KUCHING – The Sarawak Federal Secretary’s Office welcomed a delegation from the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) on 19 May 2026, marking an important engagement aimed at strengthening understanding of federal-state relations.
The delegation, led by YBhg. Dato’ Zainol Rahim bin Zainuddin, Director General of IDFR, comprised 20 participants from the Diploma in Diplomacy (DiD) course.
The programme, which runs from February to August 2026, is designed to prepare future diplomats for service in Malaysia’s overseas missions.
During the visit, YBhg. Dato Ahmad Nadzri bin Mohd Hassan, Federal Secretary of Sarawak (SUPS), provided insights into the functions and responsibilities of his office.
He highlighted the importance of maintaining constructive ties between the Federal Government and the Sarawak Government, noting that such cooperation is vital for effective governance and policy implementation.
The Federal Secretary also took the opportunity to share guidance with the DiD participants, encouraging them to embrace their future roles with professionalism and dedication.
He emphasised that the skills and knowledge acquired during their training would be crucial in representing Malaysia abroad and fostering international relations.
In addition to the briefing, the visit offered participants a closer look at how federal administration operates within Sarawak.
The session underscored the significance of diplomacy not only in foreign affairs but also in ensuring smooth coordination between different levels of government within Malaysia.
Also in attendance were YBhg. Dato Westmoreland anak Edward Palon, Director of the IDFR Competence Empowerment Centre, and Mrs. Nurul Adni binti Zainul Ariff, Principal Assistant Director of IDFR, alongside other senior officials.
Their presence reflected IDFR’s commitment to providing comprehensive exposure to its trainees through direct engagement with federal institutions.
The visit forms part of IDFR’s broader initiative to equip DiD participants with practical knowledge and real-world experience.
By engaging with federal offices in Sarawak, the trainees gain valuable perspectives on administrative processes, intergovernmental relations, and the challenges of governance in a diverse state.
Such initiatives are seen as essential in preparing Malaysia’s next generation of diplomats. With Sarawak playing a unique role in the federation, the exposure offered through this visit is expected to enhance the participants’ understanding of both domestic and international dimensions of diplomacy.
The event concluded with expressions of appreciation from both sides, reinforcing the shared commitment to nurturing capable diplomats who will represent Malaysia’s interests globally while maintaining strong ties at home.
