Language Works

A legacy of learning - David Attenborough

London honours David Attenborough on his 100th birthday Sir David, who lives in Richmond upon Thames, often speaks of his affection for London.

This year sees the 25th anniversary of the Malaysia Technology Expo (MTE), themed ‘Innovation Nexus: Empowering the Future’.

Great to be able to contribute again as international juror for MTE Public Service Innovation Asia (PSIA) Awards 2026.

Many thanks to the assessor team - MACRI President Hussein Mohd. Ariff and Vista Kencana General Manager Ami Azril Abdullah Awang, as well as the PRoTEMP support team.

MTE 2026 is showcasing public-sector and youth innovations from Asia up until 11 April at KL’s World Trade Centre. And the innovations on show are inspiring.

Learning from the Best

At Language Works, we often ask our trainee teachers a simple but powerful question:

“Who were the teachers who influenced you the most?”
Interestingly, the answers rarely focus on specific lessons or techniques. Instead, people remember the qualities those teachers embodied - curiosity, integrity, generosity, and a genuine commitment to learning.

I was reminded of this recently when I had the pleasure of catching up in Kuala Lumpur with two people who influenced my own pathway in language and communication: Roger Bell and Jeremy Comfort.

Roger Bell, an Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Linguists and author of the influential book Translation and Translating: Theory and Practice, has shaped the thinking of generations of linguists and translators around the world. His earlier work, An Introduction to Applied Linguistics: Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching, was required reading when I was studying for my Master’s degree in Linguistics.

Across decades of teaching, research and leadership at universities including Lancaster and Westminster - and in locations as diverse as Pakistan, Brazil and Indonesia - Roger has consistently demonstrated the breadth of knowledge and independence of mind that, to me, define a truly outstanding teacher.

Jeremy Comfort’s influence has been equally profound. As founder of York Associates, Jeremy helped pioneer practical approaches to developing people who work internationally. Many professionals around the world know his work through The Mindful International Manager: Competences for Working Effectively Across Cultures, co-written with Peter Franklin.

Jeremy was also a key contributor to the landmark communication training programme Effective Presentations, developed in collaboration with the late Nick Brieger. His carefully designed learning materials and innovative teaching approaches have inspired many of us working in language, communication and intercultural training.

For Language Works, Jeremy’s influence is also personal. The early partnership and investment from York Associates helped launch Language Works in 1995 and gave us the confidence - and competence - to grow the company in creative ways.

What strikes me most about both Roger and Jeremy is that neither has ever been interested in self-promotion. Instead, they have quietly and consistently pursued excellence in their field - with professionalism, intellectual curiosity, and a quiet confidence that never slips into arrogance.

I’ve been fortunate to learn from the best.

Perhaps most satisfying of all is that, over the years, admiration for their achievements has evolved into something even more meaningful: friendship.

At Language Works, we continue to learn from such mentors — and to pass that spirit of curiosity and professionalism on to others.

Forward-looking - on Firm Foundations

This month, Language Works is happy to be starting innovative programmes, while renewing collaborations with strong partners dedicated to learning, development, and employability.

Relevance of programmes and range of services provided are always essential parts of LW’s offerings. But so are long-term relationships - and they do not go much further back for LW Director Brian Cracknell than International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR).

Very pleased and looking forward to working with both again.

Learning, Development and Collaborations

IPMA Malaysia kicked off 2026 with our annual planning meeting, hosted by PXP at its Cyberjaya office on Saturday 17 January.

Opening remarks by Ts. Alex Zulkarnain Zulkarim, IPMA Malaysia President, set the scene for a plan driven by purpose. We shared ways to shape productive projects, working as a community where everyone belongs.

This meeting reminded us of 2025’s achievements, lessons learned and how we can best use resources to everyone’s benefit.

Grateful to all Exco and Management Committee members and collaborative partners who made 2025 both inspiring and memorable.

Now looking forward to new challenges as Vice-President for Learning, Development and Collaborations.

Let’s continue our efforts to make all projects succeed, jointly creating lasting, meaningful learning outcomes.

On Reflection
Reflecting on inspiring days at SPM Japan’s 17th ProMAC 2025, held alongside the IPMA Global Project Profession Forum in London from 26 to 28 November.

Central Hall Westminster was a powerful setting - just metres away from Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament and once home to the first UN General Assembly in 1946. A reminder that ideas shared in the right places really can shape the world.

I was grateful to be able to:
•⁠ ⁠Present a paper on Cultural Literacy in Project Management
•⁠ ⁠Facilitate a session on Project Communication Skills
•⁠ ⁠Chair 8 paper presentations from Japanese colleagues
•⁠ ⁠Join the energetic session by SPM Japan Young Crew.

This year’s conference not only brought me home to London, but also brought home to me 3 key points to reflect on:
•⁠ ⁠Connect intentionally - build trust, don’t just ‘network’
•⁠ ⁠Contribute originally - use emerging tech to augment creativity and intelligence
•⁠ ⁠Collaborate meaningfully - engage people directly; don’t just ‘raise your profile.’

Across keynotes and conversations, I heard fresh ideas on AI in PM, value delivery, collaboration, and practical research that can influence how we develop project professionals back in Malaysia.
ProMAC is more than a conference. It’s a learning ecosystem where practitioners, researchers and managers co-create the profession’s future. And, with SPM as host of the IPMA World Congress in Hiroshima in September 2026, that ecosystem is set to strengthen.

As IPMA marks its 60th year, and Language Works its 30th, one question keeps returning for me. And especially for those of us involved in learning and development:

Are we really equipping people to address the defining challenges of our age?

Climate change? Health and wellbeing? Sustainability?

Would love to hear your own reflections - how is L&D evolving to meet these realities?

Collaborating to Transform Learning

In the rapidly shifting landscape of learning and development, collaboration is no longer a bonus - it’s a strategic necessity.

At Language Works, we’ve seen how collaborative ventures spark new energy and tangible results:

1. In partnership with Rani Wemel’s visionary enterprise Learning Through Technology (LTT), our interactive session with trainers from Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) unlocked creative, practical ways to use AI tools to deepen learning experiences and participant engagement.
2. Confidence in Action - Last week, Brian Cracknell worked with the Malaysian Institute of Development for Professionals (MIDP) in Iskandar Puteri, enabling public-sector participants to communicate clearly and confidently in their presentations and feedback.
3. New Pathways - At the launch of Project Excellence Partners (PXP) in Cyberjaya, CEO Alex Zulkarnain set out a bold vision to elevate project consultancy and professional practice through strategic collaborations.
4. At International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia (IGEM), we saw firsthand how partnerships can drive green innovation, create opportunities, and expand ASEAN-wide impact.

The future of L&D? It’s collaborative, augmented (not artificial), and action-driven. By joining forces - across industries, borders, and disciplines – we not only transform; we co-create a new learning world.

30 years of Language Works

Our Language Works 30th Anniversary Digital Drop-in, hosted with strategic partner LTT Global, brought together friends, collaborative partners and colleagues from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, from Medan to Tehran. To celebrate the past, to create and share in the present, and to look ahead to the future of learning.

Celebrating three decades of ideas, projects and partnerships, LW Director Brian Cracknell and LTT Global’s Rani Wemel focussed on AI tools ChatGPT, Canva and Gamma to generate interest, insights and ideas. These tools are shaping the way we design, deliver, and imagine learning for the future.

Feedback included:
• “Insightful, engaging, refreshing.”
• “Informative, enlightening, interesting.”
• “Useful, scary (how fast things can be done!)”
• “Relevant, fresh learning.”
• “Great start. Let’s do more - with more details.”

Thank you to all who joined, engaged in the conversation, and shared their feedback so generously. Your voices remind us that learning is always evolving – and collaboration is at the heart of it.

Here’s to 30 years of learning, innovation and partnerships - and to the next 30 years!

P.S. Stay tuned for Part Two of the celebrations!

Dialogue and Discussion at IDFR
While the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) supports Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, it continues its core mission of enhancing the competency and professionalism of diplomatic officers.

On 8 August, the Engaging Dialogue, Aligning Views workshop equipped participants with skills to guide conversations through structured questioning and active listening. This was followed on 12 August by a forum with the United Nations Association Malaysia (UNAM) on The UN and Multilateralism.

In his welcoming remarks, UNAM President Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed highlighted Malaysia’s achievements in promoting peace and stability, noting: “The time is right for Malaysia to play a leading role in getting people together.” Panellist Professor Emeritus Dr. Johan Saravanamuttu of USM expressed confidence in multilateralism despite current global challenges. Ms. Prisheela Prakash Raw, Undersecretary, Multilateral Political Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs identified three pressing threats: erosion of international law, fragmentation of the multilateral system, and resurgence of great power rivalry.

Both speakers explored ways to reform, rebuild trust, and restore faith in the multilateral system through the UN. Skilfully moderated by Dato’ Westmoreland Palon, Director of IDFR’s Competency Enhancement Centre, and augmented by audience insights, the forum concluded on an optimistic note.

These events reflect IDFR’s commitment to providing high-quality learning experiences in diplomacy and international relations, inspiring ideas for a more peaceful and prosperous future - and highlighting Malaysia’s role in shaping it.

Transforming Tomorrow: Women Leading with Bold Ideas

It was greatly inspiring to be among the many energised and engaged participants at the World Women Economic and
Business Summit (WWEBS) on 10 July, organised by KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific at KL’s Seri Pacific Hotel.

Our interactive session, Transforming Tomorrow: Women Leading with Bold Ideas, showcased the power of communication, connection, and creativity. Participants explored making their voices heard, harnessing artistic imagination, and leading meaningful change. Together, table teams envisioned a future shaped by women leaders – one that closes the gender divide, balances care and career, catalyses entrepreneurship, and elevates skills.

Today the momentum is clear. Now to translate these bold ideas into action – towards creating the tomorrow we imagined.

Great to be with teachers! French teacher Adiba Shuaib of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Russian teacher Inna Zakezhina of Russian Centre for Science and Culture (RCSC) Malaysia, German teacher Muslim Hanafi Mohd Jalis, Assistant Director, Centre for Languages and Cultural Diplomacy IDFR, and Ahmad Muziru Idham Adnan, Assistant Director, Centre for Political Studies and Economic Diplomacy (PSED) IDFR. Keeping learning inclusive and sustainable in line with ASEAN 2025.