Answer to Written Question PT029

QUESTION

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman

YANG BERHORMAT PEHIN ORANG KAYA INDERA PAHLAWAN DATO SERI SETIA AWANG HAJI SUYOI BIN HAJI OSMAN requested the MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS II to state how the Ministry equips the country’s diplomatic officers with diplomatic skills to steer the country’s diplomatic affairs, taking into account the increasingly challenging global political upheavals and the changes in strategic alliances among major powers.

ANSWER

Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri II

Our diplomatic officers bear significant responsibility in ensuring the effective implementation of the country’s foreign policy, and subsequently protecting and safeguarding the interests of Negara Brunei Darussalam on the international stage.

We are also aware of the importance of equipping officers with basic diplomatic knowledge, experience and skills. This is not only to build the professionalism, efficiency and agility of officers, but also to ensure our readiness to face the various challenges arising from the current global uncertainty.

Therefore, the Ministry will continue to intensify efforts to strengthen the capabilities of officers in this Ministry, including capacity building and diplomatic skills development.

Early exposure is provided to officers through briefings from each Department and Division in this Ministry. Among other things, these briefings aim to provide a further understanding of Negara Brunei Darussalam and its foreign policy, as well as the roles and functions of the Departments and Divisions under the Ministry.

Officers will subsequently undergo short-term placements in the relevant Departments to expose them to various aspects of work in this Ministry.

Following this, the officers will be placed in other Departments for longer periods to enable them to gain an in-depth understanding of current regional and international issues. This will enable them to master the skills and abilities to articulate the country’s position and ensure the consistent and comprehensive implementation of the country’s foreign policy.

Basic diplomatic skills are also instilled through 'on-the-job training' with peers under the guidance of the 'direct supervisor' and senior officers in their respective Departments.

This mentor-mentee approach helps officers hone their practical skills in following current issues, monitoring geopolitical upheavals and developments, and developing analytical capabilities for the preparation of reports, planning and policy formulation.

During this period, the fundamentals of diplomacy, such as official ethics and protocol and professional communication, can also be learned and practised.

In addition, each year, the Ministry receives training programmes or courses and scholarships offered by friendly countries. These include 'Women in Maritime Security', 'Law of the Sea', 'International Law Seminar', 'ASEAN Law and Policy Academy', 'Training Programme in Strategic Leadership and Public Governance', 'Training Programme in Peacemaking and Preventive Diplomacy for The Asia-Pacific Region, Constructive Dialogue and Confidence-Building', 'Training Course in Diplomacy and Regional Cooperation for Midcareer Diplomats', 'Training Course 'Artificial Intelligence and Diplomacy', 'Training Programme on Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation', 'Knowledge of Diplomacy for Future-Ready Diplomats', the 'Diplomatic School for Junior Diplomats' Programme, 'Foreign Diplomatic Course', and Master's-level study programmes.

These courses and training opportunities are offered to Ministry officers at various levels to ensure that they are continually equipped with relevant skills and knowledge. For example, the 'Foreign Service Basic Programme' (FSBP) is offered to 'junior officers' or those who have recently joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

There are also 'Foreign Service Supervisory Programme (FSSP)' and 'Technical Cooperation Programme' courses offered to officers from the middle-management level up to the Director level. At the Permanent Secretary level, there are also opportunities to participate in specialised programmes such as the 'Visitor's Programme' offered by friendly countries.

As is customary, before commencing their service or being posted to Negara Brunei Darussalam’s overseas Missions, the Ministry will ensure that the selected officers are fully prepared and possess basic knowledge in handling financial and administrative matters. They will also be arranged to undergo 'pre-posting attachments' in the main Departments and Divisions to understand the scope of duties at the Missions in a more focused and comprehensive manner.

These officers are also mandatorily required to attend appropriate briefings outside this Ministry, such as at the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Immigration and National Registration Department and others.

All of this is intended to equip officers with comprehensive professionalism and substantive expertise.

Overseas, in addition to being equipped with substantive skills, the primary focus of officers at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is on logistics, administration and finance, including making preparations for meetings and official visits, as well as handling the arrival of 'VIPs' at overseas airports.

At the same time, they must also possess the ability to build and strengthen 'networking' with international counterparts. This is an important skill for our diplomats, particularly in further strengthening bilateral, regional and international relations, while exploring and diversifying existing opportunities for cooperation.