The Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR), in collaboration with the International Cooperation and Development Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia, convened the Symposium on the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme: Prosperity Through Partnership at the Pullman KLCC on 21 October 2026. The symposium brought together more than 200 participants, comprising government officials, policymakers, diplomats, development partners, think tanks and Malaysian training agencies.
Marking 46 years of the MTCP's contributions to South-South Cooperation, the symposium provided a platform to reflect on the programme's achievements, exchange experiences and explore ways to strengthen its effectiveness and relevance in an increasingly complex global development landscape.
Yang Berhormat Dato Lukanisman bin Awang Sauni, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia, delivered the keynote address, following welcoming remarks by Dato’ Rus Shazila Osman, Director General of IDFR, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia. The opening addresses set the strategic context for discussions on the future of technical assistance and capacity building.
The symposium featured two panel discussions involving distinguished representatives from government agencies, training institutions, diplomatic missions and international development organisations.
The first panel session, entitled “Contributions and Experiences in Technical Cooperation”, reflected on the MTCP's achievements and its contributions to sharing Malaysia's development experience. The discussion also explored lessons learned, implementation challenges and opportunities to enhance the programme's long-term impact.
Moderated by Ms. Jessy Chahal, broadcast journalist and executive communication trainer, the session featured Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dr. Zakri Abdul Hamid, Founder Chairman of the International Institute of Science Diplomacy and Sustainability (IISDS), UCSI University; Datuk Dr. Zunika binti Mohamed, Deputy Secretary General (Policy), Ministry of Economy, Malaysia; Mr. Devrin Jeck, Undersecretary of the International Cooperation and Development Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia; and Mr. Nilton Saad, First Secretary of the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in Kuala Lumpur.
The second panel session, entitled “Development Assistance in a Changing World: Opportunities, Challenges and Lessons Learned”, explored how international partners were adapting to evolving development priorities, digital transformation and sustainable funding requirements. The discussion provided an opportunity to exchange practical experiences and consider lessons relevant to MTCP’s continued development.
Moderated by Ms. Tehmina Kaoosji, independent broadcast journalist, the session brought together Mr. Daisuke Ueda, Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Malaysia Office; Datuk Amer Bukvic, Head of the Islamic Development Bank Centre of Excellence in Kuala Lumpur; and Mrs. Imogen D’Souza, Second Secretary of the Australian High Commission in Malaysia.
Dato’ Dr. Mohamad Rameez Bin Yahaya, Director of Competency Enhancement Centre delivered the closing remarks, recapping the points raised in the symposium and the way forward after the symposium.
Through the exchange of national and international perspectives, the symposium provided an opportunity to identify practical lessons and forward-looking recommendations to guide the continued development of the MTCP.
As the MTCP approaches its 50th anniversary in 2030, the symposium underscored the importance of ensuring that the programme remains responsive to the evolving needs of partner countries while maximising its contribution to Malaysia's foreign policy objectives.
