The Centre for Languages and Cultural Diplomacy recently conducted a specifically designed programme entitled SiMPLE: Special Malay Proficiency Language Enhancement Programme from 5 May to 25 July 2023. This programme, catered for Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) had the involvement of twenty-four (24) participants serving at Malaysian Diplomatic Missions from the Asia-Pacific region. This 42-contact-hour programme aimed at exposing its participants to the Malay language vocal system, word class and formation. In addition to that, conversing in basic Malay as well as comprehension and writing aspects such as understanding and filling in official forms as an additional element to the existing module for this programme.
The sessions were carried out by Dr Junaini Kasdan, Munsyi Bahasa from Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) through an online platform, giving exposure to various aspects of communicating in the Malay language. Other than that, the objective of this programme was also to give each participant the experience to converse in Malay with other non-native speakers of the language.
Beyond online tutorial sessions, participants of this programme were also given the opportunity to engage in virtual discussions, role plays, practice sessions, interactive and integrated learning, and simulation. The LRS from ten Malaysian Missions; New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Islamabad, Karachi, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Colombo, Ashgabat and Astana expressed exceptional participation and responses through these sessions.
On 1 August 2023, the Centre for Languages and Cultural Diplomacy (CLCD) virtually held a Certificate Presentation Ceremony celebrating the success of its participants. While participants from the High Commission of Malaysia in New Delhi, India had the opportunity to receive their certificates from IDFR’s Director General, Dato’ Dr Shazelina Zainul Abidin during her work visit to India.
Prepared by:
Centre for Languages and Cultural Diplomacy (CLCD),
Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations
