01 April 2016 - In line with the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Gender and Development (GAD) Program, the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur conducted a seminar on image development for all the officers and staff members of the embassy as well as their dependents, and members of the Filipino Community on March 30.

Usually, GAD projects are geared towards women but Philippine Ambassador to   Malaysia J. Eduardo Malaya opted to open the seminar to everyone to foster gender harmony and understanding in the workplace.

The seminar was delivered by Global Image Management  Director Karen Agustin-Ostrea who was also the Philippine representative to the 2002 Miss Universe pageant.

Ms. Ostrea’s seminar focused on grooming techniques and proper attire in a professional setting. She also discussed proper deportment as representatives of the Philippines in different events as well as in everyday life.

“We are representatives of the Philippines wherever we go,” Ostrea said. “It is important that we represent our country well by being the best version of ourselves and learning how to behave and act properly in any situation.”

Part of Ms. Ostrea’s workshop also included international protocol which contained useful tidbits for everyone who worked at the Embassy. Her audience was a lively, participative group that enjoyed the short class.

Ambassador Malaya presented Ms. Ostrea with a commendation and a token of appreciation after the event for her informative yet very entertaining workshop.

“We are giving emphasis to proper workplace decorum because we believe that it helps create a working environment that fosters a good professional relationship among individuals, regardless of gender. More importantly, as representatives of the Philippines in Malaysia, it is important for us to always carry ourselves with dignity and be the embodiment of everything that is good about our country," the Ambassador said.

Ms. Ostrea heads Global Image Management, a company in the Philippines with expertise in image development, etiquette, and protocol. She was trained by the International Image Institute in Toronto, Canada, and the Protocol School of Washington. END