The Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) organised an enlightening chapter of the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP): Negotiation Course for International Participants. Held from 9 to 17 September 2025, this intensive course was meticulously crafted to elevate the negotiation acumen of its participants. The course brought together sixteen dynamic officers from Algeria, Azerbaijan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lao PDR, Libya, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Venezuela, and Malaysia. This rich tapestry of international perspectives deepened the dialogues and reinforced the course's mission of promoting global understanding and cooperation.
Participants were fully immersed in a practical curriculum designed to sharpen their negotiation prowess, covering vital topics such as the Negotiation Essentials, Communication and Relationship Building, The Language of Negotiation, Negotiation Styles and Strategies, Managing Conflict in Negotiation, Cross-Cultural Negotiation, Negotiation Simulations, and Study Tour, as well as insights into Malaysia’s Foreign Policy, among other topics. Through hands-on negotiation simulations, participants not only honed their skills but also received constructive feedback, ensuring their readiness to tackle high-stakes diplomatic and economic discussions. The emphasis on ethical considerations instilled a strong sense of professionalism and integrity, making each participant feel confident and prepared for real-world negotiations.
The course also placed a strong emphasis on critical thinking and decision-making skills, providing significant networking opportunities that pave the way for career advancement. Access to ongoing resources further supports participants’ continuous learning and professional growth, instilling a sense of hope and motivation, and preparing them for the complexities of international negotiations. True to IDFR’s commitment to experiential learning, the programme included enriching study visits to Wisma Putra and iconic sites such as the Petronas Twin Towers, Central Market, and historical landmarks in Kuala Lumpur and Melaka. These excursions offered participants a deeper appreciation of Malaysia's cultural and historical tapestry, fostering a more holistic learning experience.
The programme culminated in a Gala Dinner and Certificate Presentation Ceremony on 17 September 2025. Dato’ Agus Salim Yusof, Director of LNPD, delivered inspiring Closing Remarks before presenting certificates of attendance to the participants. The ceremony’s highlight was a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Miss Phalla Outdra Vottey from Cambodia, representing the class. The evening concluded with the group performance of “Rasa Sayang” song, showcasing the participants’ newfound camaraderie and appreciation for cultural exchange. A poem entitled “Across the Table, Across the World” was written by Mr. Terence Kaidadaya from Papua New Guinea reflected the beautiful journey which the participants have had during the MTCP Course.
"Across the Table, Across the World"
In Malaysia’s warmth, beneath twin skies,
Where cultures blend and spirits rise,
They gathered not to sell or buy,
But learn to meet eye-to-eye.
From lands afar they came with grace—
Different tongues, yet one shared space.
In Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant halls,
They studied how the curtain falls.
Not battles fought, nor voices loud,
But calm within the bustling crowd.
They learned to listen, not to win,
To read the tone, not just the grin.
Through batik hues and sambal spice,
They saw that every view has price.
Not all in gold, not all in trade,
But in respect that’s slowly made.
A nod, a pause, the power shift,
The silence that becomes a gift.
They shaped their words like keris blades—
With purpose honed, yet never jade.
The mentors spoke of give and take,
Of deals that bend but do not break.
"To understand is to persuade—
Let empathy light every trade."
So round the table, minds grew wise,
Not just through facts, but asking whys.
A global tribe, they learned to steer,
With hearts as strong as vision clear.
And when they leave that humid shore,
They’ll carry something deeper, more:
A skill, a voice, a peaceful art—
The craft of reaching heart to heart.
Terence Kaidadaya
Papua New Guinea
17 September 2025
