During 30 September - 2 October 2025, Mr. Narat Vidyananda, Special Representative of the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs (DVIFA), attended the 16th Annual Meeting of Deans and Directors of Diplomatic Training Institutions of ASEAN+3 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The meeting was organized by the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia. It was attended by over 30 representatives from diplomatic training institutions of ASEAN+3.

               The framework for this meeting was established in 2004 to serve as a platform for exchanging information, experiences, and views on capacity building for diplomatic and foreign affairs personnel among the ASEAN+3 member countries. The main topics for this year’s meeting included (1) Opportunities and challenges presented by AI in the world of diplomacy (2) Avenues for continuous enhancement of the diplomatic corps’ generic and functional skills – with focus on enhancing AI skills, and (3) Potential collaboration between diplomatic training institutes of the ASEAN+3 countries to build a more cohesive and well-equipped diplomatic community.

               Following the meeting, IDFR, the host institution, organized an academic seminar titled "Forum on ASEAN: Shaping a More Inclusive and Sustainable Future". Executives and experts from the ASEAN Secretariat, as well as representatives from the government, private sector, and academia of ASEAN member countries, were invited to exchange views on three topics: (1) ASEAN’s Security Dilemma: Can ASEAN Lead its Own Regional Order Beyond Major Power Politics? (2) Powering through Uncertainty: Economic Security and ASEAN’s Role in a Fragmented Global Trade Landscape, and (3) Inequality and Sustainable Development: Can ASEAN Build a Future for All? Dr. Netithorn Praditsarn, Executive Director of the Global Compact Network Thailand, participated as a panelist in the third session. The forum received high interest with over 300 participants, including government officials, academia, business people, members of the media, students, and diplomatic representatives posted to Malaysia.

               During this visit, the DVIFA delegation also paid a courtesy call on H.E. Ms. Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia, who hosted a dinner reception for the delegation and members of Team Thailand in Kuala Lumpur, at the Ambassador's Residence.