Ahmad Rozian Abd. Ghani, Malaysia
Minister Counsellor/Deputy Chief of Mission
Embassy of Malaysia, Tokyo
Young Leaders Program (’04)
What is your area of specialization and how did you come to work in this area?
I joined the Malaysian diplomatic service way back in 1994 after a brief stint as legal consultant with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) at its branch office in Kuala Lumpur. It was during my work with UNHCR that I developed an interest in international relations and diplomacy. A diplomat is supposed to be an all-rounder. Very seldom one gets to specialize. In my case, since I joined Wisma Putra (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia), I have been assigned to either bilateral desk at the headquarters or bilateral missions at the Malaysian embassies abroad (Budapest, Algiers and Tokyo). On that score, I am more a bilateralist as opposed to multilaterialist.
You are currently Deputy Chief of Mission/Minister Counsellor, the second highest position at the Embassy of Malaysia here in Tokyo and are about to finish your 4-year posting. Please tell us about your experience here and your main responsibilities and duties.
Tokyo is definitely the busiest posting for me thus far. In my four years here, I have had the chance of handling high-level visits including that of the Malaysian prime minister, the deputy prime minister, other Cabinet ministers and senior-ranking officials as well as former prime ministers; giving talks and briefings to Japanese from all levels; drafting national day messages for my Ambassador for publication in Japanese dailies and various other speeches; undertaking consular visits and many others. I also witnessed the changes in Japanese politics (the end of the Liberal Democratic Party’s long grip on power to the Democratic Party of Japan and the development that unfolds) and the challenges facing Japan’s economy. All these developments require constant monitoring and reporting to the headquarters, which is one of my main responsibilities.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your work and what have been the most interesting or rewarding aspects of your career thus far?
Despite the heavy workload, I have been able execute my duties quite satisfactorily, thanks to the support and cooperation of colleagues at the Embassy and especially from Gaimusho (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan). Most of the officials who I deal with are very forthcoming and cooperative, thus rendering my work easier and enjoyable. The satisfaction comes in the form of work well done. In 2007, Malaysia and Japan celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The Embassy organized a photo exhibition to commemorate this event which was well attended. In 2009, I organized the 1Malaysia Photo Exhibition together with the Photographic Society of Japan, also at the embassy which also attracted interest from among the locals. That was my little contribution to promote Malaysia in Japan, a satisfying experience indeed.
What do you see as the main challenges and opportunities for the Malaysia – Japan relations over the course of the next five to ten years?
Japan has been one of the biggest sources of foreign direct investment for Malaysia and an important trading partner. With other countries developing rapidly and offering comparative advantages to foreign investors, the challenge is maintaining the level of investment by Japanese companies in Malaysia. It is therefore very pertinent to keep the Japanese companies to continue to be interested in Malaysia. Secondly, since the introduction of the Look East Policy by former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad in 1982, many Malaysians have benefitted from studying in Japan or undergoing training here. The challenge is in ensuring the interest of Malaysians to avail themselves in this programme and for Japan to continue to lend her hand. There is a vast opportunity and fields for both countries to explore for mutual benefit. People-to-people exchange and tourism are very important to enable citizens of both countries to understand and appreciate each other’s cultures and should be further encouraged.
What led you to GRIPS? What was the most important thing you learned while here, and how has your experience at GRIPS prepared you for future endeavours?
My enrolment at GRIPS was not by design. After back-to-back postings in Budapest and Algiers (1998-2003), I hinted to the human resource division of the ministry for a transfer home. It so happened that there was an offer of Monbukagakusho scholarship to undergo Young Leaders Programme (YLP) at GRIPS and I was asked if I was interested. I never thought of coming to Japan then. I gave it a shot, sent in my application, attended the interview and was offered a place. The rest was history, a memorable one indeed. The intellectual discourses we had at GRIPS with professors and staff, guest speakers, fellow participants were diverse and interesting. Exchanges of views and experiences took place almost on a daily basis and the more you meet people, the more you learn.
Did the private sector ever hold any appeal for you?
Most of my contemporaries who graduated from the same law school are now doing really well in the private sector. A big number of them practice law and some even establish their own legal firms. Of course it occurs to me every now and then the thought of how I would fare if I had opted for the private sector and not the public service; sometimes appealing, sometimes scary because the competition in the private sector, I presume, is much tougher. So, no regrets there for not joining the private sector despite the better pay.
If you could choose another profession to be in, what would it be?
Legal profession, as a judge, maybe!
What is your fondest memory of your time spent at GRIPS?
There are simply too many describe. Life at GRIPS had been an eye-opener for I got to learn about Japanese cultures and ways of management. I also got to learn the experiences of others and made new friends. The one year spent at GRIPS was also a good break from work, something I cherished very much.
What do you miss about Malaysia and what do you like most about living in Tokyo?
The Malaysian food, of course and how easy it is to find good food any time of the day and night in Malaysia!! In Tokyo, you can find good food too. Having sushi at Tsujiki at midnight or early morning was one wonderful experience. Living in Tokyo has been a wonderful experience for me for its efficiency and safety. The people are courteous, helpful and highly-disciplined. The cultures are rich and diverse. Because of the four seasons, there is always something to see and do in Japan.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not working?
Travelling is one of my favourite pastimes. The gardens and parks in Japan are beautiful sights. I enjoy running too. When time and weather permit, I run around Kokyo (Tokyo Imperial Palace) on weekends. I have participated in many runs and have just recently completed the 2011 Tokyo Marathon, a tiring but exhilarating experience.
How do you maintain a balance between your work and the rest of your life?
Try not to bring work home and dedicate weekends for yourselves, family and friends. That way, you will enjoy both working and living in Japan.
What advice would you give to current GRIPS students?
Explore Japan! Immerse yourselves in Japanese culture and way of life and enjoy your stay in Japan to the fullest. Learn nihongo if you must. I am one bad example in that but it helps to have colleagues and friends who are ever willing to help you around.
Do you have any suggestions on how to further utilize the GRIPS alumni network?
GRIPS alumni network has been doing a good job in keeping the alumni together. Due to the nature of their work, many alumni are not able to contribute much but I believe most of them read and follow developments taking place in GRIPS through the website, newsletter and facebook. If budget allows, perhaps it will be good to occasionally invite alumni to GRIPS and give talks to current students.
