Page 11 - Diplomatic Voice 2014 -3

FORUM NEWS Interview with Dato’ Hussin Nayan, Director General of IDFR on Diploma in Diplomacy (DiD) Programme Q: The DiD programme is conducted those things. Communication skills are the self discipline so that they would for six months and is specially also important when it comes to not be swayed because of the diffe- designed for the young diplomats of persuading and negotiating with other rent surrounding and enviroment. the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malay- people. Communication skills which When they are appointed as ambassa- sia (MFA). Through this training include speaking, conversing, writing dors, there is nobody above them to programme, what are the expectations and presenting are vital for them to give command and the ministry also of the Ministry towards the young become an analytical and thinking would not give directions. It is a very diplomats? person on the subject area. To do that, demanding job to be a diplomat. they must have language skills. Being A: The MFA expects our institute to a Malaysian diplomatic officer, our first Q: In your opinion, what are the areas groom our trainees to become a better languages is English. English proficien- of the programme that need to be officer, a better diplomat, a better cy is a must and then we can provide improved in future? leader, a better husband, a better wife them with the second and third and basically a better person in gene- languages. In addition to that, we also A: We have covered most of the areas ral. That is the first aspect of it. The train them to have abilities to debate that need to be done. To improve, second aspect is to provide them with as well as to present ideas and perhaps, we have to find a better the opportunity to acquire new skills concepts, so that others can under- approach to impart those knowledge and to polish their other skills. We stand. Another important skill is and skills. However, this is a common assume that they already have learnt leadership. Leadership does not only problem for training and learning some skills during their Diploma in mean to lead people but also to be institutes where there is a difficulty in Public Management (DPA) programme able to work in a team. With regard to ensuring and monitoring the trainees and also after undergoing certain this, they must be thirsty and ready for to apply and make use of those know- phases in their life. The other aspect is knowledge, and must widen their ledge and skills in their career. to motivate and encourage them to horizon. This openness concept would improve and enhance their knowledge assist them to become a better person Q: Please share your thoughts with the in the areas that they are interested in. and it also does not mean that they young diplomats in carrying out Not just to enhance the amount of cannot reject. Being a diplomat, they their duties and responsibilities. knowledge but also the level of know- have to sharpen those skills so that ledge. Those are the three expecta- when they are posted abroad, they A: The most important thing in being a tions aside from the normal hard and can work without much supervision. diplomat is they must be passionate soft skills. and sincere in what they do because Q: What is the most important or high- that is where the commitment comes Q: What are the important elements lighted module of the programme? in. They are on call 24 hours especial- contained in the programme to help ly when they are at post and when they enhance the participants’ knowledge A: Another aspect of being a diplomat are appointed as duty officers at the and skills especially in performing their is to inculcate oneself to be a discip- ministry. duties abroad and exercising public lined person. Discipline does not only diplomacy? mean adherence to rules and regula- tions but doing the right things for A: Well, I mentioned about hard skills one’s nation. When they are living and soft skills. We try to focus on abroad especially, they should have Interview with Ambassador Aminahtun Hj. A. Karim, Deputy Director General of IDFR on Diploma in Diplomacy (DiD) Programme Q: Please share the background of the format has changed and evolved. In to develop basic skills for diplomats. Diploma in Diplomacy (DiD) Pro- 2010, IDFR decided that a more gramme. comprehensive programme should be Q: Please share your thoughts as to conducted and obtained approval for how the young diplomats participate in A: The DiD started in 2010. However, it a Diploma level programme. A dura- this programme. is not actually a new programme. At tion of six months was selected the beginning, even in 1984, it was a because it was considered a minimal A: I can only talk about the period- Certificate programme. Of course the period to cover the modules necessary since I started here which is 2012. We DIPLOMATIC VOICE 11