The Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) organised its final series of the Pre-Posting Orientation Course for Home-Based Staff and Spouses (SPKM) for year 2022 or SPKM 6/2022 from 11 to 20 October 2022. This course was attended by 38 participants from 11 various ministries and government agencies/departments.
This course was designed for officers Grade 41 and above, alongside their spouses with the objective to enhance the participants’ knowledge and skills in diplomacy, and international diplomatic practices that are imperative in performing their duties abroad. The course also aimed to provide them with up-to-date information on administrative and management matters that will be crucial towards managing mission matters.
Throughout the eight-day course, the participants were provided with the knowledge in a variety of skillsets related to administration, finance, protocol, consular, as well as diplomatic and state affairs etiquette. To develop their interpersonal social skills, participants were exposed to the appropriate etiquette for fine dining and formal entertaining. They were being highlighted on cultural awareness, to prepare them for cultural gaps and to celebrate the cultural differences. The participants were reminded on the importance of integrity at work, which includes good judgement, honesty, and dependability. The importance to work as one towards reaching the common goal of defending Malaysia’s interest has also been emphasised in the course. The course also provided the relevant knowledge to the participants on promotion of Malaysia overseas, namely Malaysia as the preferred trade, investment and tourist destination and Malaysia’s palm oil industry. The course content has been enhanced by including two new slots on the state and diplomatic immunity and on crisis management particularly in fleeing a mission.
The participants were actively engaged with the distinguished speakers by posing questions, sharing expertise, knowledge, insights, and experiences. Overall, the participants gave the course favourable reviews and believed the course has met its’ objectives.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Hamizan Hashim, Director for the Centre for Leadership, Negotiation and Public Diplomacy, IDFR complimented the participants for their commitment and full cooperation throughout the course. He also extended his best wishes to all the participants for their future postings abroad.
Prepared by:
Centre for Leadership, Negotiation and Public Diplomacy (LNPD)
