Ahmad Faridi, Wei and Hasbullah (front row, left to right) with the participants for the first-ever Mandarin communication skills course held by the MMEA.
KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has launched a new initiative to improve its communication capabilities with maritime communities.
The agency is now incorporating Mandarin language training into its professional development programmes as part of its efforts to learn the major languages in the region.
A total of 15 officers from Sabah and Sarawak attached to its radio communication unit were selected to participate in the first-ever Mandarin communication skills course.
The five-day event, which started on August 19, was held at the Royal Malaysian Customs Academy (Akmal) in Manggatal, near here. MMEA crime investigation division director First Admiral Ahmad Faridi Ferdaus launched it.
Education specialist Dr Cherry Wei, from ACC Global Consultation Sdn Bhd, conducted the training.
MMEA officers fully engaged in the training session.
Wei said such training should be continued as it can serve as a bridge for international relations both at sea and on land.
She said this is especially true since Sabah and Sarawak were becoming increasingly popular tourist destinations for the international community.
In a statement, the MMEA said the communication skills of its officers and personnel would continue to be prioritised to improve overall maritime safety and collaboration in the region.
Sabah MMEA operations deputy director Capt Boon Chin Chau closed the training course.
