Page 29 - Diplomatic Voice 2014 Vol 1

FORUM NEWS handling the media in the context of Ujang, Former Editor-in-Chief of Overall, IDFR received positive feed- public diplomacy and advocacy. National News Agency of Malaysia back from the participants, where they (BERNAMA) and Effective Media said, “we have gained valuable knowl- Among the modules conducted in- Relations by Mr. Jason Leong, Chief edge, various skills and established clude topics such as Public Diploma- Executive Officer of SIP Consulting new network. It was beneficial in cy, delivered by Dato’ Misran Karmain, Sdn. Bhd. Apart from that, practical giving the participants some ideas on Director General of Department of sessions such as press conference how to deal with the media”. Information and Public Diplomacy, and media interview simulations, were Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia; also conducted by Mr. SW Chan, Cross-Cultural Understanding by Mr. Media Trainer and Consultant from A. Ramachandran; The Role of Media Meridian Communication. in Public Diplomacy by Datuk Azman Workshop on Fine Dining and Social Etiquette By Khaeriah Zaehera Abd Kayyum and social etiquette, as well as the guide on the correct formal and infor- mal dress, including evening attire, table etiquette and making a proper toast. YAM Tunku Dara also provided relevant examples, as well as identify- ing various useful tips for the partici- pants. As part of the practicum, participants were required to prepare and deliver toasts in various diplomatic function settings, either as the host of the function or the recipient of the toast. This was definitely the highlight of the The act of formal dinners has long organised by IDFR for the Diploma in workshop as the participants were been associated with political aristo- Diplomacy (DiD) 1/2014 participants. guided by the YAM Tunku Dara and cracy and power. It is proposed that The workshop was held on 3 March the senior officers on preparing fitting food is not only crucial to the survival 2014 at PARKROYAL Kuala Lumpur speeches as part of their toasts with of individual consumers, but also to Hotel and were attended by 16 DiD correct deportment and more impor- the survival and proliferation of the participants, including senior officers tantly, the key message to be imparted modern nation state. The powerful of IDFR, Ambassador Aminahtun Hj. in each corresponding toasts. symbolism of diplomatic meals, crea- A. Karim, Deputy Director General (C) ted the term “diplomatic gastronomy” of IDFR, Madam Rahimah Yeop, Direc- All in all, it was a successful workshop to describe the prestige based power tor of Academic Studies, Research as the participants not only gained interactions that use food as a and Publication Division and Mr. Haris first-hand knowledge in various facets medium for interaction. Intrinsically, Syarwani, the Course Coordinator. of protocol, proper table etiquette, understanding and mastering the The session conducted by the estee- social graces and the fine art of enter- correct protocol becoming more and med YAM Tunku Dara Tunku Tan Sri taining in diplomatic settings but as more central to prevent faux pas that Naquiah Binti Almarhum Tuanku Ja’af- well as understanding and appreciat- are disconcerting and embarrassing to ar, who is a subject matter expert in ing the importance of these skills in the country’s representative. fine dining and social etiquette, with becoming a good diplomat. After all, vast experience in hosting social knowledge of protocol is crucial, Recognising the importance of under- functions. especially in performing one’s ability to standing correct formal social work in international environment and etiquette, including the fine points of Throughout the workshop, partici- also in comprehending key elements dining etiquette, a Workshop on Fine pants were exposed to appropriate of cross-cultural communication. Dining and Social Etiquette was and standard international protocol DIPLOMATIC VOICE 29