Young Diplomats Need To Master Volatile Changes In Global Geopolitical And Geo-economic Landscape
PUTRAJAYA, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- Young prospective diplomats need to be exposed to a variety of approaches and experiences to enable them to adapt to the increasingly volatile changes in the global geopolitical and geo-economic landscape.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the duties of a diplomat today can no longer be bound by traditional approaches; instead, they require the ability to change and adapt, particularly in the face of rapid technological developments.
"We should not be rigid in just one direction, but rather require ourselves to diversify our approach amidst changing circumstances, especially within the context of an uncertain global geopolitics and geo-economics.
"Do not view our postings as a form of punishment or torture. Consider every posting as a new experience for us to gain as diplomats," he said in his speech at the 2026 Diploma in Diplomacy Graduation Ceremony, here, today.
Mohamad said the diversity of situations and experiences throughout postings must be utilised to shape diplomats who are more knowledgeable, experienced, and capable of facing current challenges.
He said Malaysia must also strive to reclaim its position as a reference center in the field of diplomacy, particularly among ASEAN nations.
"In the past, when it came to international agreements and international documentation, all diplomats, especially from ASEAN, referred to Malaysian diplomats. Now, we have fallen behind," he said.
In this regard, Mohamad said the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must expedite efforts to strengthen exposure, experience, and knowledge among the country's diplomats to ensure Malaysia does not continue to lag behind neighboring countries.
He noted that countries previously less prominent in the field of diplomacy have now successfully produced more outstanding diplomats, posing a challenge for Malaysia to enhance its human capital capacity in this field.
Meanwhile, he reminded the Diploma in Diplomacy (DiD) graduates not to view the receipt of the diploma as the end of the learning process.
"Do not think that after getting this DiD, that's the end of it. The learning process must continue. The learning process does not stop after we receive this Diploma in Diplomacy scroll," he said.
He also emphasised the importance of upholding the nation's flag and image under any circumstances, particularly when conducting international negotiations and debates.
He stated that Malaysia, as a free and non-aligned nation, should not allow any party to dictate or force the country to make decisions on their behalf.
"We are the speakers, we are not spoken for. Therefore, we must not become pawns used to implement policies on behalf of others," he said.
He added that Malaysian diplomats must also continue to adhere to the core principles of the country's longstanding diplomacy, with national interests always remaining the priority in every negotiation and debate.
"Protect your integrity. Do not get carried away, because no matter where we are, it is all a temporary world. What matters is that our personal integrity must remain strong," he said.
Meanwhile, at the ceremony, a total of 20 Administrative and Diplomatic Officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister’s Department received their respective diplomas from Mohamad.
-- BERNAMA