INTRODUCTION

Strategically located in the vicinity of the nation's capital city Kuala Lumpur, Institut Sosial Malaysia (ISM), an agency of the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, commenced operations in 2002 with the main objective of becoming one of the most renowned centre of excellence in the field of social policy and social development.

As a training hub for civil servants and other social practitioners, the institute is also a resource centre for new ideas and information in the field of social policy and social development and is navigating itself to be a centre of excellence for training and research. Hence, the institute conducts training courses, seminars, workshops and forums as well as organizing major conferences in social development.

The institute strives to achieve its objectives which includes producing skilled and professional social practitioners, enhancing knowledge and skills in social policy management, plan curriculum and training programs, develop networking and knowledge sharing, as well as promoting research and publication on social policy and social development.

In its efforts to enhance capacity building, the institute is navigating its course of action towards establishing networks with local and international universities in order to develop a more comprehensive curriculum and effective strategies to empower knowledge and promulgate latest ideas to those who attend courses at the institute. Hence, aspiring to be a centre of excellence in the field of social development, ISM has appointed local and international fellows to assist in its pursuit to greater heights. As it facilitates the Malaysian government in its implementation of its National Social Policy, ISM is gradually becoming a bridge between policy-makers and policy-movers.