Latest news with #PublicRelationsandCommunicationsAssociation
New Straits Times
15-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
PR industry at critical juncture, must reset to stay relevant
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's public relations (PR) industry is at a critical juncture and must reset its foundations to remain relevant, Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) Malaysia president Prof Mohd Said Bani CM Din said. He said the profession must return to its roots of truth, trust and transparency, while also redefining its role amid digital disruption, blurred identities and fragmented representation. "Public relations is more than just content creation or social media management. It is about strategic relationship-building, managing reputation and engaging stakeholders with integrity and empathy," he said in a statement. He expressed concern that PR is increasingly misunderstood or reduced to superficial activities such as managing viral content, drafting social media captions or handling optics during crises. "One in-house executive once said, 'the war is on social media' during a corporate crisis. That mindset is dangerous. "A crisis is not a war, but a time for calm and sincere communication. Social media is a platform, not the strategy. Confusing volume with value risks undermining credibility." Said Bani said the identity of the profession is being diluted, with marketers, influencers and digital agencies frequently claiming the PR label. "Real PR is about narrative stewardship and long-term brand trust, not just trending hashtags or polished reels," he said. He also raised concerns over growing fragmentation in the industry, adding that Malaysia currently has three separate PR associations, with one operating within a government ministry and receiving federal support despite the absence of any legal framework granting it exclusive legitimacy. "Worse still, discussions on accreditation are being held without engaging the very practitioners, agencies and educators that make up the PR ecosystem. This top-down approach risks deepening disunity." He also criticised the preference for foreign PR firms, particularly in high-profile government and GLC-led projects. "Time and again, lobbyists and agencies from the UK or the US are appointed to lead Malaysian communications campaigns. "They then front operations through local media personalities or consultants. "This sidelines a vast pool of capable Malaysian professionals and perpetuates the myth that foreign equals superior. Effective PR must be rooted in local language, culture and community dynamics." He said Malaysia could emulate Singapore's proactive support for its local PR firms. "In Singapore, the government helps PR firms go global. In Malaysia, we pay foreign firms to operate here." He said the absence of a centralised database or registry to measure the size and scale of the industry is also a barrier to effective planning and policymaking. Procurement practices, unrealistic timelines and delayed payments were among the challenges, he said, that weakened the credibility and growth of PR agencies, particularly smaller firms. Said Bani said there was a strong opportunity to "reset, reframe and reimagine" the profession in Malaysia. "PRCA Malaysia's Code of Ethics & Integrity offers a clear framework for responsible communication grounded in global standards and local values." He urged practitioners to break out of silos and collaborate across associations and sectors. "We must see ourselves not as support functions, but as strategic enablers of trust and transformation. PR professionals are not content managers; we are architects of narratives and custodians of conscience." "Let's build a profession that is not only visible but valued. PR is not noise; it is nation-building."
Arabian Business
22-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE's Khaled AlShehhi makes history as first government official on Cannes Lions Jury
The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has selected Khaled AlShehhi, Executive Director of Marketing and Communication at the UAE Government Media Office, to join its PR Lions jury. This appointment marks the first time in the festival's 72-year history that a government sector representative has been chosen for the jury. AlShehhi's selection comes as recognition of the UAE's contributions to marketing communications. Cannes Lions appoints first-ever government representative from UAE to PR jury The UAE Government Media Office has accumulated over 220 international awards, including multiple Cannes Lions, and ranks fourth globally in the Effie Index for effective marketing. The office was also named Global Brand of the Year by the AME New York Festival in 2022. 'It is a privilege to join the Cannes Lions jury, an opportunity that not only underscores our organisation's achievements globally but also highlights the UAE's belief in the power of creativity to shape impactful government communications. For me, true creativity begins with a heart-racing insight, and it only grows stronger when you dare to bring it to life. if an idea doesn't shake you a bit, it's probably not bold enough to capture hearts and transform realities. I look forward to sharing our perspective and learning from the world's finest PR campaigns. I am grateful to work in an environment that consistently nurtures bold ideas and encourages pioneering strategies. This culture of innovation enables us to produce campaigns that resonate locally and globally, and I hope to bring those insights to the jury table,' AlShehhi said. AlShehhi brings significant industry recognition to the role. He was named Advertising Person of the Year at Dubai Lynx 2023 and received the 2023 Loeries Marketing Leadership & Innovation Award, becoming the first Middle Eastern recipient in the award's 45-year history. His other accolades include the 2022 Effie MENA Honorary Award and the 2022 World Media Group Award for Content Leadership & Innovation. His industry involvement extends to board positions with the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) in the Middle East and North Africa, and membership in the Strategic Council of the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA). 'We are delighted to welcome Khaled AlShehhi to the PR Lions jury. His innovative work in government communications and ongoing commitment to creative excellence in the region and beyond, means he is well placed to represent the region on the global stage. The UAE Government Media Office's consistent success at Cannes Lions – winning for three consecutive years and the UAE's ranking at eighth in the Cannes Lions Global Creativity Index highlight the remarkable strides the nation has made in recent years,' Simon Cook, CEO of Lions added Cook noted that the UAE Government Media Office has won Cannes Lions for three consecutive years, with the UAE now ranking eighth in the Cannes Lions Global Creativity Index. AlShehhi will join global professionals in Cannes this June to evaluate PR campaigns, with the Awards Show scheduled for June 20, 2025.
Dubai Eye
21-04-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
UAE's AlShehhi named first government sector juror in Cannes Lions history
The UAE is making headlines at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Khaled AlShehhi, Executive Director of Marketing and Communication at the UAE Government Media Office, has been named as the first-ever government sector representative to join the jury of this prestigious festival, which was established 72 years ago. He will serve on the jury for the prestigious PR Lions category — a move that highlights the UAE's growing influence in global marketing and communications. The UAE Government Media Office has earned over 220 international awards, including several Cannes Lions, and ranks 4th globally for marketing effectiveness in the Effie Index. AlShehhi himself has received numerous industry honours, including Advertising Person of the Year at Dubai Lynx 2023 and the Loeries Marketing Leadership Award 2023 — the first for a Middle Eastern leader in the award's 45-year history. He also plays a key role in shaping the region's communications landscape, serving on the board of the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) MENA and is a member of the Strategic Council of the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA). The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has announced the selection of Khaled AlShehhi, Executive Director of Marketing and Communication at the UAE Government Media Office, as the first government sector representative worldwide to join the jury of this prestigious… — UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) April 21, 2025
TAG 91.1
21-04-2025
- Business
- TAG 91.1
UAE's AlShehhi named first government sector juror in Cannes Lions history
The UAE is making headlines at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Khaled AlShehhi, Executive Director of Marketing and Communication at the UAE Government Media Office, has been named as the first-ever government sector representative to join the jury of this prestigious festival, which was established 72 years ago. He will serve on the jury for the prestigious PR Lions category — a move that highlights the UAE's growing influence in global marketing and communications. The UAE Government Media Office has earned over 220 international awards, including several Cannes Lions, and ranks 4th globally for marketing effectiveness in the Effie Index. AlShehhi himself has received numerous industry honours, including Advertising Person of the Year at Dubai Lynx 2023 and the Loeries Marketing Leadership Award 2023 — the first for a Middle Eastern leader in the award's 45-year history. He also plays a key role in shaping the region's communications landscape, serving on the board of the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) MENA and is a member of the Strategic Council of the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA). — UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) April 21, 2025
Al Etihad
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Cannes Lions Festival names Khaled AlShehhi of UAE Government Media Office first government sector juror worldwide
21 Apr 2025 20:33 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has announced the selection of Khaled AlShehhi, Executive Director of Marketing and Communication at the UAE Government Media Office, as the first government sector representative worldwide to join the jury of this prestigious festival, established 72 years appointment, to the prestigious PR Lions awarding jury, reflects the Festival's recognition of the UAE's achievements in shaping innovative, forward-thinking marketing UAE Government Media Office has earned over 220 international accolades, including multiple Cannes Lions awards, a 4th-place global ranking in the Effie Index for effective marketing, and recognition as the 2022 Global Brand of the Year by the AME New York Festival. Khaled AlShehhi's selection highlights the nation's commitment to creative excellence and effective public-sector communications on the global has also been widely recognised across the industry. He was named Advertising Person of the Year at Dubai Lynx 2023 and earned the 2023 Loeries Marketing Leadership & Innovation Award, becoming the first Middle Eastern recipient in that show's 45-year history. Among his other accolades are the 2022 Effie MENA Honorary Award and the 2022 World Media Group Award for Content Leadership & also serves on the Board of the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) in the Middle East and North Africa, and is a member of the Strategic Council of the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA), actively contributing to the growth and development of the region's communications AlShehhi, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at the UAE Government Media Office, said, 'It is a privilege to join the Cannes Lions jury, an opportunity that not only underscores our organisation's achievements globally but also highlights the UAE's belief in the power of creativity to shape impactful government communications. For me, true creativity begins with a heart-racing insight, and it only grows stronger when you dare to bring it to life. If an idea doesn't shake you a bit, it's probably not bold enough to capture hearts and transform realities. I look forward to sharing our perspective and learning from the world's finest PR campaigns. I am grateful to work in an environment that consistently nurtures bold ideas and encourages pioneering strategies. This culture of innovation enables us to produce campaigns that resonate locally and globally, and I hope to bring those insights to the jury table."Simon Cook, CEO of Lions, commented, 'We are delighted to welcome Khaled AlShehhi to the PR Lions jury. His innovative work in government communications and ongoing commitment to creative excellence in the region and beyond, means he is well placed to represent the region on the global stage. The UAE Government Media Office's consistent success at Cannes Lions - winning for three consecutive years and the UAE's ranking at eighth in the Cannes Lions Global Creativity Index highlight the remarkable strides the nation has made in recent years.' AlShehhi will join leading global professionals in Cannes this June to evaluate groundbreaking PR campaigns, culminating in the Awards Show on 20 June 2025. This appointment stands as a testament to the UAE's creative influence and its increasing leadership on the international stage.
