National Resilience College Visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands
As part of its National Power module, the National Resilience College (NRC), headed by Commandant Major General Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng, embarked on an insightful and high-level strategic visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This international engagement provided an immersive experience into the workings of global institutions and diplomacy, strengthening course members’ understanding of multilateral governance, international law, international recognition, Whole of Government and Whole of Society (WoGoS) and strategic partnerships.
1. Courtesy Call to the Ambassador of Malaysia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands
The visit began with a formal courtesy call to His Excellency Dato’ Roseli bin Abdul, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands (appointed 29 September 2023).
2. Visit to the International Court of Justice (ICJ)
The course members were warmly welcomed by Ms. Monique Legerman, Head of the Information Department and First Secretary of the Court. She provided a detailed briefing on the structure, mandate, and notable cases handled by the ICJ. This visit offered a rare opportunity to gain a firsthand understanding of international legal processes and the role of the ICJ in upholding the rule of law among nations.
3. Visit to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)
At OPCW, the NRC delegation received briefings from key figures in the External Relations Division. Ms. Hong Li (Director), Mr. Christopher Heissen (Director-General of OPCW as of April 15, 2025), and Mr. Anton Utkin (Senior Chemical Demilitarisation Officer) presented on OPCW’s mission to ensure global chemical weapons disarmament and its collaborative engagements with state and non-state stakeholders. The course members were given a comprehensive overview of how diplomacy, science, and policy intersect in preventing the use of chemical weapons.
4. Visit to the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs
During this session, NRC was hosted by distinguished officials:
Ms. Annemarie van der Heijden, Head of Division South and South East Asia, Department for Asia and Oceania
Mr. Wouter Jurgens, Director, Department for Security Policy
Mr. Joris Geeven, Head of Content, Team NATO Summit, Ministry of Defence
The briefings highlighted the Netherlands’ approach to regional diplomacy, strategic foresight, and security policy. The discussions offered rich comparative insights into how a middle power like the Netherlands engages in global diplomacy and alliance-building.
5. Visit to the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS)
The delegation was briefed by Dr. Tim Sweijs, Director of Research at HCSS and a globally respected authority in strategic studies. Dr. Sweijs provided an in-depth analysis of current global security trends, technological disruptions in warfare, strategic foresight, and defence planning for small and middle powers. His extensive academic and advisory experience—including to the UN Security Council and NATO—enriched the course members’ understanding of strategic planning and future war paradigms.
Significance of the Visit
This official study tour was a cornerstone of the National Power module, bridging theory with practice through direct engagement with globally influential institutions. The exposure to international diplomacy, legal governance, arms control, and strategic policy-making broadened course members’ perspectives on Malaysia’s role in the global system.
The visit enhanced their understanding of:
Multilateral cooperation in maintaining global peace and security
The importance of adherence to international legal frameworks
The necessity of strategic partnerships in an interconnected world
How middle powers like the Netherlands influence and contribute to the global security architecture
For the course members—comprising senior leaders and future decision-makers—this visit was not only intellectually enriching but also instrumental in building diplomatic literacy, strategic awareness, and a global mindset vital for national resilience and leadership.
