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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

for Malaysia’s Foreign Policy in a Post-Pandemic New the foreign service officers. Through various courses,
Normal on 7 December 2021 which among others gives training and research activities conducted by IDFR,
priority to 7 key areas: (1) revitalize Malaysia’s links knowledge resources in the field of foreign relations
to the global economy, (2) health diplomacy, (3) digital have substantially increased over the years, becoming
economy, (4) cybersecurity, (5) cultural diplomacy, (6) important references for practitioners to perform their
peaceful coexistence, (7) upholding multilateralism, and duties at best, especially those related to diplomatic
(8) sustainable development goals (SDG). services.

Along with the multitude of ever changing aspects that On this occasion as well, I would like to take the
are taking place globally, as diplomats, we need to opportunity to congratulate Dato’ Dr Shazelina Zainul
always be aware of current developments at home and Abidin, on her appointment as the new Director-General
abroad as well as to quickly adapt to various changes in of IDFR starting from September 2021. Armed with
the face of all possibilities. diverse knowledge and vast experiences in the world
of diplomacy and foreign relations, I am confident that
In any situation, foreign service officers must also be she is capable of leading IDFR and its entire family to
prepared to prioritise, protect, and defend the Malaysian greater heights.
interests as well as to preserve the good name of the
country while providing their best services both within I would also like to thank Dato’ Mohd Zamruni Khalid
the country and abroad. To achieve these goals, all for his excellent service and outstanding contribution as
officers must be properly trained and equipped with the Director-General of this Institute for a period of two
in-depth knowledge, diverse and solid skills, strong years from August 2019 to August 2021.
determination, creativity and innovation, critical thinking,
resilience, and assertiveness to face the challenges of On behalf of the Ministry, I congratulate IDFR for her
the future. 30th anniversary and remarkable achievements and
wish the Institution greater success in the year ahead.
Since its establishment 30 years ago, IDFR assumes
an imperative function to provide, strengthen relevant
knowledge and skills in diplomacy, especially among TAN SRI MUHAMMAD SHAHRUL IKRAM YAAKOB

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2021 ANNUAL REPORT 2021 ANNUAL REPORT