Diploma in Diplomacy

No, it's not a rhyme (re: title).

It has a nickname, fondly called as DiD among us.

The following are the programme content of DiD:

• Introduction to DiD and Work Ethics
• The Works of a Foreign Service Officer
• Administrative and Service Matters
• English and other Foreign Languages
• English for Diplomatic Purposes
• Diplomacy and Malaysia’s National Interests
• Diplomatic Attributes and Skills
• Contemporary Issues in the Context of Globalisation
• Strategic Thinking
• Crisis Management
• Public International Law
• International Security Issues
• International Economics and Trade
• Multilateralism
• ASEAN and Regionalism
• Public Diplomacy and Media Relations
• Negotiation Skills
• Cross-Cultural Awareness and Communication
• Malaysia’s Culture and Heritage
• Leadership
• World Religions and Philosophies
• Pre-Posting Preparations
• Attachment at a Mission
• Study Visits

What to expect : Life as a student again (assignments, presentations, staying up, deadlines, exams etc)

Which module that I am looking forward to :  Crisis Management, Cross-Cultural Awareness and Communications, Study Visits

How long : 25 weeks

Rationale of the programme :   To prepare and equip participants with multi-disciplinary skills including linguistic and management skills and acquire the right attitude to perform and excel in their professional duties as diplomats, both at home and abroad.

My expectations might be wrong for now.

I still have a long way to go. As a newbie in the service, there are still a lot that I need to learn or to improve.

Just keep the positive spirit going, be proactive, be resourceful, be resilient.

Try not to be complacent in your comfort zone.

Little things could make a whole lot of differences. Therefore, don't take things for granted.

This is a reminder to self, so that I will always remember the reason I've chosen this path in the first place.

Shifa 

26 February 2011, Malacca