IDFR had successfully organised the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP): Diplomatic Training Course for International Participants 1/2014 from 3 – 21 March 2014. The three-week programme was attended by 29 diplomats from Albania, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bosnia Herzegovina, Brunei, Cambodia, Congo, Egypt, Fiji, Guinea, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lao PDR, Lesotho, Maldives, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu and Zimbabwe.
The objective of the programme was to enhance the participants’ knowledge and skills on diplomacy and international relations, to expose the participants’ to Malaysia’s experience in managing its foreign policy and international relations and to provide the participants with hands-on experience and networking.
An integrated teaching and learning methodologies were conducted which included briefings, discussions, lectures, and simulation exercises. In general, modules covered included Malaysia’s Foreign Policy, current international relations and global issues, regional security, diplomatic skills and language. The participants were also taken to several onsite briefings such as Putrajaya, MATRADE and Central Bank. In addition, the participants were privileged to experience state level governance when they visited the historical city of Melaka and Johor.
Overall, the participants commented that the objectives of the programme were achieved. They expressed that they had gained new knowledge and experience throughout the programme. Among the positive comments received included “expectation of the programme were met, improved knowledge and better understanding of diplomacy and international relations from the Malaysian experience, gained networking with Malaysian officials and among participants.
Prepared by:Awang Mohammad Putra Awang Sopeian
Training Division
