environment, DiD participants were encouraged to always improve themselves, including writing and communication skills, as well as the ability to work under pressure.
The event left a positive impact towards the participants’ understanding of the new foreign policy while at the same time provided them with useful knowledge as guidance throughout their career. The participants were very lucky to have both YBhg. Tan Sri Othman and YBhg. Dato’ Ibrahim for this event.
Prepared by:
Diploma in Diplomacy (DiD) 2019 Participant
