Latest news with #NationalInstituteofPublicAdministration
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
ASEAN Change Management Conference 2025 returns to Kuala Lumpur
KUALA LUMPUR: The ASEAN Change Management Conference 2025 (ACMC) is set to return to Kuala Lumpur on October 1 and 2, reinforcing its role as a key platform for leadership and organisational transformation in Southeast Asia. Organised by K-Pintar Sdn Bhd, this year's event, themed 'Advancing Results, Change Done Right!', will focus on actionable strategies beyond theoretical discussions. ACMC chairperson and K-Pintar CEO R. A. Thiagaraja emphasised the conference's shift from awareness to action. 'In a region as diverse and dynamic as ASEAN, change cannot be imported; it must be interpreted,' he said. The event will feature experts from England, Poland, Africa, India, Singapore, and Malaysia, blending global perspectives with local expertise. Five core topics will be explored: Trends and Innovation, Organisational Culture, Psychology and Neuroscience, Change Leadership, and Digital Transformation. Attendees can expect masterclasses, interactive workshops, and leadership dialogues designed to provide practical tools for real-world application. A notable collaboration this year is with Malaysia's National Institute of Public Administration (INTAN), reflecting the government's push for innovation in public service. 'This partnership aligns with Malaysia MADANI's values, supporting changes that benefit the people,' the organisers stated. Additional support comes from international bodies such as the Project Management Institute Malaysia Chapter, Institut Koperasi Malaysia (IKMA), and Prosci (USA), aiming to foster a sustainable regional ecosystem for change management. With 500 participants expected, ACMC 2025 is now open for registration at - Bernama
The Star
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia, Indonesia to open over 10 new border entry points in Kalimantan, says Saifuddin
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Indonesia have agreed to open more than 10 new border entry points along the Kalimantan-Sabah-Sarawak border, following Indonesia's plan to relocate its capital to East Kalimantan, said Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. The Home Minister said that as an initial step, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had announced an allocation of RM1bil to facilitate the development of the identified border entry points. "The Kalimantan-Sabah-Sarawak border issue arises following Indonesia's proposed relocation of its capital. So what is our response? Both countries have agreed to open several new entry points. "I can't recall the exact number, but it's more than 10,' he said at a press conference after the Intan Minister's Conversation (IMC) 2025 programme themed "Our Nation, Security Is a Shared Responsibility' held at the National Institute of Public Administration (Intan) here Tuesday (July 8). Also present were Public Service deputy director-general (development) Datuk Dr Mohd Bakhari Ismail, Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Awang Alik Jeman, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay and Intan director Datuk Dr Mohd Zabri Yusoff. Saifuddin Nasution said the entry points would only be opened once a memorandum of understanding (MoU) is finalised, with the relevant ministries and agencies each playing their role, including building basic infrastructure such as access roads and communication towers. "For the Communications Ministry, the most basic requirement is placing communication towers … otherwise, how can Immigration operate if there's no coverage?' he said. He said the border stretches over 300km and the opening of new entry points would lead to increased people mobility and economic spillover. - Bernama
New Straits Times
08-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
RM1b allocated for 10 new Sabah-Kalimantan border crossings, says Saifuddin
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of RM1 billion has been allocated to open more than 10 new entry points along the Sabah-Kalimantan border with Indonesia. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the opening of the new border crossings between the two countries was expected to provide a clear picture on the future of people mobility, goods movement and economic spillover for both sides. "We are now working towards opening new entry points that have already been identified through bilateral discussions. "The current priority is the Serudong-Simanggaris route, which only requires a few more formalities to be finalised with the Indonesian side," he said at a press conference after attending the 2024 Intan Minister's Conversation (IMC) at the National Institute of Public Administration (Intan) here today. Yesterday, Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya said two new border routes between Sabah and Kalimantan, Indonesia, would be constructed from Kalabakan to the Malaysia-Indonesia border in Simanggaris, and from Pagalungan town to Bantul border town in Pensiangan district. He said the current status of the proposal was at on-site work stages, such as land surveying and procurement processes. Meanwhile, Saifuddin said detailed preparations were underway, including the construction of access roads and communication infrastructure. "Without good communication coverage, how can Immigration Department operations run smoothly? The Home Ministry is responsible for completing the Immigration Department and Customs Department complexes at the designated entry points," he said. The projects involved a border stretch of over 300 kilometres, with current access mainly through land routes, rivers and air travel.
New Straits Times
08-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Drug offenders linked to 31 other types of crime
KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry revealed that the majority of criminal cases in Malaysia are linked to drug abuse. Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution said the finding was based on an analysis of 1.2 million crime data records compiled by the police using artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Saifuddin said three main drug-related offences identified in the data comprised Section 15(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act for the self-administration of drugs, Section 12(2) for the possession of small amounts of drugs, and Section 39C for repeat drug-related offences. "When we examined the findings more closely, we discovered that individuals caught under Section 15(1), meaning those who self-administered drugs into their bodies, have the potential to commit up to 31 other types of crime. "Those under Section 12(2) also show significant risk, with data indicating they are likely to be involved in up to 11 other crimes, including robbery, extortion and more. "In conclusion, if we want to address crime in Malaysia effectively, we must first deal with the root cause, which is the involvement of offenders in drug-related activities," he told a press conference after attending the National Institute of Public Administration (Intan)-Minister's Conversation today. Saifuddin said that if the drug problem can be effectively contained, it could, in turn, help reduce the overcrowding currently faced by the Prison Department. Elaborating further, Saifuddin said insights from AI analysis will allow for the development of more robust policies and strategies to combat drug-related crimes, as they will be based on existing data held by the police. "This year, the ministry is focused on mastering the use of AI, essentially AI for the Home Ministry. As such, we will first enhance our human resources, followed by upskilling our personnel and officers. "The insights gained will then be used to address domestic issues," he added.
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Why English proficiency matters for civil service
THE ability to communicate effectively in English is no longer just an advantage – it is a necessity, especially for Malaysia's civil service. Recognising this, the National Institute of Public Administration (Intan) conducted the first phase of an English language assessment under the English Language Enhancement Programme (ELEP) for public service officers. This initiative reflects Malaysia's growing need for civil servants who can operate confidently on both local and international fronts. While the Malay language remains the heart of our national identity and governance, English plays a crucial role in diplomacy, trade and global affairs. For Malaysia to compete on the world stage, our public servants must be equipped with strong English skills to negotiate policies, engage with international counterparts and represent the country effectively. Malaysia is a multicultural and multilingual nation where English often serves as a bridge between communities, especially in professional settings. Many government agencies – particularly those dealing with international relations, trade, education and tourism – rely on officers who can draft official documents, engage in discussions and negotiate agreements in English. Having civil servants proficient in English ensures that Malaysia's interests are well-represented globally. Assessing the English proficiency of civil service officers is not just about passing a test – it is about ensuring they have the skills to perform effectively in their roles. The ELEP initiative is an important step towards identifying strengths and areas for improvement. With targeted training, officers can sharpen their communication skills, making them more confident and effective in handling international matters. As Malaysia assumes the Asean chairmanship in 2025, the ability of our civil service officers to communicate effectively in English will be more crucial than ever. Leading Asean involves extensive negotiations, policy discussions and collaborations with international stakeholders. A high level of English proficiency will enable Malaysia to steer regional discussions with confidence, strengthen diplomatic ties and effectively advocate for national and regional interests on a global platform. Given Asean's diverse membership and the role of English as the official working language of the association, civil service officers must be prepared to represent Malaysia at the highest levels with clarity and professionalism. Recognising this, Chief Secretary Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar entrusted Intan with the responsibility of conducting an initial English proficiency assessment for relevant officers. This initiative is a crucial step in ensuring that civil servants are well-equipped to fulfil Malaysia's leadership role in Asean. By identifying current proficiency levels and areas for improvement, targeted training can be implemented to enhance officers' communication skills. This will not only strengthen Malaysia's representation in Asean but also enhance the overall effectiveness of the civil service in international engagements. Emphasising English proficiency does not mean sidelining the Malay language. Instead, it enhances Malaysia's linguistic strengths. The civil service continues to uphold the Malay language as the official language of administration and governance but having officers proficient in both languages ensures Malaysia remains competitive at home and abroad. Beyond Asean, Malaysia's ambitions as a high-income nation also necessitate a workforce that is proficient in English. Programmes like ELEP ensure that our public servants are ready for the challenges of modern governance. A strong command of English, alongside fluency in the Malay language, will help Malaysia build a world-class civil service that is locally grounded and globally competitive. Additionally, the globalisation of business and technology has transformed the way governments interact with the private sector and international organisations. Public servants who are proficient in English can facilitate smoother engagements with multinational corporations, global investors and foreign delegations. This, in turn, will strengthen Malaysia's economic and diplomatic positioning in the global arena. Recognising these challenges and opportunities, the government must continue investing in English language training for civil servants. Encouraging an environment where civil servants can practise and enhance their English skills, whether through workshops, international collaborations or daily professional interactions, will be key to fostering long-term proficiency. By investing in language proficiency, Malaysia is investing in its future. Our public servants are not just administrators; they are the face of Malaysia on the world stage. Nur Farah Idayu Saadon is a training consultant with Intan. Comments: letters@
