The Public Relations Practitioners Society of Malaysia (PRactitioners) was officially launched yesterday (16 July), marking a significant milestone for the public relations industry in Malaysia.
The society was launched by the Minister of Communications, Fahmi Fadzil, during the World Public Relations Day celebrations – the first time this global event is marked in Malaysia this millennium.
Led by a distinguished group of industry veterans, PRactitioners aims to elevate the profession by fostering ethical practices, knowledge sharing, and continuous professional development. In less than six months since its soft launch, PRactitioners has attracted over 150 members, demonstrating strong industry enthusiasm.
P Kamalanathan, Chairman of PRactitioners, said, “This rapid growth underscores the pressing need for a dedicated professional body in Malaysia’s dynamic PR landscape. We are honoured to have Minister Fahmi Fadzil launch our society on this significant day for global PR.”
PRactitioners, of which the Tengku Panglima Besar Pahang, YAM Tan Sri Tengku Azlan Ibni Sultan Abu Bakar is the Patron, boasts a leadership team of seasoned professionals, including Deputy Chairman Syed Mohammed Idid, Secretary Thomas Samuel, and Treasurer Chan Quin Er.
The society’s core objectives include promoting ethical conduct, fostering professional development, advocating for PR’s importance, providing networking opportunities, and supporting research in the field.
In the context of global recognitions and partnerships, the World Public Relations Day (WPRD) Secretariat has welcomed PRactitioners as an official partner for the WPRD Celebrations. This partnership and the society’s launch during the event provide a global platform for PRactitioners’ debut.
PRactitioners has also established specialised bureaus to address specific industry needs, including Academic, Editorial, and Digital Communication Bureaus. Regional bureaus ensure comprehensive representation across Malaysia and maintain connections with the Malaysian PR diaspora in Europe.
A distinguished group of mentors and advisors were also introduced by PRactitioners, including Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam, Datuk Yong Soo Heong, Datuk Ahirudin Attan (a.k.a. Rocky Bru), Datuk Borhanuddin Osman, Mr. K Haridas, Prof. Dr. Said Bani C.M. Din, Prof. Datuk Dr Marimuthu Nadason, and Mr. Raja Singam. These industry doyens will provide invaluable guidance to members, fostering learning, growth, and collaboration within the PR community.
The launch event is proudly sponsored by CARMA, the world’s most experienced media intelligence service provider, and Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (Pernas), a company owned by the Minister of Finance Incorporated (MOF Inc.).
The launch was supported by the International Academy of Communication and Technology (IACT), and Brickfields Asia College (BAC) served as a venue sponsor. This collaboration nurtures the future of PRactitioners by offering state-of-the-art facilities that affirm the stature of this new PR society in the eyes of its stakeholders.
The launch also enjoyed support from Marketing Magazine along with various regional PR bodies and educational institutions.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Malaysian PR
As PRactitioners embarks on its journey to reshape the PR landscape in Malaysia, the society is poised to make significant contributions both locally and globally.
“Today’s launch is just the beginning,” concluded P Kamalanathan. “We invite all PR professionals in Malaysia to join us in this exciting journey. Together, we can build a stronger, more respected, and more impactful PR industry that drives business success and societal progress.”
Source: Public Relations PRactitioners Society of Malaysia (PRactitioners)
