The Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) recently hosted its highly anticipated Leadership Course for Junior Officers from 5 to 7 August 2025. This transformative course inspired many junior officers to step out of their comfort zones and evolve into effective leaders.
Organised by the Centre for Leadership, Negotiation and Public Diplomacy (LNPD) of IDFR, the course brought together a diverse group of twenty-eight dynamic participants from various ministries and agencies. These included the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Human Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Housing and Local Government, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Public Services Department, Malaysian Prison Department, and Johor Civil Service Academy.
The course was designed to enable participants to develop essential leadership competencies and unleash their leadership potential, while also equipping them with specific tools, techniques, and skills to become highly effective leaders. In addition, the course is also designed to enhance participants’ capabilities to help them accelerate their leadership goals and make a high-impact contribution to their respective organisations. Through interactive sessions and collaborative exercises, participants have learnt to analyse complex situations, weigh options, and make informed decisions that align with their organisational goals.
To further enrich the learning experience, the Centre invited guest speakers who are experts in specific areas relevant to leadership and organisational management, as well as industry players and leaders in the corporate sector. By sharing their experiences, best practices, and lessons learned, these speakers provided participants with practical insights that perfectly complemented the theoretical concepts and design thinking in leadership and diplomacy covered in the syllabus. Overall, the Leadership Course for Junior Officers was a resounding success, equipping our future leaders with the tools and confidence needed to make a significant impact in their respective fields.