Kuala Lumpur: Director-General of Public Service Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz has called on all civil servants to contribute their energy and ideas to ensure that Malaysia’s leadership in ASEAN 2025 yields substantial benefits for the country, particularly in investment and trade. He emphasized Malaysia’s important responsibility as the ASEAN Chairman this year, highlighting the country’s image and reputation, as well as its ability to lead efforts to drive development and regional growth and create a peaceful, stable, and prosperous ASEAN.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Wan Ahmad Dahlan stressed the role of civil servants in ensuring Malaysia leaves a positive legacy both regionally and globally. He noted the importance of demonstrating effective leadership and performance, warning that Malaysia would be seen as incapable of leading ASEAN if civil servants were not adequately prepared.
He further emphasized the resolve of the public service to support Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in showcasing Malaysia’s capabilities on the international stage. The Public Service Department (JPA) plays a key role as the focal point for the ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM), promoting the exchange of information and best practices in public service management among member countries.
Wan Ahmad Dahlan highlighted the importance of improving human capital development to reduce development gaps among member countries. The ACCSM’s programmes and initiatives are guided by a five-year work plan focusing on public sector reform and modernisation.
The JPA plans to organise the ASEAN Conference on Future-Ready Public Service in October 2025, aiming to serve as a platform for sharing knowledge and shaping a future-ready public service. This conference will culminate in the signing of the ASEAN Declaration on Future-Ready Public Service, outlining commitments to leverage digitalisation and advanced technologies.
In response to a call from Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Wan Ahmad Dahlan confirmed that the National Institute of Public Administration (INTAN) will begin evaluating civil servants’ competence in English to ensure appropriate training is provided. He highlighted the need to strengthen their abilities through intensive courses for better international interaction.
Wan Ahmad Dahlan noted that INTAN, as the country’s largest civil service training institute, is tasked with steering the Razak School of Government to match international standards. Under JPA supervision, INTAN will explore international-level courses and provide training for officers from government-linked investment companies, government-linked companies, statutory bodies, and top civil service leaders.