The Centre for Languages and Cultural Diplomacy (CLCD), Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR), conducted the “Strategic Communication: Thinking, Language and Interaction” course from 27 to 29 October 2026 at IDFR, Kuala Lumpur.
A total of 17 Grade 9 and Grade 10 officers from various ministries, departments and agencies participated in the course, including officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Digital, Sarawak Premier's Department, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Communications, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Malaysian Meteorological Department, and Ministry of Higher Education.
The three-day course aimed to strengthen participants’ ability to communicate strategically in professional and diplomatic settings, focusing on the relationship between strategic thinking, communicative intent, language choices and interaction.
Throughout the course, participants explored how to identify the interests, assumptions and perspectives behind stated positions, establish communication objectives, frame messages appropriately and adapt their responses according to the situation. Key topics included the Iraq Land Dispute, the Cuban Missile Crisis and strategies for responding to different perspectives. The course also incorporated practical discussions and scenario-based exercises, allowing participants to apply the concepts and techniques introduced throughout the sessions.
Overall, the course provided participants with practical approaches to communicating with greater purpose and awareness, particularly when conveying official positions, navigating differing perspectives and handling sensitive discussions in their professional roles.
