IDFR organised a course on pronunciation titled “Say It Right: A Course on Pronunciation” from 7 – 9 March 2023. 25 participants from various ministries and government agencies attended the course. Among them were the Ministry of Local Government Development of Malaysia (KPKT), Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC), Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDNKSH), Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Communications and Digital (KKD), Parliament Malaysia, Fire and Rescue Department (Putrajaya), Public Private Partnership Unit, Prime Minister’s Department (UKAS), Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra).

Bearing in mind the core features of effective communication, the content of the course is designed to raise the participants’ awareness of the English Sound System, the elements influencing effective speech such as intonation, rhythm, word and sentence stress which then combined, illustrate better communicative skills. Besides that, the training content also emphasises on shaping participants into confident and comfortable speakers. This, in turn, will aid them in their daily engagements, especially in their respective work portfolios. Speaking using the right words while understanding non-verbal cues also remain fundamental aspects of communication. More importantly, the ability to exercise these techniques in order for the entire message to be comprehensible to the audience without losing the connection to them. The key is having the receiving party understand the message put forth with clarity, connection, and confidence.

The course was well-received by the participants as it encouraged them to speak in English more confidently. It helped them to focus on the problem areas Malaysian speakers of English might encounter in pronouncing certain sounds that are not found in their native language. The interlocutors also evaluated participants’ word choice, stress, rhythm, and intonation patterns in the English language. They were given the opportunity to practice speaking in English based on various real-life scenarios to gauge their understanding of the newly acquired speech skills. Most of all, they enjoyed their informative and engaging 3-day course.

The second series of Pre-Posting Orientation Course for Home-Based Staff and Spouses 2023 (SPKM 2/2023) was held from 27 February to 3 March 2023. The five-day course was attended by officers of grade 38 and below from various ministries and government agencies.

The course was specifically designed to enhance the participants’ knowledge and skills in diplomacy and international diplomatic practices. The course also aimed to provide them with the latest information on administrative and management matters that are essential in their tasks overseas.

Throughout the five-day course, the participants were provided with knowledge in a variety of skillsets related to administration, finance, protocol, consular, as well as diplomatic and state affairs etiquette. Modules on fine dining and official entertaining, cultural awareness, and integrity at work were also highlighted in the course. Two new slots on knowledge sharing session on counter espionage and crisis management particularly in fleeing a mission were introduced in this series. Participants were also reminded on the importance to work as one towards reaching the common goal of defending Malaysia’s interest.

SPKM 2/2023 saw an active interaction between the participants and distinguished speakers during the lecture session, besides sharing of expertise, knowledge, insights, and experiences in the area of diplomacy.

At the closing ceremony, Ms. Farah Dhiba Ahmed, Principal Assistant Director of the Centre for Leadership, Negotiation and Public Diplomacy, IDFR praised the participants for their commitment and full cooperation throughout the course. She also extended her best wishes to all participants for their future postings abroad.

Prepared by:
Centre for Leadership, Negotiation and Public Diplomacy (LNPD)

The first course for 2023, the Pre-Posting Orientation Course for Home-Based Staff and Spouses (SPKM) 1/2023 was successfully held from 30 January to 10 February 2023.

This course was designed for officers of Grade 41 and above, alongside their spouses with the objective to enhance the participants’ knowledge and skills in diplomacy and international diplomatic practices that are imperative in performing their duties abroad. SPKM 1/2023 was attended by 75 participants from 12 ministries and government agencies.

Through the span of eight days, the participants were equipped with the knowledge related to administration, finance, protocol, consular, as well as diplomatic and state affairs etiquette. To develop their interpersonal social skills, participants were exposed to the appropriate etiquette for fine dining and official entertaining. They were exposed on the aspect of cultural awareness which includes matters on cultural gaps and to celebrate cultural differences. The importance to work as one towards reaching the common goal of defending Malaysia’s interest has also been accentuated to the participants. The participants were also reminded on the importance of integrity at work which includes good judgement, honesty and dependability. The participants have also been equipped with the necessary information and knowledge in promoting Malaysia overseas, namely Malaysia as the preferred trade, investment and tourist destination and Malaysia’s palm oil industry. As IDFR continuously improving the SPKM modules, a new slot emphasizing on the responsibility to properly keep and maintain, confidential and classified documents at the embassies was introduced.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Hamizan Hashim, Director, Centre for Leadership, Negotiation and Public Diplomacy, IDFR, expressed his utmost gratitude to the participants for their commitment during the course. He also thanked the speakers for imparting knowledge, wisdom, and precious experiences to the participants. He wished the participants all the best for their future posting abroad.

Prepared by:
Centre for Leadership, Negotiation and Public Diplomacy (LNPD)

On 25 November 2022, IDFR’s Centre for Political Studies and Economic Diplomacy (PSED) was privileged to co-host with the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies (IKMAS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), a Special Talk featuring Sir Mark Moody-Stuart, Former Chairman Global Compact Foundation, Former Vice Chairman Royal Dutch Shell and the Director of Saudi Aramco. 

The talk titled Responsible Leadership in the Face of Energy Challenge was held in a hybrid mode with a total attendance of 138 participants from various government ministries and agencies, Malaysian Missions abroad, foreign embassies, state governments, as well as members of academia.

Sir Mark Moody-Stuart is a prominent figure in the corporate world, with 20 years of experience in leading top international corporations. He has also undertaken various global leadership roles, including UN Secretary General's Advisory Council for the Global Compact, Vice Chairman of the UN Global Compact Board (2006 to 2018), and Chairman of the Global Compact Foundation (2006-2022).

The event commenced with a welcoming remark from Ms. Nuryante Mohd Yazid, Director of PSED and was moderated by Professor Dr Sufian Jusoh, Director of IKMAS. During the one-hour talk, Sir Mark Moody-Stuart had shared his knowledge and lessons learnt on how best corporate leaders, state and non-state actors could work closely and constructively together in addressing challenges in regard to corporate sustainability, business ethics, and responsible leadership especially in the energy sector. 

The engaging session also highlighted the significant role of corporate leaders and their commitment in undertaking responsibilities to address the global challenges which continue to evolve into more complex forms and highly demand urgent responses. The talk was then followed by a number of questions from the audience in the auditorium. 

The event was then concluded with an engaging networking session with the participants and light refreshments were also provided.

Prepared by:
Ms. Hanun Insyirah Ishak and Ms. Aida Yasmin Azhar
Centre for Political Studies and Economic Diplomacy (PSED)