Domain:
International Relations
Who Should Attend:
You have been or are likely to be entrusted with the responsibility to look after VVIPs and foreign guests. This workshop is open to Singapore Public Officers only.
Programme Overview
As a liaison officer, you need to be aware of cross-cultural sensitivities, taboos and mannerisms, so as to respond and carry out your duties in a professional manner
Learning Outcomes
- Comprehend and practise principles of protocol and business etiquette, and be good minders to VVIPs and overseas guests at events and functions
- Identify and demonstrate cross-cultural sensitivities and mannerisms towards guests
- Extend appropriate courtesies in greeting, receiving, and sending off guests with correct formalities
Last updated:
- Event requirements, and
the need for liaison officers (LOs)
- Cross-cultural
requirements, etiquette and application
- Protocol fundamentals
- Forms of address,
introductions
- Management structure for
events and LOs
- Facilitation plan for guests,
and the LO’s role: movement for calls, meetings, and meals
- Dress code for LOs
- Key points for the ‘meet
and greet’, and beyond
- Conversations and
paltering, and social graces
- Handling of gifts
- Proceedings
control and situation handling exercise
Note: This workshop will also address protocol-related
issues in a pandemic context, such as in the COVID-19 operating environment.
Yip Yee Thai
Yip Yee Thai is a retired Protocol Officer with more than 43 years of extensive government experience in organizing high profile events, applying protocol as well as training. Ministries, Agencies and Institutions have sought his advice and guidance when organising bilateral and multilateral events involving foreign participants. He is well placed to provide insights into the intricacies, the nuances and unspoken aspects of international relations whether Covid-19, online, hybrid or in-person facilitation. Since 2007, he had trained many civil servants at the Civil Service College, Ministries and Stat Boards.
Whilst serving in the Protocol Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for over 8 years, he headed a team of officers looking after VVIP visits to Singapore and outgoing visits by our Leaders to other countries. Organising down to minute detail, coordinating with providers and agencies, he is a true practitioner of international protocol for events. Yee Thai is well versed in diplomatic niceties.
His extensive exposure to different cultural practices, protocol and norms will be useful as he has continued his passion after retiring from government service.
