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Recently, students studying Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Relations programme at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) embarked on an educational visit to Wisma Putra, Malaysia’s Ministry Of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), gaining firsthand insights into the country’s foreign policy, diplomatic priorities, and responses to evolving global challenges.

Accompanied by Mr Muhammad Syahir Md Ali (Lecturer, School of Business at APU), Ms Nurul Hidayah Badrul Ezan (Lecturer, School of Business at APU), and Ms Sitti Zarina Alimuddin (Lecturer, School of Business at APU), the visit aimed to complement students’ academic learning by exposing them to the practical realities of diplomacy and international policymaking through direct engagement with foreign affairs officials. 

Understanding Malaysia’s Diplomatic Landscape

Upon arrival, students were welcomed by Ms Tina Rohayu Hamdan, Principal Assistant Secretary of the Communication and Public Diplomacy Division at MOFA, who provided an overview of the division’s role and highlighted the importance of public diplomacy and effective communication in strengthening Malaysia’s international engagement.

This was followed by a series of briefing sessions that offered students deeper insights into Malaysia’s diplomatic priorities and responses to current global developments.

The first session was led by Mr Dzulazhar Musa, representative from the West Asia Division at MOFA, who shared valuable insights into Malaysia’s position on the ongoing geopolitical conflict in West Asia.

Throughout the session, students gained a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding the crisis, including how Malaysia upholds its principles, maintains balanced regional relationships, and advances peaceful diplomacy, while responding to rapidly evolving geopolitical developments.

Following a networking break, the second session was led by Mr Yap Wei Sin, representative from the Policy Planning and Coordination Department at MOFA, who delivered a comprehensive presentation on Malaysia’s Foreign Policy.

The session explored how national interests, strategic planning, and international partnerships shape Malaysia’s engagement with the global community, providing students with a broader appreciation of the country’s diplomatic priorities and decision-making processes.

Both briefing sessions concluded with a lively and interactive Q&A session, where students actively engaged with the speakers, sharing their perspectives and raising questions on a range of current international issues.

Among the topics raised were the potential impact of the Middle East conflict on Malaysia’s economic standing, the country’s preparedness following the escalation of tensions involving Iran, as well as concerns surrounding energy security, the erosion of multilateralism, and the effectiveness of the United Nations (UN) in addressing global conflicts.

Through these discussions, students gained valuable exposure to Malaysia’s strategic approach in navigating complex geopolitical developments, while balancing national interests and international responsibilities. 

Strengthening Understanding of Global Affairs

Overall, the visit provided an enriching learning experience that bridged academic concepts with real-world diplomatic practices.

Through direct engagement with foreign affairs officials, students gained a deeper appreciation of diplomacy, foreign policy, and the complexities involved in navigating contemporary global challenges.

Beyond enhancing their understanding of Malaysia’s diplomatic approach, the experience also broadened students’ perspectives on the importance of international cooperation, strategic decision-making, and informed engagement with global affairs.