The Centre for Languages and Cultural Diplomacy (CLCD), Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR), conducted the inaugural The Confident Leader: Mastering Presence, Poise and Gravitas (TCL) course on 2 September 2026 at IDFR, Kuala Lumpur.
The course brought together 19 officers in Grades 13 and 14 from various ministries and government agencies. The focused one-day programme aimed to strengthen participants’ leadership presence, professional confidence, strategic thinking and communication capabilities. Participants explored key aspects of effective leadership, including presence, authenticity, credibility, personal influence and professional identity.
It also examined critical and strategic thinking approaches, effective use of voice and non-verbal communication, emotional regulation and the ability to maintain composure under pressure. Through expert presentations, professional experience-sharing, workplace examples, guided discussions and reflection, participants gained practical perspectives on applying these principles in their respective professional contexts.
The TCL course reflects IDFR’s continuing commitment to strengthening the leadership and communication capabilities of public-sector officers. By providing focused and relevant professional development, IDFR seeks to equip senior officers to communicate with greater confidence, clarity and purpose while demonstrating the sound judgement, poise and gravitas required in professional and diplomatic settings.
