Global PR Powerhouse: KL Hosts 1,000-Strong Communications Summit

By The Malketeer

Malaysia will play host to one of the region’s most significant communications gatherings this November, as the Public Relations Practitioners Society of Malaysia (PRactitioners) stages a three-day global PR conference from 13–15 November.

The event, held in partnership with seven professional associations, is expected to draw around 1,000 delegates, including 200 international participants from ASEAN and beyond, as well as 100 representatives from universities.

A Profession in the Spotlight

PRactitioners chairman P. Kamalanathan was candid about the conference’s ambition: to raise the profile of the PR profession itself.

“We have been building other people’s brands, image and industry, but our profession needs elevation,” he said at a press briefing.

He stressed that the conference will be a platform for knowledge exchange, professional upskilling, and collective action on industry issues.

Panels, Masterclasses and Global Perspectives

The programme is set to feature expert panels, immersive workshops, and an exhibition showcasing international best practices.

Masterclasses will delve into verbal and non-verbal communication, while keynote sessions will include the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, who will officiate the event and deliver the opening address.

Speakers from the UK, US, and Asia will explore themes such as countering fake news, navigating the rise of social media, and leveraging media innovations for impact.

A special ASEAN student dialogue will give young voices a stage to discuss the future of communications in their home countries.

Building Regional Momentum

Backed by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and the Public Relations and Communications Association Asia Pacific, and endorsed by the Human Resource Development Corporation, the event already carries significant weight.

Strategic MOUs have also been inked with the National Press Club, the Malaysian Institute of Management, and the Malaysian HR Forum.

While Kamalanathan hinted at the possibility of taking the event regional in future, the immediate priority is delivering a successful inaugural edition.

“There are suggestions to take it regional, but that’s a work in progress,” he said.

For Malaysian PR professionals, the conference is more than a networking opportunity — it’s a statement of intent.

By attracting international expertise and focusing on both skill development and strategic dialogue, the event positions Malaysia as an emerging hub for communications leadership in ASEAN.

For brands and agencies, it offers a chance to plug into global conversations shaping the profession’s future, from technology’s disruptive role to the ethics of storytelling in a hyper-connected world.