𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶, 𝟭𝟰 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟱 – The Malaysian Armed Forces Staff College (MAFSC) hosted its first Diner’s Club for the MCSC(J) Cohort 54/2025 at the Bangi Resort Hotel, Selangor, as part of its structured annual academic programming. This initiative serves as an integral component of the college’s educational framework, designed to enhance participants’ understanding of contemporary national, regional, and global issues through intellectual discourse and engagement with distinguished speakers.

Diner’s Club is a highly anticipated event that offers course participants (CP) a platform to broaden their perspectives on current affairs while fostering scholarly dialogue and professional networking. Conducted in a formal setting over dinner, the programme provides an opportunity for attendees to gain insights from eminent figures who contribute to shaping global discourse.

The event convened 210 individuals, including the Faculty Members and Directing Staff (FMDS) of MAFSC alongside 176 CP, reinforcing the significance of interdisciplinary learning and strategic discussions within the defence and academic communities. The guest of honour for this session was His Excellency Noriyuki Shikata, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, who delivered an insightful lecture on “Malaysia-Japan Bilateral Relations Towards a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership & Japan’s Policy on a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”

The evening commenced with dinner, followed by an intellectually stimulating presentation from the guest speaker. A moderated question-and-answer session facilitated by Professor Dr. Adam Leong Kok Wey, Distinguished Fellow of MAFSC from the National Defence University of Malaysia (NDUM), provided participants with an opportunity to critically engage with the subject matter.

Also in attendance were senior officials, including Vice Admiral Datuk Sabri bin Zali, President of PUSPAHANAS; First Admiral Hj Shahriman bin Hj Mahmud, Commandant of the Malaysian Armed Forces Defence College (MAFDC); Brigadier General Zamsari bin Abu Hasan, Commandant of MAFSC; and Brigadier General Dr. Wan Edenin bin Wan Mahsin, Director General of Management and Training at PUSPAHANAS. The event concluded with the presentation of a commemorative memento to His Excellency Noriyuki Shikata by the Commandant of MAFSC, underscoring the college’s appreciation for intellectual contributions in defence diplomacy and academic excellence.