The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia hosted the Information Technology and Innovation Day 2013 at the WP1 Auditorium on the 5th December 2013, with the theme, “Memantapkan Diplomasi Melalui Inovasi.” YBhg. Datuk Othman Hashim, the Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Secretary Generals of the Ministry, Director Generals of respective departments and officers of the ministry attended the event.
In his welcoming remarks, Datuk Othman Hashim stated that, “innovation has become a necessity in today’s diplomacy to address the current changes and challenges in our efforts to propel Malaysia to a high income nation by 2020.” He also reminded everyone the four criteria that must be practised in order to have an impact on all the stakeholders:
- Develop strategies and actions that can bring big impact on the country and its people;
- Save and optimise existing resources through multi-tasking;
- Shorten the implementation period and reduce the waiting time for the public or customers to obtain services; and
- Identify, provide space and opportunities for skilled officers and young civil servants to achieve brilliance.
He urged everyone to always think creatively and innovatively, and as a diplomat, “we should always be aware and develop strategies and approaches to protect the interests of the people of Malaysia.”
Mr. Zikry Kohlil, co-founder of The Incitement, who was an invited speaker, shared a case study of his social innovation model. The Incitement began when two of the founders, Daniel de Gruijtzer and himself, were not allowed to attend an event organised by Mindvalley, the company they work for. Similar to the TedxTalks, The Incitement is aimed at creating a “mind shift,” to provide a platform to transform a person’s life, by sharing inspiring stories. After two years, the movement has functioned in 32 countries and has been featured in several newspapers and magazines worldwide. Today, it is working closely with the children of the United Nations’ Refugee Agency (UNHCR) by teaching public speaking, communication skills and how to dream big.
The programme was broadcasted live through video conferencing to the Malaysian Embassies and High Commissions in Bangkok, Beijing, Jakarta and Phnom Penh.
Reported by: Syahrul Nizzam Nordin
Academic Studies, Research and Publication Division
