Asean PR Excellence Award to be held in KL on July 7

New Straits Times

06-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The Institute of Public Relations Malaysia (IPRM) and Jakarta-based Asean Public Relations Network (APRN) will jointly organise the Asean PR Excellence Award to be held in Kuala Lumpur on July 7.
In a statement today, IPRM said the award is strategically aligned with the annual Kuala Lumpur International PR Conference (KLIP 7), themed 'Impactful AI, Social Media Communication and Online Education for Asean and the Global Community'.
Since its inception in 2019, KLIP has been a pivotal global conference for PR and communication leaders, professionals as well as academics from Asean and beyond, fostering the sharing of the latest industry insights.
The statement noted that the conference will feature presentations and discussions aimed at cultivating collaborative strategies to enhance online safety awareness and education across Asean.
"Addressing the crucial imperatives of responsible digital citizenship and ethical communication practices, this event gains particular significance as Malaysia holds the Asean Chairmanship in 2025," the statement said.
The statement further noted that this pivotal role underscores Malaysia's dedication to fostering regional collaboration and assuming leadership in communication and information security.
In the same statement, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to building a future where responsible and transparent communication remains at the heart of every relationship.
"As Malaysia assumes the role of the Asean Chair, we are reminded of the critical importance of leadership grounded in integrity, transparency and ethical communication. Public relations excellence is not merely about influence; it is about fostering trust, respect and meaningful connections that transcend borders.
"In this pivotal moment, Malaysia is proud to lead by example, championing ethical communication as a cornerstone of our regional cooperation," he said.
The statement also quoted IPRM president Jaffri Amin Osman as saying that the confluence of the Asean Excellence Award and international conference provides a unique opportunity to celebrate achievements and drive meaningful dialogue on critical issues, especially on AI, issues and crisis management, ethics, and governance in PR and communications.
Reinforcing this view, IPRM Accreditation Board chairman Professor Datuk Seri Dr Syed Arabi Idid highlighted the crucial role of communication and English language mastery for an impactful Malaysian Asean Chairmanship, a point corroborated by a comprehensive International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Electoral Studies Research Unit survey.
He emphasised that these skills, coupled with Malaysia's considerable international experience, will be vital in Asean's global representation, perfectly complementing the objectives of the upcoming conference and awards in fostering collaboration and raising PR and communication standards across the region.
Meanwhile, APRN president Prita Kemal Gani said the Asean PR Excellence Award will recognise outstanding achievements in public relations across the Asean region, celebrating innovative campaigns and impactful initiatives that have contributed to the advancement of the profession.
"We are thrilled to bring the award to Kuala Lumpur this year, a testament to the growing collaboration and dynamism within the Asean PR community. This event will be a catalyst for further growth and excellence in our field," she added.
KLIP will feature international, Asean as well as national keynote speakers, panel discussions and interactive sessions, providing valuable insights and networking opportunities for attendees.