Latest news with #KualaLumpurInternationalPRConference
Barnama
07-07-2025
- Barnama
AI Not A Threat But A Teaching Aid In PR, Say Academics
KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 (Bernama) -- Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be embraced as a supportive tool in public relations (PR) education, but clear guidelines and a structured curriculum are essential to ensure ethical and responsible usage among students. Head of the Strategic Communication Centre at the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Dr Wan Norbani Wan Noordin said that while AI is definitely a friend in the learning environment, the extent of its integration must be carefully managed through proper education and policy alignment. "We can't stop students from using AI, but I think you can help them to use it at the proper avenue. Yes, it is definitely a friend, but how much of a friend are we talking?" she said while speaking as a panelist during the session titled AI & PR: Friend or Foe? held in conjunction with the Kuala Lumpur International PR Conference (KLIP 7), themed "Curiosity, Creativity, Clarity", here today. Other panelists were Associate Prof Dr Nurul'ain Mohd Hasan, a lecturer at the Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM); Boy Kelana Soebroto from Indonesia; Jennifer Muir from Australia; Fiona Cassidy from New Zealand; Ruby Wan from Hong Kong; Nguyen Khoa My from Vietnam; and Mohamed Ali from Singapore. Wan Norbani said many students are excited to use AI for idea generation and initial research, but she expressed concern over their limited ability to verify sources despite being in higher education. She added that although Gen Z and Alpha students are digital native, they still need ethical guidance and practical tools, noting the absence of a standardised AI or AI-and-PR subject, and stressing the need to formally introduce AI into public relations education. Wan Norbani said digital literacy and ethical values are embedded in most PR subjects and noted that students themselves suggested users should be transparent by declaring AI use, highlighting the need for structured education to ensure responsible and mature application. Meanwhile, Nurul'ain shared that her classroom study showed an 11 per cent improvement in students' understanding of PR concepts after using AI tools, noting that AI does not replace educators but serves as a colleague, research partner, and teaching aid. "We need to expose students to ethical and responsible use of AI. It's not about full dependence, but thoughtful application," she said, adding that AI should be seen as a valuable tool in PR education, not a threat.
New Straits Times
06-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Asean PR Excellence Award to be held in KL on July 7
KUALA LUMPUR: The Institute of Public Relations Malaysia (IPRM) and Jakarta-based Asean Public Relations Network (APRN) will jointly organise the Asean PR Excellence Award to be held in Kuala Lumpur on July 7. In a statement today, IPRM said the award is strategically aligned with the annual Kuala Lumpur International PR Conference (KLIP 7), themed 'Impactful AI, Social Media Communication and Online Education for Asean and the Global Community'. Since its inception in 2019, KLIP has been a pivotal global conference for PR and communication leaders, professionals as well as academics from Asean and beyond, fostering the sharing of the latest industry insights. The statement noted that the conference will feature presentations and discussions aimed at cultivating collaborative strategies to enhance online safety awareness and education across Asean. "Addressing the crucial imperatives of responsible digital citizenship and ethical communication practices, this event gains particular significance as Malaysia holds the Asean Chairmanship in 2025," the statement said. The statement further noted that this pivotal role underscores Malaysia's dedication to fostering regional collaboration and assuming leadership in communication and information security. In the same statement, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to building a future where responsible and transparent communication remains at the heart of every relationship. "As Malaysia assumes the role of the Asean Chair, we are reminded of the critical importance of leadership grounded in integrity, transparency and ethical communication. Public relations excellence is not merely about influence; it is about fostering trust, respect and meaningful connections that transcend borders. "In this pivotal moment, Malaysia is proud to lead by example, championing ethical communication as a cornerstone of our regional cooperation," he said. The statement also quoted IPRM president Jaffri Amin Osman as saying that the confluence of the Asean Excellence Award and international conference provides a unique opportunity to celebrate achievements and drive meaningful dialogue on critical issues, especially on AI, issues and crisis management, ethics, and governance in PR and communications. Reinforcing this view, IPRM Accreditation Board chairman Professor Datuk Seri Dr Syed Arabi Idid highlighted the crucial role of communication and English language mastery for an impactful Malaysian Asean Chairmanship, a point corroborated by a comprehensive International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Electoral Studies Research Unit survey. He emphasised that these skills, coupled with Malaysia's considerable international experience, will be vital in Asean's global representation, perfectly complementing the objectives of the upcoming conference and awards in fostering collaboration and raising PR and communication standards across the region. Meanwhile, APRN president Prita Kemal Gani said the Asean PR Excellence Award will recognise outstanding achievements in public relations across the Asean region, celebrating innovative campaigns and impactful initiatives that have contributed to the advancement of the profession. "We are thrilled to bring the award to Kuala Lumpur this year, a testament to the growing collaboration and dynamism within the Asean PR community. This event will be a catalyst for further growth and excellence in our field," she added. KLIP will feature international, Asean as well as national keynote speakers, panel discussions and interactive sessions, providing valuable insights and networking opportunities for attendees.
