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INSTITUTE OF DIPLOMACY AND FOREIGN RELATIONS INSTITUTE OF DIPLOMACY AND FOREIGN RELATIONS
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MALAYSIA MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MALAYSIA

COMPETENCY

ENHANCEMENT CENTRE

(CEC)

The Competency Enhancement Centre (CEC) is Control Order (MCO) in the earlier part of the year meant
responsible for the coordination and implementation that lectures could only be conducted through online
of the Institute’s two flagship programmes: the platforms to ensure the continuity and completion
IDFR-UKM Master of Social Science (M.Soc.Sc.) in of the programme as planned. Physical sessions of
Strategy and Diplomacy and Diploma in Diplomacy the programme were conducted towards the end of
(DiD). For the year under review the Centre had also 2021 with strict adherence to the Standard Operating
organised two courses: Introduction to Diplomacy Procedures (SOP) set forth by the Ministry of Health.
Course for officers from the State Administrative
Service and Diplomatic Training Course for assistant Participants were also exposed to leadership
administrative officers from Wisma Putra. and diplomacy courses through various practical
skills, lectures, briefings, simulation and role-play
Diploma in Diplomacy (DiD) 2021 exercises and excursions. As part of the programme,
participants also underwent On-The-Job-Training at
The Diploma in Diplomacy (DiD) is a flagship their respective Ministries or Departments. During this
programme of the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign module, participants were exposed to the functions and
Relations (IDFR) devised to equip junior officers with responsibilities of various departments and divisions at
the essential knowledge and skills of an effective the Ministry/ Department.
diplomat. Successful completion of the programme is a
prerequisite for junior officers prior to their first posting In addition, IDFR also incorporated elements of
abroad. The participants in 2021 underwent specially- interactive learning sessions into the programme
designed modules namely; Diplomacy and International through various simulations, role-play exercises and
Relations, Diplomatic Skills; and Management Services. drafting tutorials. The participants were given the
Strong emphasis was also given to English Language opportunity to for interactive discussions with eminent
skills. Participants were also required to learn the speakers, invited guest lecturers, senior officials of
basics of a foreign language, either Arabic, French, Wisma Putra and retired Malaysian ambassadors
German, Mandarin, Russian or Spanish. throughout the duration of the programme. These
valuable interactions further enriched the participants’
In 2021, the DiD programme was held in two cohorts: learning experience.
from 2 November 2020 to 7 May 2021 with 21
participants, and from 1 June 2021 to 2 December 2021 One of the highlights of the programme was the
with 22 participants. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic Defending National interest (DNI) Module, which
and subsequent implementation of the Movement consisted of a simulated press conference exercise on

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2021 ANNUAL REPORT 2021 ANNUAL REPORT