Under the trilateral cooperation between Malaysia, Australia and Timor-Leste, a Diplomatic Training Programme for Timor-Leste Participants was organised by IDFR in collaboration with the ASEAN-Malaysia National Secretariat (AMNS) from 18 to 22 September 2023. This specialised programme aimed to provide capacity-building support for Timor-Leste towards its readiness to become a member of ASEAN. A total of 14 participants attended the programme, comprised of Timor-Leste diplomats and government officials from various ministries.
In line with the scope and aims of the trilateral cooperation, the five (5) day-programme was filled with classroom lectures, engaging discussions, simulation exercises and multiple study visits. The participants were exposed to various topics surrounding foreign relations and hands-on practices of diplomacy, through the training held in IDFR and in Wisma Putra. Each session featured reputable speakers among the diplomatic corps, serving officers/practitioners and subject matter experts.
In delving into ASEAN processes and mechanisms, the participants had obtained valuable insights from the ASEAN-Malaysia National Secretariat (AMNS) through sessions on ASEAN Relations, International Negotiations in ASEAN and Experience Sharing Session with AMNS. Additionally, they had an exclusive session with the Australian High Commission on the Role of Australia as ASEAN Dialogue Partner as well as a joint session featuring an expert from Australian Defence Department and National Defence University of Malaysia respectively to discuss ADMM - ADMM Plus Mechanisms.
Furthermore, the participants had the privilege of networking with senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia, Australian High Commission, as well as the ASEAN Embassies in Kuala Lumpur at dinner receptions. The participants had the opportunity to tour around administrative centres and significant landmarks in Putrajaya. While in Kuala Lumpur, they visited the iconic Kuala Lumpur Tower and Heritage Trail around Central Market and Merdeka Square as well as Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex where they were introduced to local Small Medium Enterprise handicraft and arts production for small states.
Overall, the participants were committed and very engaging throughout the sessions. The programme was concluded with a Closing and Certificate Presentation Ceremony on 22 September 2023, with the presence of H.E. Joana Veneranda Amaral (Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste), Ms. Clare Gatehouse (Political and Economic Counsellor, Australian High Commission), and Mr. Mohd Suhaimi Ahmad Tajuddin (Deputy Director-General, ASEAN Economic Community Division, ASEAN-Malaysia National Secretariat). All participants were presented with certificates of participation by Ms. Nuryante Mohd Yazid (Director, Centre for Political Studies and Economic Diplomacy, IDFR), symbolising the successful completion of a comprehensive and exciting diplomatic training programme.
Prepared by:
Ms. Hanun Insyirah Ishak
Centre for Political Studies and Economic Diplomacy (PSED)
