Page 4 - Diplomatic Voice 2014 -3

FORUM Address by Dato’ Hamzah Zainudin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia at the Graduation Ceremony of Diploma in Diplomacy (DiD) 2014 Bismillahirrahmanirrahim, awareness that global problems re- of your life as a diplomat starts now – Assalamu’alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi quire global solutions signify new you have to carve your diplomatic Wa Barakatuh, important functions for diplomacy. career, and set tangible goals to ac- Salam 1Malaysia and good evening Diplomats have become managers of complish. It is worth remembering that globalization. They are tasked to ma- the ultimate measure of a person is not YBhg. Dato’ Ramlan Ibrahim, nage the global village in which we where he/she stands in moments of live. Foreign trade, foreign invesments, comfort but where he/she stands YBhg. Dato’ Md Hussin Nayan, disarmament, arms regulations, the during challenging situations. So be Your Excellencies Ambassadors and fight against international terrorism, bold and break new ground. Be a trail High Commissioners, trafficking and drug abuse, the protec- blazer rather than a follower. The path tion of human rights, climate change, of transformation for Wisma Putra and Senior Officials of Wisma Putra, peacekeeping, peace making are but the direction of Malaysia’s foreign Graduating Class of DiD 2014, parents just a few that they manage. Appa- policy post-2020 can use promising and spouses, rently, the task list for these managers young new talents to pave the way for of globalization are endless. Diplomats our beloved country to attain higher International Participants, need to follow developments in these global stature. fields proactively, to shape them, to Distinguished guests, involve in public discourse and to To ensure that you are fully equipped Ladies and gentlemen, provide sound advice to our leaders. to embark on your future diplomatic Conducting diplomacy in a globalised careers, you have to apply the know- It gives me great pleasure to join you and interconnected world has become ledge and skills acquired during the this evening in honouring the Gradu- more important than ever and diplo- programme. But the learning does not ates of the DiD Class of 2014 and the mats need to truly understand their stop here. You must continue to deve- six international participants from roles and how to operate. lop yourselves professionally with new China, The Philippines, Cuba, Chile, ideas, new skills and new knowledge. Libya and Ecuador who have success- Being one of the five founding mem- Prepare yourself. Learn, unlearn and fully completed their Regional and bers of ASEAN, Malaysia has been a re-learn. International Affairs module. prime mover with ideas and initiatives that helped shape ASEAN into what it I was informed by the Director General On this happy occasion, I want to is today. Malaysia will also have the that all 32 of you have done exceeding firstly acknowledge the efforts of IDFR opportunity to shape ASEAN when we well throughout the programme. Many for conducting this special programme assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in have shown excellent traits of a good for our junior diplomats. I certainly 2015 – a year that will also mark the diplomat even at this juncture. My believe that professional education launching of an ASEAN Community. congratulations to all of you for your and training are essential to raise the But our work does not end there – stellar achievement. May each and overall performance of our Foreign Malaysia is also responsible for chart- every one of you enjoy an exciting, ful- Service officers. This need is made ing ASEAN’s post 2015 course and its filling and successful career in Wisma even more acute by the shifting future success. Putra. Let me also take this opportuni- dynamics of international relations, ty to extend my congratulations to the characterised by geo-strategic chang- With the Chairmanship in mind, it is international participants for their suc- es, rapid technological changes and important for our junior diplomats to cessful participation in the Regional the need for leadership to deal with gear up and play their roles at raising and International Affairs Module. the myriad of international issues. The the profile of ASEAN and ensure a very nature of the Foreign Service, successful Chairmanship for Malaysia. May I lastly, convey my thanks to with frequent reassignments and the With these fresh minds and talents, let Dato’ Hussin and the officers of IDFR constant need to keep abreast with us hope that Malaysia could sail for a job well done. May the fruits of the most current knowledge further through the challenging year ahead your labour bear a new generation of raises the importance of continuous and contribute significantly towards diplomats that will spur our Ministry professional training for both new and building a better future for ASEAN. and the nation to greater heights. serving diplomats. Dear Graduates, Thank you. The globalization of international rela- tions, the internationalization of na- Possessing a Diploma in Diplomacy is tional policy areas and the growing just the beginning. The real challenge 4 bulletin@idfr.gov.my