A FIRST-EVER international public relations festival to be held in Malaysia marks a significant milestone for the PR industry in the region.
The Public Relations Practitioners Society Malaysia (PRactitioners) announced the launch of the inaugural Global PR Festival 2025 (GPRF2025), set to take place in Kuala Lumpur from November 13th to 15th, 2025.
The prelude to the international event was launched today by Tengku Tan Sri Azlan Ibni Almarhum Sultan Abu Bakar Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mu’azzam Shah, the Patron of Practitioners, together with Datuk P Kamalanathan, the Founder and Chairman of PRactitioners.
They were joined by distinguished figures including Prof. Mohd Said Bani, President of the Public Relations and Communications Association of Malaysia (PRCAM), and Datuk Yong Soo Heong and Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam, the esteemed Mentors of PRactitioners.
In a move that highlights the importance of the event, His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, the Sultan of Perak, will officiate the festival and deliver the keynote address.
His Royal Highness’s participation underscores the event's significance in advancing the public relations profession within Malaysia and across the ASEAN region.
GPRF2025 will cover a range of pressing topics in the field of public relations, including crisis communication, reputation management, digital PR strategies, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on the industry.
The event is strategically aligned with Malaysia’s role as the ASEAN chair in 2025, serving as a prelude to Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
This festival will not only showcase Malaysia’s leadership within ASEAN but also highlight the country’s appeal as a global hub for business, cultural exchange, and professional networking.
“In 2025, as Malaysia assumes the ASEAN chairmanship, we are presented with an unparalleled opportunity to demonstrate our dedication to fostering collaboration and driving innovation,” stated Tengku Azlan.
“The Global PR Festival 2025 will serve as a dynamic platform to amplify ASEAN’s initiatives, spotlighting the region’s robust growth and its pivotal role in the global landscape.”
He added, “In the spirit of cooperation, PRactitioners Society Malaysia extends its deepest appreciation for the support and collaboration of the Public Relations and Communications Association of Malaysia (PRCAM) and its President, Prof. Mohd Said Bani."
The inaugural GPRF2025 is expected to draw 750 delegates, including 250 international participants, and will feature a rich programme that includes presentations by prominent thought leaders, hands-on workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities.
Among the speakers confirmed for the event are:
1. Tan Sri Nazir Razak, Chairman of Ikhlas Capital and former Chairman of CIMB Group;
2. Datuk Jake Abdullah, CEO of Malaysian Dynamic Media Sdn Bhd and Adjunct Professor at UNITAR International University and Taylor’s College;
3. Datuk Reuben Gnanalingam, CEO of Westports Malaysia and co-chairman of the Queens Park Rangers F.C;
4. Koh Juat Muay, President of the Institute of Public Relations Singapore;
5. Lee-Ann Germinder, Fellow of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), former PRSA National Director, and trustee of the PRSA Foundation;
6. Dr. Michele Mekeme, Vice President of the Africa Public Relations Association (APRA); and
7. Dr. Anastasios Theofilou, Chief Examiner for the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) UK and Principal Academic at Bournemouth University’s Faculty of Media and Communications.
GPRF2025 will cover a range of pressing topics in the field of public relations, including crisis communication, reputation management, digital PR strategies, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on the industry.
This festival will not only showcase Malaysia’s leadership within ASEAN but also highlight the country’s appeal as a global hub for business, cultural exchange, and professional networking.
The GPRF2025 is also supported by the Human Resources Development Corporation (HRDC) as a claimable event, reaffirming its commitment to professional development within the public relations industry.
The official event website, [GPRFMY.com], is now live and provides further details on registration, speaker lineup, event schedules, and more. – February 25, 2025
