KUALA LUMPUR – The Public Relations & Communications Association (PRCA) Malaysia is celebrating its 25th anniversary with the upcoming Malaysia Public Relations Awards (MPRA) 2024, which has recorded the highest number of submissions in its history.
The PRCA said nearly 200 entries were submitted this year, with over 100 coming from public relations agencies and in-house practitioners vying for prestigious accolades, including the coveted Campaign of the Year. The winners will be honoured at a grand gala dinner on November 29, 2024.
In a statement, the MPRA said it continues to be a hallmark of excellence, recognising outstanding work among PR professionals in both the private and public sectors, as well as institutions of higher learning.
This year’s 16th installment has embraced a more holistic and inclusive approach to communications, introducing two new segments: the Media Awards and the Persuasive Pen Prize, it said.
The Media Awards, debuting this year, features 36 awards across 12 categories to celebrate exceptional achievements in print, online, and broadcast media.
“We are thrilled to welcome media practitioners to MPRA this year, reflecting our commitment to celebrating the crucial role of media in shaping public opinion and elevating the standard of journalism in Malaysia,” PRCA president Mohd Said Bani CM Din said.
Stefanie Braukmann, chief judge for MPRA and PRCA honorary secretary of PRCA, expressed excitement about the increased participation.
“The significant increase in entries showcases the growing recognition of MPRA and PRCA’s commitment to elevating standards in the PR industry.
“As we mark PRCA Malaysia’s 25th anniversary, the MPRA and PR Summit embody the spirit of unity among PR practitioners from agencies and in-house teams alike,” Braukmann said.
“This milestone not only reflects our impressive journey but also paves the way for nurturing future leaders and driving the industry forward.”
The Persuasive Pen Prize, aimed at communication students, invites young talents to craft impactful narratives, nurturing the next generation of PR professionals.
The theme for this year’s awards, “You and AI: Together Towards a New Era of Communication,” highlights the transformative role of artificial intelligence in reshaping communication strategies.
The PRCA said this theme celebrates the fusion of AI and human expertise, illustrating how technology can enhance communication while valuing human creativity, judgement, and ethical responsibility.
In conjunction with the awards, the Malaysia PR Summit will take place on November 28, 2024, offering practitioners a unique opportunity to engage with the latest trends and innovative strategies in communication.
Now in its fifth edition, the summit will gather leaders from various sectors, including corporate executives, public sector representatives, and PR practitioners.
Its theme, “Communicating for a Better Malaysia: Reset, Reframe, Reimagine,” will explore how communication can contribute to nation-building and foster a more unified Malaysia, aligning strategies with global standards.
The PRCA said the summit’s theme calls for a transformative approach by ‘Resetting’ the communication landscape, participants will re-evaluate guiding principles, focusing on ethics, integrity, and transparency to build trust.
It said ‘reframing’ communication involves crafting compelling narratives that shape perceptions, while ‘Reimagining’ communication highlights its potential to create meaningful impact, paving the way for a sustainable and resilient industry.
The association added that PR practitioners and industry stakeholders are invited to join the Malaysia PR Summit on November 28, 2024 to gain insights, network, and explore how strategic communication can drive positive change. For details and registration, visit www.prcamalaysia.org or email [email protected]. – October 30, 2024