Technology and Collaboration: Key Elements of Modern Diplomacy

Article by FSI's School of Applied Information Technology.

Today’s world is more interconnected than ever. America’s diplomats and foreign affairs professionals must both develop an understanding of new and emerging technology and continue to build strong global partnerships in order to ensure the success of U.S. foreign policy. This is the message that William "Bill" Stephens, Acting Dean of the Foreign Service Institute’s (FSI) School of Applied Information Technology (SAIT) took with him on a recent visit to Thailand where he met staff at U.S. Embassy Bangkok. ?He personally congratulated Kamchai "Chai" Puangpairoj, an Information Management Assistant at the embassy, who was named the runner-up for the inaugural 2023 Locally Employed (LE) Staff Adjunct Faculty of the Year. ?

Chai's impact within the embassy has been profound through his tireless efforts teaching technology skills to department employees. Since 2018, he has conducted an impressive 79+ classes, reaching over 800 students across Embassy Bangkok and other posts within the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. ?Chai’s commitment to excellence sets a high standard within FSI’s Adjunct Faculty program and significantly enriches SAIT course offerings. ?

During his trip in Southeast Asia, Stephens also traveled to Indonesia to engage with U.S. Embassy Jakarta on the impact they are making in the region.?He also met Dr. Yayan Ganda Hayat Mulyana, the head of the Foreign Policy Strategy Agency at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.?Dr. Yayan leads the internal think tank responsible for shaping Indonesia's foreign policy, akin to the Department's Policy Planning Staff. The meeting served as a gateway to explore avenues of collaboration, centered around capacity building, digital literacy training, and data analytics. Each party's respective expertise and strategic vision offered perspectives on education and data use, emphasizing the importance of data-informed policy making in today's complex geopolitical landscape.?

The journey not only celebrated the dedication of exemplary individuals like Chai, but also underscored the importance of international cooperation in advancing technological proficiency and informed decision-making. As FSI continues to expand its reach and impact, such collaborative endeavors serve as a testament to its commitment to excellence and innovation on the global stage.?