The Pre-Posting Course for Home-Based Staff and Spouses Series 5/2024, held from 1 October until 11 October 2024, was a resounding success. The course brought together 67 participants representing the Prime Minister's Office, Public Service Department Malaysia, Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resource, Malaysian Armed Forces, Royal Malaysia Police, Imigresen Department of Malaysia, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), and Majlis Agama Islam Pulau Pinang. The aim was to equip Grade 41 officers and above, along with their spouses, with essential knowledge and skills in diplomacy and international diplomatic practices, crucial for their roles at Malaysian Missions abroad.
The comprehensive 9-day programme covered a wide array of topics, including inspectorate matters, SPKM guidelines, asset management, audit and finance, accounting, protocol, consular services, personal security, and the importance of integrity in both professional and personal spheres. Special sessions were also dedicated to enhancing interpersonal skills, with a focus on personal grooming and social etiquette.
A notable highlight of this year's course was the introduction of new sessions, such as Gastrodiplomacy—an innovative approach that uses food as a tool for fostering cultural understanding, building relationships, and strengthening Malaysia's soft power globally. Additionally, a session on mental health was introduced to ensure participants are equipped to maintain good mental health while stationed abroad. Participants also engaged with distinguished speakers from key agencies such as the Malaysian Health Travel Council (MHTC), Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA), and MATRADE. These sessions provided participants with invaluable insights into promoting Malaysia's health tourism, education, investment opportunities, and trade on the international stage.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants attests to the success of the course in delivering relevant and engaging content. At the closing ceremony, Dato’ Agus Salim Yusof, Director of the Centre for Leadership, Negotiation, and Public Diplomacy, commended the participants for their commitment and expressed his gratitude to the speakers for sharing their invaluable knowledge and experience. He conveyed his confidence that the skills and insights gained from the course would greatly enhance the participants' effectiveness in their diplomatic duties abroad.
