From 13 to 22 July 2026, the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) hosted 15 diplomats from 15 countries (Bahrain, Cambodia, Cuba, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Greece, Indonesia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Laos, Philippines, Romania, Timor-Leste, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam) for the Economic Diplomacy Course for International Participants under the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP).
Over the 10-day programme, participants examined how economic diplomacy safeguards national interests, advances foreign policy objectives, and drives economic growth through international cooperation. Experts from the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies (IKMAS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), opened the course with an analysis of the evolving geoeconomic landscape. Building on this foundation, senior officials from Wisma Putra provided key insights into Malaysia’s foreign policy, ASEAN strategies, and international trade dynamics.
To showcase Malaysia’s national economic agenda, sessions were delivered by representatives from key government agencies and industry leaders, including the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science and Technology (CREST), Malaysian Oil, Gas and Energy Services Council (MOGSC), and the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB). Specialised modules on international negotiation, Islamic finance, and strategic foresight further enhanced the participants’ analytical toolkit.
Complementing the policy modules, participants embarked on institutional visits and cultural study tours in Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur. Highlights included high-level briefings at Wisma Putra, visits to iconic sites such as the Perdana Putra complex, Putra Mosque, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Central Market, and Petronas Twin Towers, as well as a visit to Beryl’s Chocolate Museum and Factory to observe brand globalisation. Participants also experienced authentic local culinary heritage, in an interactive gastronomy diplomacy session with Dato’ Chef Ismail.
A core highlight of the programme was a three-day strategic visit to Penang from 16 to 18 July 2026 to examine the industrial ecosystem of the ‘Silicon Valley of the East.’ The participants were hosted by the Penang State Secretary Office for briefings on state development strategies, followed by an engaging session at InvestPenang focusing on foreign direct investment, ecosystem development, and talent pipeline cultivation. A technical field trip to Inari Amertron provided firsthand exposure to Malaysia’s high-tech semiconductor packaging and automated manufacturing capabilities. Cultural excursions to the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site, Penang Hill, The Habitat, and Kampung Agong rounded out the northern itinerary.
The course concluded with a Closing and Certificate Presentation Ceremony, attended by diplomatic representatives from participating embassies and high commissions in Kuala Lumpur, alongside IDFR Heads of Centre, and officers from Wisma Putra and IDFR.
Prepared by:
Ms. Hanun Insyirah Ishak
Centre for Political Studies and Economic Diplomacy (PSED)
