The Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) organised the Media Skills Workshop for Mid-Level Officers from 15 to 17 July 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. Fifteen (15) participants from various ministries and agencies, has attended the workshop. The workshop aimed to enhance participants’ understanding and awareness of the media and its significance; and to equip participants with the necessary skills to interact with the media effectively.
Guest speakers for the workshop were made up of experts from the media field, from different sectors namely from the government, academic institutions and the private sector. Key discussions included crisis communication, tackling misinformation, on crafting clear messages, guidance on managing emotions in high-pressure situations, and engaging the media with confidence. The workshop also debated the importance of working as one across different ministries in crafting synergy and to deliver a more coherent messages with regards to any implementation of government policies. Participants also reflected on lessons from previous media challenges and explored how these experiences could help prevent similar issues in the future. Experts introduced new approaches and emerging practices in the media field, emphasising anticipatory governance in which involves preparing in advance rather than reacting only when situations escalate.
The participants are deeply engrossed with the workshop, opened in sharing their challenges. They have benefited in experiences sharing from the colleagues and have fruitful brainstorming sessions on ways forward to enhance media management and ensure government communication remains credible and impactful.
Overall, the Media Skills Workshop for Mid-Level Officers 2025 was a success, strengthening media literacy and equipping officers with the relevant knowledge and skills to handle media engagement with greater professionalism.
