The Centre for Leadership, Negotiation and Public Diplomacy (LNPD) successfully conducted the Negotiation Course for Junior Officers from 6 to 8 May 2025, bringing together twenty-two promising officers from Grades 9 to 12 from fifteen ministries and agencies. Designed with a strong emphasis on international engagement, this three day course aimed to enhance the negotiation capabilities of junior government officials who are increasingly called upon to represent their agencies on national and international platforms. The course also sought to build a solid foundation in negotiation principles and equip participants with practical tools, techniques, and strategies to navigate complex negotiation settings confidently and effectively.
The course offered a mix of theoretical knowledge and experiential learning. Participants were introduced to basic concepts such as Negotiation Essentials, The Negotiation Process, and Negotiation Styles and Strategies, all delivered by experienced facilitators with diplomacy and conflict resolution backgrounds. One of the key highlights was the simulation exercises, where participants assumed roles in mock negotiation scenarios mirroring real-world diplomatic settings. These simulations challenged participants to apply their knowledge under pressure, refine persuasion techniques, and develop solutions through collaborative problem-solving, skills essential for real-life negotiations.
Adding value to the course was the session by Dato’ Zulkifli Adnan, a retired ambassador. With his wealth of experience in international affairs, Dato’ Zulkifli offered rare insights into the dynamics of bilateral and multilateral negotiations. His session captured the participants' attention as he shared vivid accounts of high-level negotiations, along with the diplomatic finesse, cultural sensitivity, and strategic thinking required to achieve consensus in sensitive geopolitical contexts. His reflections enriched the course content and inspired participants to approach negotiation with greater awareness and integrity.
In his closing address, Dato’ Agus Salim Yusof, Director of LNPD, extended his heartfelt appreciation to the speakers and resource persons for their valuable contributions to the programme. He commended the participants for their enthusiasm
and active participation, noting that the skills and knowledge gained from the course are not only relevant in official negotiation settings but also applicable in everyday decision-making and interpersonal interactions. The successful completion of the programme reaffirmed LNPD’s dedication to developing a cadre of well-prepared, principled, and effective negotiators in Malaysia’s public service landscape.
