The Pre-Posting Course for Heads of Mission and Spouses was held from 29th September to 3rd October 2023 at Pullman Kuala Lumpur City Centre for 15 prospective Heads of Missions and their spouses.
The objective of the program was to prepare participants for their future roles as Heads of Mission. Other than to elevate participants' knowledge and skills in diplomacy and international relations, the program also sought to enhance interpersonal skills and leadership qualities, ensuring that the prospective Heads of Mission are well equipped to perform their new functions and responsibilities. The inclusion of modules for the spouses helped them to better understand and prepared for their important roles and duties in the diplomatic arena.
The course module encompassed various facets of Malaysia's foreign policy while focusing on critical areas such as Media Handling and Crisis Management. Participants benefited from a comprehensive range of slots, including Grooming, Protocol and Etiquette, Handling Incoming and Outgoing Visits, and specialized sessions such as Integrity Matters and Invest Malaysia.
One of the course highlights was the opportunity for participants to visit the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), providing valuable insights into environmental considerations in foreign policy. The course also featured courtesy calls on YB Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, Minister of Foreign Affairs and YB Datuk Mohamad Alamin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. A Networking Dinner was organised for the participants to engage with former ambassadors to their respective host countries, as well as a Royal Dinner with HRH Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah Al-Maghfur-Lah, the Sultan of Perak Darul Ridzuan and Royal Patron of IDFR which added a regal touch to the programme.
The course featured esteemed speakers, experts in their respective fields, providing valuable insights to the participants. This holistic approach is aimed to ensure that participants are well-rounded and prepared for the challenges of their future duties. The prospective Heads of Missions received their credentials on 4th October 2023 from His Majesty Yang Di-Pertuan Agong at a ceremony held in Istana Negara.
