The Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) had successfully organised the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP): Economic Diplomacy Course for International Participants from 11 to 22 August 2025. This twelve-day course brought together 13 participants from Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Laos, Libya, Qatar, Namibia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Turkmenistan.
During this programme, participants were immersed in Malaysia’s multifaceted role in global affairs, gaining exposure to foreign policy, bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, as well as the MADANI Economic Framework and ASEAN economic practices. They also explored Malaysia’s active engagement in international trade and the evolving geopolitical and economic landscape. In addition, participants gained in-depth insights from distinguished speakers on Malaysia’s economic strengths, with focus areas including semiconductors, oil and gas, automotive, and palm oil, alongside emerging opportunities in Islamic finance and sustainable investments. These sessions equipped participants with a comprehensive understanding of Malaysia’s economic and diplomatic landscape, while strengthening their capacity to contribute to global cooperation and sustainable growth.
Participants were also given the opportunity to explore Malaysia’s cultural, administrative, and economic landscape through several enriching visits. In Kuala Lumpur, they visited iconic sites such as Batu Caves, Central Market, and KL Tower, while also appreciating Malaysia’s financial history at the Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery. In Putrajaya, participants toured key administrative centres including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. To further immerse themselves in Malaysia’s cultural identity, they enjoyed a culinary session with renowned Chef Florence Tan at Rebung Restaurant. These visits provided participants with a holistic experience of Malaysia’s heritage, governance, and gastronomic traditions, complementing the insights gained from their in-class sessions.
A key highlight of the programme was the three-day, two-night study visit to Johor Bahru, where participants engaged with leading institutions shaping the state’s growth and development. The itinerary featured insightful sessions with the Johor Civil Service Academy, the Economic Planning Unit of the Johor State Secretary Office, the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), Invest Johor, and the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor (IMFC-J). Participants also visited Forest City, gaining firsthand exposure to one of Johor’s most ambitious development projects, before concluding their trip with a special engagement at the Royal Malaysian Navy Reserve Force Command Headquarters.
Overall, participants provided excellent feedback on the course and showed a high level of commitment and engagement throughout the sessions. They received certificates of participation during the closing ceremony, which indicated that their training had been completed successfully. The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including H.E. Muhammetnyyaz Mashalov (Ambassador of Turkmenistan); Mr. Sonemixay Xaysongkham (Deputy of Chief of Mission of Lao PDR); Mr. Julius K. Bargorett (Deputy Head of Mission of Kenya); Mr. Danang Waskito (Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia as well as representatives from the embassies of Libya, Qatar and Timor-Leste to celebrate the participants for completing the course successfully.
Prepared by:
Ms. Hanun Insyirah Ishak and Ms. Aida Yasmin Azhar
Centre for Political Studies and Economic Diplomacy (PSED)
