KUALA LUMPUR – The Foreign Ministry today announced two new appointments under the minister’s office, namely Ahmad Idham Ahmad Nadzri as cultural secretary and Datuk Seri Eizlan Yusof as creative adviser, effective today.
Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said the appointments are in line with the objective of developing Malaysia’s cultural diplomacy under the Malaysian Foreign Policy Framework, which is aimed at creating new avenues to showcase the country’s national identity and values, as well as to promote cultural outreach and exchanges.
“Wisma Putra is formulating several priorities in foreign policy and one of them is related to cultural diplomacy.
“In terms of foreign policy, cultural diplomacy, which is also termed soft power, in the context of Asean 2025, is one of the pillars in the Asean community and also touches on socio-cultural issues.
“Cultural diplomacy is not something new, but we must improve the quality of work in this regard. I am confident that both of them will carry out their responsibilities with dedication and success,” he said at a press conference at Wisma Putra, today.
Saifuddin added that an Arts and Culture Committee will also be established under the minister’s office to strengthen efforts in positioning Malaysia’s arts as an effective avenue in promoting the country’s historical and cultural heritage.
Responding to media inquiries on the new appointment, Idham said the opportunity given is something new in his career path.
“This is one of my dreams, to invigorate the country’s creative industry, especially with the capacity given under this cultural diplomacy. I hope we can achieve the ambition to internationalise the country’s local culture and products,” he said.
Eizlan is also grateful for the trust placed in him by Wisma Putra and hopes to work extensively to elevate local art products to the international stage.
Idham is former chief executive officer of the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia and has extensive experience in Malaysia’s creative industry for more than 25 years, including winning an international award at the Chunsa Korea Film Festival in 2018.
Eizlan is no stranger to the industry and has served in various capacities and won multiple local and international awards. – Bernama, November 1, 2021
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