The inaugural Global Public Relations Conference and Festival Malaysia 2025 (GPRCFMY), held from 13-15 November, has set a Malaysia Book of Records milestone for hosting the largest international PR gathering in the country. The event drew more than 870 delegates,including 250 international participants, over three days at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, and strengthened Malaysia’s position as a hub for communications innovation, ethics, and leadership.
Organised by the Public Relations Practitioners Society of Malaysia (PRactitioners), the event carried the theme “Humanity Amplified: Redefining Public Relations in the Age of Intelligence.” Blending the insights of a world-class conference with the vibrant energy of a festival, it featured a packed itinerary of keynote talks, plenaries, panel discussions, and masterclasses. Delegates hailed from six continents, with representation from ASEAN, Africa, and East Asia, including Indonesia, Singapore, Nigeria, South Africa, Japan, and South Korea.
The gathering brought the global PR fraternity together in Kuala Lumpur. The opening ceremony featured a royal address by Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah Al-Maghfur-Lah, Sultan of Perak Darul Ridzuan. His Royal Highness highlighted the urgent need for integrity, innovation, and the strengthening of human trust as communicators navigate an increasingly intelligent and complex information age.
YB Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Minister of Communications, was also present, reflecting government recognition of the profession’s growing importance. A key highlight of Day Two was the presence of Her Royal Highness Tengku Permaisuri Hajah Norashikin Abdul Rahman, Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, who launched the National Code of Ethics and Integrity for Public Relations Practitioners. Developed by the Public Relations and Communications Association of Malaysia (PRCA Malaysia), the Code is a cornerstone for advancing ethical standards and professionalism within Malaysia’s PR industry and beyond.
The Gala Dinner and Appreciation Night, presided over by YAB Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, celebrated the profession’s finest through the resentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards to industry leaders.
Datuk P. Kamalanathan, Organising Chairperson of GPRCFMY and Chairman of the PRactitioners, said: “GPRCFMY 2025 has demonstrated the strength, depth, and global relevance of Malaysia’s PR industry. Our speakers shared practical insights and real-world experiences that reflect the true challenges and responsibilities of modern communication. This is only the beginning; Malaysia is ready to take its place on the world stage, and we look forward to welcoming even more practitioners to the next Global PR Conference.”
International diplomatic participation strengthened the conference’s global stature, with dignitaries including His Excellency Edgard D. Kagan, United States Ambassador to Malaysia, and His Excellency Vanu Gopala Menon, High Commissioner of Singapore. Their sessions facilitated vital dialogues on geopolitical diplomacy and strategic influence.
Plenary sessions featuring Khairy Jamaluddin, former Minister of Health, and Dato’ Sri Idris Jala, former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, delivered compelling insights into leading with integrity, innovation, and adaptability amid rapid change. Masterclasses led by industry experts equipped delegates with practical skills in verbal and non-verbal communication, AI visual intelligence, high-impact storytelling, and authenticity.
These sessions were facilitated by Salina Salli (Digital Dolphin Academy), Dato’ Saniboey Mohd Ismail (Razor’s Edge Pictures), Sanjaya Kumaraseri (FloWorks), and Navonil Roy (Moving Walls). The conference also spotlighted the next generation of communicators through a youth-focused panel examining how Gen Z voices, emerging media platforms, and shifting audience values are reshaping trust and the future of PR.
Beyond its programme highlights, the conference sparked new momentum for regional collaboration on ethical communication and the responsible use of emerging technologies. Delegates from industry bodies, academia, and international associations expressed strong interest in future workstreams on ethics, AI readiness, and youth engagement. These early discussions are expected to guide continued cooperation heading into 2026. GPRCFMY 2025 not only sets a national record but also reinforces Malaysia’s and the PRactitioners’ roles in shaping an ethics-driven and intelligence-ready communications landscape.
For more information, please visit www.practitioners.my.
