IABC Malaysia Chapter

Founded in 1970, The International Association of Business Communicators provides a professional network of more than 15,000 business communication professionals in over 70 countries.

Our members hold positions in Public relations/Media relation, Corporate communications, Public affairs, Investor relations, Government relations, Marketing communication, Community relations, Writing, Editing, Training, Advertising, Video production, Graphic design, Human resources and Teaching.

For more information on IABC, please visit www.iabc.com/about

In Malaysia, IABC was first launched in 1993. The local chapter aims to promote an active local communications fraternity through the provision of resources to aid individuals to achieve excellence.

If you are still undecided how IABC can help in your work as a communicator, read what your collagues in the industry have to say.

“IABC is an organisation that is truly relevant to my work as a communicator. IABC has offered me a great source of up-to-date resources, comprehensive educational avenues and excellent networking opportunities. This has been beneficial to my professional and personal development.”

- S.S. Patricia, Managing Director, Pat-Lin Communications Sdn Bhd

“When I joined IABC in 2006, I was newly appointed as the Corporate Communication Manager. The IABC network and knowledgebase helped me fast track the development of the communication plans and strategies for my company.”

- Nik Anis Nik Zakaria

“The job of a communicator has changed rather dramatically in these recent few years. The challenges are unprecedented. Having access to a host of resources of latest trends, communication tools and case studies from around the world, is invaluable. IABC gives me all these and more!”

- Debbie Koh, Principal Consultant, JIREH Consult

“I was a founder member of IABC Malaysia Chapter and have been a loyal IABC member for more than 16 years. Throughout these years, I made many friends across the world and added new dimensions to my communications knowledge base and skills.”

- Rasila Hamzah, Managing Director of RUSS Consulting Sdn Bhd

“I only regret that I have not known about and joined IABC earlier. Having joined for less than a year, I am already experiencing awesome networking and learning opportunities!”

- Roger Kerk, New Media & Branding Director, WISM Works Sdn Bhd

“I have been with IABC Malaysia Chapter since 2004. One of the best international recognition for communicators is the annual Gold Quill Awards. At the national level it is called the Silver Quill Awards. Through IABC, I have learned a lot about professionalism in communications.”

- Sharon Ong

 CIMA World Conference 2009
13-14 July 2009 | Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre | Malaysia

Hear some of the world’s top business leaders speak about crucial business issues at the CIMA World Conference 2009.

Bringing together outstanding business speakers from around the world, the conference, themed ‘The global village - no boundaries, no limits’ will give you the opportunity to join and network with business leaders who have successfully transcended global barriers to reach the top of their industries.

Topics will include:

·       managing global profitability in a downturn

·       management accounting – managing costs, shaping the future

·       connecting the global village

·       putting strategy into action

Fees for IABC members: RM1,700 per person

Fee is inclusive of two-day conference and CIMA’s 90th Anniversary Gala Dinner.

Please insert ‘CWCIABC19‘ supporting partner registration code upon online registration, www.cimaglobal.com/worldconference

More details from conference brochure,

http://www.iabcmalaysia.com/flyers/CIMA_conference.pdf

Nestle Chef preparing a healthy and delicious breakfast.

On 21 May 2009, IABC Malaysia hosted its 10th Breakfast Forum Series on Web 2.0: Content Marketing Strategy. Graciously hosted by Nestle, two industry experts were invited as panelists for the forum - Mr. Roger Kerk, New Media Branding Director of WISM Works and Mr. Nicholas Chay, Marketing Manager of Nuffnang.

Members and friends of IABC kick-started their morning with healthy breakfast prepared by Nestle - fruit salad, cornflakes sandwiches and the mouth-watering maggi lasagna. Freshly prepared in a live cooking demonstration at the MAGGI studio, it was indeed a perfect way to start the day!

(L-R) Mr. Nicholas Chay, Marketing Manager of Nuffnang, and Mr. Roger Kerk, New Media and Branding Director of WISM Works responding to questions by participants.

After a delicious and healthy breakfast, the morning started with a presentation by Mr. Roger Kerk on Web 2.0: Content Marketing Strategy. One of the key discussion points raised by Roger was how to better utilise online communications tools (be it a content-based website or social networking applications such as facebook and tweeter) to enhance companies’ communications and marketing campaigns. 10 tips on how to better engage the audience through online medium were also shared during the forum.

Participants give their full attention to our speakers.

To complement Roger’s presentation, Mr. Nicholas Chay conducted a presentation on blogs and its relevance in Malaysia. Nicholas explained how blogs are quickly gaining popularity and are one of the influencer and trendsetter for the public today. He also shared previous case studies on well-known and successful online marketing campaigns which involves bloggers. 

All in all, it was an interactive forum where speakers and participants shared opinion and discussed past experiences with other communicators in the industry.

For more info on the event and to view event’s flyer, please click here.

A great case study for communicators, IABC Malaysia Chapter and Asia Media Monitors presented THE OBAMA REPORT, a comprehensive analysis of the media coverage surrounding the inauguration of the first African-American U.S. President, Barack Obama.

Undertaken across eight key media markets in the Asia-Pacific region, involving over 3,000 media stories across print, radio, television and news websites, THE OBAMA REPORT analysed key messages in media coverage, providing insight on whether the media believes President Obama can deliver on his promises.

The report also:

• examined the discourse regarding President Obama’s inauguration in traditional and new media
• seek to understand the discrepancies between different media types and their interdependencies.
• tracked the differences in content across different countries and different media types
• showcased trends such as the increasing level of news website coverage in many markets.

In a nutshell, THE OBAMA REPORT showed how in-depth media intelligence has helped him win the US presidency.

As a matter of application for communicators, THE OBAMA REPORT gave insights into how a comprehensive media analysis can support communications functions, provide measurements of key communications objectives and keep us ahead of developing trends. It also demonstrated how critical information obtained from media analysis can assist 21st Century organisations measure and manage media relations effectively.

Relax, unwind, have some drinks and food with your fellow practitioners or share a laugh over hilarious moments!

IABC Malaysia Communicators’ Chill Out is  meant to be just that - an informal get together with no fixed programme. Just come as you are and interact freely. Let your hair down and chill out. It’s also an opportunity to expand your communications contacts and get to know your fellow communicators.

IABC Malaysia Communicators’ Chill Out is targeted as a monthly session and we will meet at various locations. Make your way to the inaugural chill out session as follows and bring along your friends from the communications fraternity:

• Date: Tuesday, 7th April 2009
• Time: 7.30 pm - 9 pm
• Venue: Marmalade Cafe, 1F-18, First Floor, Bangsar Village II, No 1 Jalan Telawi Dua, Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur

Please RSVP by calling Sally at 03-76650150 or emailing to secretariat@iabcmalaysia.com

IABC Malaysia Chapter has recently hosted a special panel forum talk on the topic of Effective Internal Communications During Economic Downturn.

The current economic downturn has inevitably affected numerous companies around the world. Many have to resort to retrenchment while others are preparing themselves for a tougher ride ahead.

For companies who are downsizing, how should we break the news to employees and yet maintaining a positive employeer brand in the eyes of internal and external stakeholders? If not communicated strategically, this can potentially be a huge public relations disaster.

As for companies who are on a defence mode, how should we communicate to motivate employees and keep them focused on the company’s goal and directions? How can we avoid speculations and insecurities?

Furthermore, can we turn this crisis into opportunity? Can a simple yet powerful internal communications be the key?

Ms. Jennifer Mok, former HR Manager of ICI Paints Vietnam and Malaysia, and Jobstreet were present to discuss and share experience with participants. The forum took place on 19 March 2009, before the IABC Malaysia Chapter Annual General Meeting (AGM).

IABC Malaysia Chapter has organised a half-day workshop on the topic of: From Tactical to Strategic Communications (by IABC International Chair - Ms. Barbara Gibson) on Monday, 3rd November 2008.

Participants who have attended gained valuable information on how to:

• Discover the real issue that communication plan should address
• Ensure communication plan is aligned with business objectives
• Gain executive buy-in for communication plan
• Define and understand audiences
• Set the right strategic objectives and design tactical plans to achieve them
• Measure the right things

About Ms. Barbara Gibson

Barbara heads London-based independent consultancy, SpokesComm, providing both strategic communications planning and media spokesperson developemtent. An American transplant to the UK with more than 20 years experience in corporate communications and public relations, she has worked with leading companies worldwide.

An active member since 1989, Barbara has served as volunteer leadership roles at every level of the association. She is a past president to both the Central Florida and UK chapters, past Region Chair for IABC Europe and Middle East, and served on the International Executive Board for three years prior to becoming International Chair of IABC in June 2008.

DEAR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF IABC

Don’t forget…September 2008 is a Worldwide Membership Month for IABC! 

This means that for new or lapsed members who join or re-join IABC, we’ll waive the application fee (US$40/CDN$44 for faxed/mailed/phoned enrolments; US$30/CDN$33 for Internet enrolments).* Please remember: applications must be *received* at the San Francisco Headquarters office during the month of September to qualify.  This promotion does not apply to current members or students.

And, once again, there’s a bonus…we’re hosting an open house of the members-only IABC web site in September.  For the month of September, everyone will have free access to:

- All of our content archives such as Communication World, CW Bulletin, case studies, and conference presentations - MyComm - Read access to MemberSpeak and the IABC Buzz -The Job Centre

To try us out, sign up at: http://www.iabc.com/login/trial.cfm  (This login will not be available before or after the month of September).

 The IABC Breakfast Forum held on May 29, 2008 was a panel discussion on the topic “Engaging Conventional and New Media Tools for Maximum Impact”. This is a follow through of the previous talk.

We have invited as our session panel member, Mr Wong Sai Wan, Deputy Executive Editor, Star Publications; Encik Sidek Kamiso, Head, External Communications, Corporate Affairs Division, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, and Mr Hieu Kau Sern from Starcom MediaVest Group. The panel was moderated by Encik Amir Mahmood Razak, Editor, Astro Awani.

The forum seeks to highlight the perspectives from the media, consultancy and corporations on how different tools – both conventional and new media – can be deployed for maximum impact in communications.