The Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs (DVIFA), in cooperation with Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) and Auckland University of Technology (AUT), have worked together in conducting the Advanced Oral Communication Course (AOCC) for 8 years, to improve participants’ performance in advanced English oral communication, as well as to build up their personality and strengthen confidence in communication skills. DVIFA organized AOCC Intake 16 modules 2 and 3 in New Zealand from 8 February to 1 March 2020. The first module of the training was conducted at DVIFA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. The second and the final modules were held at Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) and Auckland University of Technology (AUT) respectively.

          The final module of training was held at Auckland University of Technology (24 - 28 February 2020). The participants had an opportunity to experience the Maori welcoming ceremony, or Hongi, led by Prof. Nigel Hammington, Pro-Vice Chancellor Research, Enterprise and International, AUT International. Director Lada of DVIFA expressed an appreciation for a warm welcoming ceremony, hospitality extended to the participants as well as cooperation between both sides, contributing to Thailand and New Zealand education relations, in particular to enhance human resources proficiency in English language skills for personnel from government and state enterprises. In addition, the AOCC project managers of both sides discussed future cooperation in curriculum development by increasing relevant knowledge necessary for the executives while training English language skills. The participants also practiced and learnerd how to handle difficult questions by using various techniques at AUT TV Studio.  

          The AOCC participants had an opportunity to take a field visit to the Parliament of New Zealand (Beehive), observing discussions and debates of the day.  They also visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) to listen to a briefing on Thailand - New Zealand relations, roles of New Zealand in trade and investment. The director of DVIFA met with Mrs. Vickie Poole, Acting Division Manager, People Capacities Division, to introduce the mission of the Foreign Affairs Institute and exchange information and opinions about diplomatic training courses at various levels.

          The participants of the AOCC Intake 16 had gained useful experience and knowledge from the training and study visits in New Zealand that can be applied to help drive their agencies to be more efficient and effective. Engagements in various social activities during the training also help strengthen relations and networking between civil servants, Thai state enterprise and officials at senior levels from both the government and private sectors of New Zealand. 

          The AOCC intake 17 is scheduled to be organized by the DVIFA from 13 June to 5 July 2020.