The Workshop on Training Needs Analysis for English Language in Diplomatic Correspondence was conducted on 26 and 27 October 2016. The workshop aimed to brainstorm ideas to improve the English Language courses and programmes at the Institute in ensuring the programmes to be effective and relevant to the contemporary training needs in the usage of English Language. The workshop also aimed to find implementable suggestions to make the English Language programmes at IDFR to be more relevant to the usage of the language in the field of diplomacy and international relations. The workshop was attended by academicians, senior officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia and IDFR, and former IDFR Directors of Language Division. Among the significant outcomes of the brainstorming session is the suggestion for IDFR to adhere to a standard reference in language learning. Professor Dr. Nuraihan Mat Daud, Dean of the Kulliyyah of Languages and Management, International Islamic University Malaysia, suggested for IDFR to use Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) for teaching, learning, and assessing the training programmes at IDFR. This is in line with the framework proposed by the Ministry of Education for language learning. Another suggestion is for IDFR to focus on integrated skills approach in delivering training, by using authentic materials related to diplomacy and international relations. In conclusion, the workshop has provided a lot of implementable suggestions to improve the English Language training programmes at IDFR, which could be realised at the short, medium, and long term.
