The 4th ASEAN PR Excellence Award

ASEAN Young Practitioner of the Year

• Diamond – Vương Duy Đức (Chris Wong), Account Director of SAM Communications (Vietnam)

At SAM Communications, Mr. Chris Wong brings a considered and thoughtful approach to leadership but also a willingness to learn. He takes the time to listen and make sure everyone is included in the conversation then returns with a thoughtful and inclusive decision. Yet when it is time to take the initiative, he does it with gusto and determination. His honesty, friendliness and considerate nature are qualities that make him a natural leader. He always sees the good side of people and encourages other staff members to do the same. Mr. Chris has an open door policy and has time for everyone who comes to his door and he works tirelessly well beyond a normal work week.

In the two years since Chris has assumed the position of Senior Account Manager to Account Director, his affable nature, clear insight and guiding vision have garnered the respect and admiration of staff, students and the community alike. His efforts are also recognized by Advertising Vietnam – a top marketing media in Vietnam that reviews and analyzes marketing campaigns. They often interview Chris about the insight of Public Relations Practitioners, tips to work effectively in PR industry and his opinions on current PR trends.

• Gold – Khrisma Fitriasari, Head of Corporate Communications & Government Affairs Mondelez (Indonesia)

As Head of Corporate Communication & Government Affairs for Mondale Z Indonesia, Khrisma Fitriasari’s work areas include Internal Communications, External Communications, Government Affair, Community and Issues Management. In the Governmen Affairs area, one of the responsibilities of the team he leads includes facilitating the entry of various Mondelēz Internationa global investments to Indonesia, through coordination with the Indonesian government and other external stakeholders.

Meanwhile, for the external pm communications area, her team has developed variousocreative PR campaigns to convey Mondelēz Indonesia’s corporate image to the public. For example, the #NGEMIL BIJAK CAMPAIGN which managed to get the best creative PR from MIX Magazine 2020. Then in the Community & Sustainability area, the initiatives they have carried out include plastic waste management and public education #BIJAK PLASTIC SEJAK DINI which managed to collect more than 2.1 tons of plastic waste they had recycled. Before joining PT. Mondelēz Indonesia in 2016, Khrisma had a career at PT PwPreviouslyC Indonesia with the position of Marcomm Manager.  he had experience in the communication field at PT. Unilever Indonesia for 6 years with positions as Internal Communications Manager and Assistant Brand Manager for Sariwangi products.

• Silver – Amelinda Fidella, Member of Perhumas Indonesia & Communications Management System & Partnership at PT Astra International Tbk (Indonesia)

A communications enthusiast with a Bachelor’s Degree focused in International Relations and Affairs from London School Of Public Relations – Jakarta. Experienced in more than 8 years in the field of Public Relations with a demonstrated history of working in the human resources industry, and one of the largest companies in Indonesia. Working on the Communications Management System of the company since 2018, actively involved in Lembaga Sertifikasi Astra as member also communications competency assessor.

 

Outstanding Public Relations Project – Student

• Diamond – Blue Energy (HUTECH & ROYAL SCHOOL), (Vietnam)

The painting – coloring project named “Colors of Gratitude” was organized by a group of second-year and first-year students of HUTECH University named Blue Energy with the guide of the Dean of Public Relations Mr. Vũ Quốc Anh.

The project was in the form of a picture with a length of more than 100m and a height of 1m5 to convey gratitude and remember the efforts of all unnamed heroes in the fight against Covid-19. Those are the medical force, military medicine, army, police, businesses, sponsors, students. They also include the smallest individuals in the vast society out there: a security guard who has joined the security forces in the neighborhood, an ordinary citizen who distributes gasoline along the road stations to people, moving back to their hometown to avoid the epidemic, an aunt gave free rice to everyone during the period of social distancing, students and volunteers volunteered to fight the epidemic, etc. Regardless of age, profession, and status, all those giving hearts without asking for return should be recognized and honored.

• Gold – Mediaverse (Van Lang University & VinUniversity), (Vietnam)

In 2022, the Mediaverse project was founded to pursue the idea of creating media in the Metaverse space, as well as new marketing and communication solutions. In 2022, the project achieved many outstanding achievements, including winning the First Prize of Ra Khoi 2022 for start-up ideas at Van Lang University and finishing second at Finnovation 2022 – a significant innovation startup competition in Vietnam for financial technology for students. Then there are the top ten of the Lead The Change contest, which serves as a testing ground for startups’ creative challenges in 2022 (IEB 2022).

Starling Asia company provided Mediaverse with support and trust in December 2022. The company has assigned the organization to work on a project. Mediaverse was assigned by VBU to be in charge of event communication and the MUSE Fashion Show at the World Blockchain Summit MARVELS 2022 event, which was co-organized by Vietnam Blockchain Union (VBU) and KCS Korea.

• Silver – Mangharcana – Batik Cibuluh, (Indonesia)

Cibuluh Batik Village itself is one of the villages in the North Bogor area which produces hand-drawn batik and stamped batik. At first, Cibuluh Batik Village still stood alone by employing workers from Pekalongan due to inadequate human resources. In 2016, the empowerment of local residents began and received a good response. Collaborate with the city government to provide training to local women. In 2018, 30 people took part in the training, however, only 6 people took batik training seriously. Until now, around 40 people have been active in developing the business. Then, in collaboration with the city government, the tourism agency, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade for MSMEs, the Batik Village was established in 2019. From a total of 40 batik makers, they are divided into 9 groups, and each group has its own brands that have been registered in HAKI (Intellectual property rights), with Batik Kujang as their characteristic motif patterns.

• Bronze – Cozy Village, (Indonesia)

Cozy village is the first educational program created for the community of Pasir Jengkol village that aims to raise the awareness of the community that they can contribute to start taking actions from home in order to utilise organic waste for waste management purposes. Assisting Huma Eco Enzyme to empower housewives in Permata Indah Permai, Pasir Jengkol Village, Karawang to be able to maintain natural stability by reducing the amount of their home organic waste by converting the organic waste into eco enzyme materials. Cozy Village targeted 75% for the measurement because there were 120 heads of family that live in Perumahan Indah Permai with 90 housewives in total, which are our primary target audience. We choose that number because not all of the housewives are related with our target audience age criteria. This means only 75 people must participate in our program.

 

Outstanding University / Institution for Public Relations

• Diamond – LSPR Institute of Communication and Business (Indonesia)

The London School of Public Relations – Jakarta was established in July 1992 by Dr. (H.C) Prita Kemal Gani MBA, MCIPR, APR, FIPR. In 2019, it successfully changed its name to LSPR Institute of Communication and Business, a recognized tertiary education institution acknowledged by the Ministry of Education and international partners, offering undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees.The institute is committed to produce top quality and highly skilled communication graduates. As the leading communication institution in Indonesia, it has created an interactive learning environment with a research structure and recognizes the need to globalize the next generation, through collaboration with other international organizations, institutions and universities.

Since 2002, LSPR has been accredited “A” for its Undergraduate Programme in Communication Studies and in 2015 was the first private university to receive ‘A’ accreditation for its Postgraduate Programme in Communication from Badan Akreditasi Nasional PerguruanTinggi (BAN-PT, The National Accreditation Body of Higher Education in Indonesia). In 2016 as an award winning graduate school of communication, LSPR received recognition as the “Best Graduate School of Communication” from Indonesian Media and has produced 20,000 alumni up to and including 2019.

• Gold – Monash University Malaysia, School of Arts and Social Sciences (Malaysia)

Monash University Malaysia champions the unit Transforming community: Project design and public relations for social campaigns to allow students to explore the strategic side of designing a public relations campaign for real causes and real clients. Students are given the opportunity to work as hypothetical consultancies for Soroptimist International Club of Bangsar and Amnesty International Malaysia as clients. Students designed campaign plans and publicity tools (PSAs/ social media infographics and messaging) encompassing the 17 UN SDG’s covering diverse societal topics like environmental ESG’s like waste management / flood mitigation, human related issues like death penalty/ freedom of speech and teenage sexuality, health.

• Silver – De La Salle University – Dasmariñas (Philippines)

De La Salle University-Dasmariñas’ has a wide range of undergraduate programs. Students get to explore their potentials in their specific fields of interests with a curriculum that adheres to standards set by the Commission on Higher Education.With DLSU-D’s network of international partners, the courses offered by the University also meet world class standards. 

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication program prepares students for the rapidly shifting and highly connected organizations and media landscape that they can explore after graduation. The course is designed to provide students with knowledge, competencies, and techniques that they can use to produce, design, execute, and measure plans for target audiences and stakeholders across multiple channels to support engagement communication, and relationship building with innovative visuals and technologies. The program is divided into three specialization categories — Film, Public Relations, and Advertising, depending on the student’s field of interest. Graduates of this program can be engaged in a number of career branches and find their skills useful in the field of public relations, marketing, advertising, film production, sales, human resource, business, and in media

• Bronze – Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), (Malaysia)

Established in 1972, the Public Relations programme (MC242) is considered a pioneer in the area of public relations education in the country at the diploma and degree levels. In 2000, it also saw the inception of the first public relations professional student charter, the Institute of Public Relations Malaysia Student Association (IPRMSA).

The programme’s vision is to empower strategic communications practices and values to create graduates who are self-reliant and industry-ready.  With that in mind, the programme’s mission is to adopt the industry’s best practices and adapt them onto our curriculum to ensure the industry-academia gap is significantly aligned. Apart from its emphasis on the tactical communication skills required to build strategic relationships, the programme also prides itself in introducing epistemology and ethics to inculcate critical thinking and prepare students to work with ambiguity and alternate perspectives, especially in today’s uncertain times. To date, the programme has produced many high-achieving graduates who are today’s captains of the industry.

The Public Relations programme keeps itself abreast of current trends and developments through networks and linkages to industry greats from government agencies to private entities such as PETRONAS, PermodalanNasionalBerhad (PNB), Eric Pringles, Ogilvy PR and Burson Cohn & Wolfe, to name a few. These strategic alliances ensure that the programme continues to grow and play a much-needed role in today’s communication industry. 

 

Best PR Programme

• Diamond – COMS 360 : Campaigns Academy (Philippines)

COMS360 established the COMS360 CAMPAIGNS ACADEMY— an internship program explicitly tailored for aspiring PR practitioners and communicators. The primary objective of the COMS360 “CAMPAIGNS ACADEMY” is to provide participants with a comprehensive and immersive experience in end-to-end campaign creation and management. By offering this well-rounded program, the academy aims to equip its interns with the essential skills, knowledge, and tools required to excel in the dynamic and competitive PR industry.

The academy’s curriculum is thoughtfully designed to encompass various aspects of campaign development and management. Participants undergo extensive training, covering a wide range of topics, including market research, strategic planning, message development, media relations, digital marketing, crisis communication, and campaign evaluation. This comprehensive approach ensures that students gain a holistic understanding of the PR landscape and the various elements that contribute to successful
campaigns.

• Gold – PLDT Home (Philippines)

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted women, including moms, –many of whom had to quit their jobs and find other means to help their families. Understanding the increasing financial responsibilities Filipina mothers face, PLDT Home and a group of Filipino mompreneurs launched Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH) in September 2020. A Filipino term for someone resourceful, “madiskarte” fittingly captured the spirit of Filipino moms who took on the challenge of online entrepreneurship amid the pandemic.

An online community for aspiring, starting, and experienced mompreneurs, MMPH aims to educate them on how to successfully start or grow their business; build a strong support system with like- minded moms in a safe online space; and empower them to succeed in their entrepreneurial journey through technology and skills training in partnership with industry leaders. Through MMPH, mompreneurs now have a space where they can learn and grow together and build their dreams for their families

• Silver – Operation Smile Vietnam: Sport Changes Lives (Vietnam)

Through sports activities, Operation Smile aims to promote an active lifestyle that fosters positive change and enhances individuals’ quality of life. Furthermore, when these activities are coupled with charity programs, they create opportunities for the community to make meaningful contributions and generate value.

Operation Smile Vietnam takes pride in pioneering opportunities for collaboration and proactively seeks strategic partnerships with sports organizations and partners. They leveraged collective resources to organize impactful sports activities and engage businesses supporting their mission. Throughout their implementation, they also established a dedicated sports community of professional athletes and influential figures who passionately serve as ambassadors for their cause.  Ultimately, these efforts have the power to transform the lives of children born with facial deformities through Operation Smile’s free and safe surgeries.

• Bronze – ASTRA Infra, Lebaran Kembali Berseri (Indonesia)

Through the campaign program that was included in the PR INDONESIA Awards (PRIA) 2023 event in the PR Program category, the company engaged in infrastructure, especially highway roads, wants to invite the public to be wise when planning their Eid homecoming by prioritizing driving safety on toll roads. The company which manages the eight Trans Java highways roads also wants to take advantage of the homecoming moment to improve its brand image as a corporation that is ready to provide the best service during Eid Al Fitr homecoming. In Indonesia, the traffic on the highway for the Eid Al Fitr season is severe and critical. There are times where passengers were stuck in the middle of the highway with no gas left or rest area to access which caused several deaths.

Therefore, ASTRA Infra launched the Lebaran Kembali BERSERI preparing for better infrastructure connectivity and technological innovation. In addition to that, ASTRA Infra prepared advice and tips for the traveler to avoid the traffic. ASTRA Infra educated the traveler to use the electronic money card for the highway gates as it is the most efficient payment method. ASTRA Infra works together with the police and government to create an orderly and safe journey. ASTRA Infra also builds an urgent rest area in specific spots where the traffic occurs to avoid exhaustion for the travelers.

 

Best PR Practitioners

• Diamond – Boy Kelana Soebroto (Indonesia)

His entire career is about being immersed into the world of communications. A multi talented Bachelor of Law with many hobbies on the side.  The love for communications came after his career in radio as a Radio Broadcaster until General Manager. Entered into the madness of advertising-brand consulting as an Account Executive at McCann-Erickson. Then continued to build experience by joining a couple of brand agencies such as Bates, Publicis and DDB as the Group Account Director.

Entered corporate life, as the Manager-Head of Internal Relations Dept. Corporate Communications at Astra International, determined to strengthen the corporate values across the group and make an impact in the world of brand communications. Now with bigger tasks, he roles as General Manager-Head of Corporate Communications at Astra International.

On weekends he spends his time as a Program Facilitator at Talk Inc Consulting Corporation, specifically on Public Speaking Classes. He is also the Chairman of The Indonesia Public Relations Association PERHUMAS, and Board Member of Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management.

• Gold – Dr. Nutthaboon Pornrattanacharoen (Thailand)

He has many experiences of development of the causal relations model for innovative communication management on image and reputation of the international programs in Thai universities with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry more than 20 years, an international speaker at universities and international conferences and also fully professional skills experiences in Social Engagement projects, USR, CSR, Education Marketing, PR and Event Management, Media Relations, Digital Photography and Digital Media.

• Silver – Ronald Jabal (Philippines)

Throughout his career, Ron has been honored with over 200 trophies from esteemed award-giving bodies across the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and the Philippines. Notable among these awards is his recognition as one of the eight Internal Communicators of the Year at the UK-based Melcrum SCM Awards in 2014. He received the People of the Year award (Communicator of the Year) at the Golden Flag Awards in Beijing, China, in 2020. The following year in  2021, he was honored as  one of the Best PR Practitioners at the 3rd ASEAN PR Excellence Awards. The following year in 2022, he was declared APAC Communications Professional of the Year by the Asia Pacific Stevies Award, and in 2023, he was adjudged Thought Leader in Asia Pacific by the same award giving body.

Ron’s reputation as a renowned PR professional extends globally. He has played a pivotal role as a Lead for the Crisis and Risk Management Working Group of the Asia Pacific Association of Communications Directors (APACD), and his thought leadership has been acknowledged by the International Public Relations Association (IPRA). In the past, he held the esteemed position of President of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines and is among the few APRs in the country. Currently, he proudly serves as the President and Founder of the Reputation Management Association of the Philippines.

• Bronze – G. Manickam Govindraju (Malaysia)

With 19 years of experience in the teaching industry and currently serving as a Senior Lecturer at Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus, the applicant has immersed herself in guiding students towards success in Public Relations and Communication. Her dedication to teaching is evident in her passion for fostering the skills necessary to execute successful campaigns. At the core of her teaching philosophy is the belief in learning from mistakes. Emphasising that failure is a valuable teacher, she encourages students to embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth. This prepares them to be resilient and competent future PR practitioners. Throughout her career, the applicant has diversified her experiences by collaborating with a diverse array of clients, including corporate, NGO, and government entities. However, it is in the realm of agriculture and food security where Ms. Manickam finds her true calling. Recognizing the significance of carving a niche in such a field, she mentors her students to specialize in this area and stand out from the crowd.

Best PR Agencies

• Diamond – COMS360 (Philippines)

COMS360, a public relations agency in the Philippines, stands out by providing distinct services beyond the typical offerings of PR agencies. It was established with the vision of catering to discerning clientele, including other PR agencies lacking specific expertise or services. The agency’s founder, now the Chair and CEO, recognized the gap in the PR landscape where most agencies focused on marketing communications, media relations, and publicity. Few engaged with other stakeholders, shying away from social campaigns, issue management, and crisis communication, leaving significant voids in the industry.

Determined to address these shortcomings, COMS360 delved into development communication, government advocacy, and reputation risk management. Since its inception in 2015, the agency has built a solid reputation and carved a niche, becoming the preferred choice for top corporations, prominent businesses, and political figures in the country. Their expertise in reputation management and behavior change communication has made them a sought-after partner for development organizations seeking impactful social marketing campaigns.

• Gold – Image Dynamics (Indonesia)

“Image Dynamics is the Preferred Public Relations/PR Agency in Jakarta-Indonesia. Media relations is our strength. Get an impact with your story!”

This promise of Image Dynamics does not seem like an exaggeration. The proof is that the journalists chose him from among the various PR agencies that they often deal with. This agency does have close relations with all media, both national and local media. So it is not surprising that they dare to consistently promise the results of coverage and publicity will be according to the wishes of the client. The Image Dynamics client is no joke either. A number of big brands such as Google Indonesia, Grab Indonesia, Tokopedia, Honda, Coca-Cola Indonesia, Nestle Indonesia, Djarum Foundation are clients who are willing to collaborate in the long term. Some are recorded in the span of dozens of years.

In serving clients, this agency has four values that are always a guide and must be upheld by the entire team in order to provide maximum performance. Those values are passionate, respectful, practical and proactive. The company believes that the PR business is about people and trust.

• Silver – iOLi Communications (Malaysia)

• Bronze – Shebs PR Empire (Malaysia)

Shebs PR Empire has been invited to collaborate with local universities in Malaysia and International universities especially in Jordan, Australia, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand in sharing PR and Communication knowledge and skills through various communications programs, workshops and trainings in physical as well online platforms. In addition, Shebs PR Empire has been collaborated with corporate organizations in bridging corporate world with universities. Basically, it is more focusing to “experience through personal engagement with PR practitioners” in adding to knowledge gained from books as well as in adding valuable and workable values to current educational system locally and internationally.

 

Best PR Campaign

• Diamond – COMS360 – BalikBayan: Bumalik Sa Bayan, Ibalik Sa Bayan (Philippines)

COMS360’s social media campaign, “BALIKBAYAN: Bumalik Sa Bayan, Ibalik Sa Bayan,” was a strategic response to the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the tourism industry. As travel restrictions were implemented worldwide to prevent the spread of the virus, the Philippines’ international tourist receipts plummeted by up to 36% in 2020 compared to the pre-pandemic period. This decline was alarming as the tourism industry contributed significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provided numerous job opportunities.

Two years after the pandemic, the Philippines, along with other Asian Pacific countries, faced the lowest percentage of recovered international tourist arrivals, hindering the industry’s revival. In light of these challenges, COMS360 launched its campaign, targeting Filipino travelers who documented their trips online in 2022 and local tourism businesses.

• Gold – Sarawak Tourism Board – Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival (Malaysia)

The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) is one of the most exciting music festivals in South East Asia and top 25 globally organised by Sarawak Tourism Board. After a 3-year hiatus from being fully physical, RWMF made a spectacular 2023 comeback with a resounding commitment to sustainability. More than 19,000 festival goers responded to the call for Responsible Tourism. The promotion of the event included strong PR related activities primarily in Europe, Australia and Asia showcasing Sarawak’s advocacy of  an eco-friendly festival for the RWMF. The overall PR Value for the event alone was RM 3,981,196.38 with 90.7X ROI.

• Silver – PLDT Home Philippines – An Election Campaign: Usap Tayo (Philippines)

Among all the subjects discussed within the family and between friends, politics can be the most polarizing. As manifested in the 2022 Philippine presidential election, many people had actually ended friendships and cut family ties due to differences in political views and opinions that were further fueled by social media and other online platforms.

Exercising one’s fundamental human right to freedom of opinion and expression has been taken to extremes to the point of being irresponsible, offensive, violent, hateful, and unkind – therefore, affecting personal relationships.

As a family brand that advocates creating a safe space at home, PLDT Home launched the #UsapTayo campaign, encouraging families to share genuine, honest and meaningful conversations with love, mutual respect and kindness. #UsapTayo also reminded families to find a common ground because, at the end of the day, family is far more important than winning an argument over politics.

• Bronze – DBS Indonesia – Recover Stronger Recover Live (Indonesia)

“Recover Stronger, Recover Lives” is the spirit of Bank DBS Indonesia during the pandemic which was elaborated through a series of programs, such as donation programs, holding vaccinations, volunteer programs involving employees (employee volunteering), to organizing mentoring programs with competent sources to help entrepreneurs. small and medium scale (SMEs) so that they can continue to run their business. The reason is that the pandemic paralyzed the businesses of SMEs.

The donation program includes medical equipment assistance to various hospitals, food donations to affected communities by the pandemic and health workers, as well as hundreds of food packages in the #MakanTanpaSisa campaign program. Bank DBS Indonesia also through its volunteers known as People of Purpose (PoP), carries out various social actions to help the community, especially those affected by the pandemic. Since December 2021, the PoP program has totaled 15,529 employee hours. Regarding the mentoring program for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME), as many as 20 SMEs received benefits during the program. Employees dedicate a minimum of four hours of their time to carry out beneficial activities for others and the environment.

 

Best Crisis Management

• Diamond – Department of Information Malaysia (Ja-Pen) (Malaysia)

The mission of Department of Information, Malaysia (JaPen) is to translate and market the country’s policies and agenda so that they are understood, supported, appreciated and cultured by all citizens through information programs. The obligations of JaPen to the public is to provide information and explanations related to the country’s policies, philosophy and vision; and build, strengthen and expand a comprehensive and effective communication network in managing strategic information; providing expert services and publishing information and visual communication materials.

 

Best Government PR

• Diamond – Bank BRI (Indonesia)

UMKM EXPO(RT) BRILIANPRENEUR has been a distinct and creative industry exhibition since 2019, showcasing the work of Indonesia’s best Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through various enchanting art installations, artist performances, series of interesting and useful programs, such as business matching, talkshow, coaching clinic, and MSMEs Awards. In the midst of COVID-19, where MSMEs are the most vulnerable to the pandemic’s economic impact, Bank BRI emphasizes its commitment to promoting national economic recovery through a series of concrete steps aimed at reviving MSMEs by encouraging them to Go Digital.

As a result, Bank BRI organized the first hybrid exhibition in Indonesia, UMKM EXPO(RT) BRILIANPRENEUR 2020. It used the hybrid exhibition concept, displaying a showcase of hundreds of UMKM products at the Jakarta Convention Center as well as through a 3D Virtual Expo that the public could access from anywhere in the world. In addition to the event being held at the Jakarta Convention Center as usual, the exhibition featured a 3D Virtual Expo showcase of 573 participating MSMEs, attractively presented alongside art installations. This virtual exhibition could be accessed through www.brilianpreneur.com, presenting the sensation of a real exhibition in cyberspace while also providing visitors with new experiences. UMKM EXPO(RT) BRILIANPRENEUR 2020 had 116,628 website visitors from all over the world, including Indonesia, the United States, China, Australia, the United Kingdom, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, India, and Japan.

• Gold – Shebs PR Empire (Malaysia)

Shebley as an individual has been working closely with few Government Agencies in adding workable PR & Communication values to the current working system through various campaign and programs such as branding, promotion, content creation, video productions etc. It is to strengthen the PR & Communication system within the agency and at the ministry level

• Silver – Pag – IBIG Fund (Philippines)

The demand of the fast-changing times and its challenges require a concrete and diverse approach for organizations to thrive. Pag-IBIG Fund had to strategize its ways to ensure that members can access its services the easiest way possible, whenever, and wherever they need it. The Virtual Pag-IBIG, Virtual Offices for Overseas Filipino Workers, Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card Plus, and Lingkod Pag-IBIG on Wheels have become Pag-IBIG Funds means to bring services closer to members. Through these platforms, members can now track their accounts, pay dues, and make transactions with the Fund without going to the branch. The success of these initiatives earned a total of 9,291,379 social media impressions, PHP 252,653. 84 media publicities, and garnered around 13 reports and pick-ups. More importantly, these initiatives have helped over 4 million Filipinos own new and better homes, secure financial assistance and gain their Pag- IBIG Funds benefits safely, securely and conveniently.

• Bronze – Department of Information Malaysia (Ja-Pen) (Malaysia)

The mission of Department of Information, Malaysia (JaPen) is to translate and market the country’s policies and agenda so that they are understood, supported, appreciated and cultured by all citizens through information programs. The obligations of JaPen to the public is to provide information and explanations related to the country’s policies, philosophy and vision; and build, strengthen and expand a comprehensive and effective communication network in managing strategic information; providing expert services and publishing information and visual communication materials.

 

Best Comm Use of Digital Platforms

• Diamond – Temus – Step Up into IT: Helping Singaporeans with zero tech skills become builders for the nation’s Digital Economy (Singapore)

Established in April 2021, Temus is dedicated to driving the digital transformation of Singapore’s economy and beyond. Boasting a strong Singapore core with ambitions to grow in tandem with Singapore’s Smart Nation aspirations, the company is poised for a five-fold increase in its ~200 strong workforce by 2025. In August 2022, Temus launched Step IT Up (SIU), one of Singapore’s first ‘hire, place and train’ programmes to widen and multiply the local tech talent pool. SIU provides an accelerated path into tech for Singaporeans and PRs without technical training and background. It encourages employers to look beyond traditional supply streams to alleviate the talent shortage, supporting Singapore’s Digital Economy aspirations while offering more individuals socioeconomic mobility.

• Gold – ASTRA Life (Indonesia)

PT ASURANSI JIWA ASTRA (Astra Life) is a life insurance provider company that was founded in 2014 and is owned by PT Astra International Tbk, PT Sedaya Multi Investama, and the Astra International Cooperative. With the spirit of #iGotYourBack, Astra Life is committed to bringing protection to every Indonesian family with a complete insurance product line that includes life, health, accident, investment-linked life insurance (unit link), sharia life insurance, as well as group customers in the form of employee welfare program (employee benefit group business) and pension fund founder (DPLK).

• Silver – Michau & Damsan by Pencil Group: Promote Full Essence of Hozo International Music Festival (Vietnam)

The HOZO International Music Festival aims to revive the relevance of traditional folk culture and promote Vietnamese values and music to a global audience. MICHAU and DAMSAN, two virtual idols with unique appearances and powerful vocals, were created to introduce traditional Vietnamese folk culture to a new generation through innovative technology, music, and culture.

 With the help of social media campaigns, music videos, and live performances, MICHAU and DAMSAN have successfully captured the attention of young people and have contributed to the success of the HOZO festival, which can be seen through the performance metrics, including high levels of engagement and reach on social media. The festival has set a new precedent for showcasing cultural values and promoting Vietnamese history and values to the world.

• Bronze – Indosat ID: Indosat Ooredoo Hutchinson (Indonesia)

IDCamp is a scholarship program from Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison to produce young Indonesian developers/programmers who are ready to compete in the world of digital economy. This program is one of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs in the Digital Education pillar as an effort to build Indonesia as a Digital Nation. Continuing the success of IDCamp in 2019 and 2021 which has produced 23,908 certified developers, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison once again holds the IDCamp 2022 which is to provide thousands of scholarships to study coding.

The IDCamp online training module was developed by Dicoding as Google Authorized Training Partners in Indonesia, in collaboration with Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison by utilizing use cases that are often encountered in the industrial world, especially telecommunications and digital, and also strengthened by online mentoring methods.

 

Best Comm Use of Social Media

• Diamond – COMS 360 – BalikBayan: Bumalik Sa Bayan, Ibalik Sa Bayan (Philippines)

COMS360’s social media campaign, “BALIKBAYAN: Bumalik Sa Bayan, Ibalik Sa Bayan,” was a strategic response to the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the tourism industry. As travel restrictions were implemented worldwide to prevent the spread of the virus, the Philippines’ international tourist receipts plummeted by up to 36% in 2020 compared to the pre-pandemic period. This decline was alarming as the tourism industry contributed significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provided numerous job opportunities.

Two years after the pandemic, the Philippines, along with other Asian Pacific countries, faced the lowest percentage of recovered international tourist arrivals, hindering the industry’s revival. In light of these challenges, COMS360 launched its campaign, targeting Filipino travelers who documented their trips online in 2022 and local tourism businesses.

• Gold – Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Company (PNJ) Agency: Climax, Kim Chi (Vietnam)

With the ambition to strengthen the brand’s True Love platform, it was a top priority for PNJ to stand out from a sea of brands talking about love on Valentine’s Day. Observing through social media channels, PNJ, the leading jewelry brand in Vietnam, realized that most of Vietnamese married couples skipped marriage proposals as in Vietnamese culture, marriage decisions typically involve numerous discussions and careful consideration involving families. Therefore, marriage proposal is still an unpopular concept, and flashy movie-style proposals are seen as impractical.

 PNJ foreseen a blue ocean market by transforming this day into the ultimate day of marriage proposals that empowers lovebirds of all ages – whether dating or married – to cherish an unforgettable moment of their life, as they pop the question in the most bespoke way possible. The campaign not only shedded light on the true values of proposing, created a new dimension of Valentine celebration for couples all over the country, but also reinforced PNJ image as the ambassador of True Love and cultivated a blue ocean market for the brand by making Valentine’s Day the ultimate festival for marriage proposal

• Silver – YeaH1 Group (Vietnam)

The “24H – MEGA LIVESTREAM” program is the first milestone marking the introduction of the Shoppertainment trend into the Social Commerce industry in Vietnam. As a result, YeaH1 Up production company, has developed and executed a communication strategy on social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, news online, and the central focus has been on the TikTok platform.

• Bronze – Megaworld Corporation (Philippines)

In November 2021, Kevin L. Tan—chief operating officer (CEO) of Alliance Global Group, Inc. (AGI), one of the Philippines’ largest conglomerates with business interests in real estate, spirits, integrated tourism, quick service restaurants, and infrastructure development, and chief strategy officer of AGI subsidiary Megaworld Corporation—started his Youtube vlog to connect better with various stakeholders, particularly the younger generation poised to become the future clients of AGI’s different companies.

Tan’s efforts to champion effective leadership communication have been met with great delight and approval, with all his 15 episodes for the first year receiving an average of 58,310 views and his page having nearly 1.1 million total views after just about a year of going live. Viewers expressed approval of Tan’s way of connecting and engaging with his audience, while Megaworld investors expressed delight for Tan’s efforts in helping place greater value on their investments with the company

• Runner Up Bronze – Sabah Tourism Board (Malaysia)

The Sabah Tourism Board (STB), or generally known as Sabah Tourism is an agency of the Sabah State Government, operating under the purview of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment. Sabah Tourism’s primary responsibility marketing and promotion of tourism for the State of Sabah. Post-pandemic, STB launched Feel Sabah, North Borneo, its new destination branding. It is meant to evoke the sentiment of slow travel, to feel and the destination, its culture and its offerings and also remind travellers on the geographical location that Sabah is located on the northern part of the Borneo island.

 

Lifetime Achievement Award 2023

• Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 – Jahja Setiaatmadja –  President Director of PT Bank Central Asia Tbk., Indonesia

Jahja Setiaatmadja is a senior banker who leads BCA, the bank with the largest market capitalization in Indonesia. Starting his career as an accountant at the firm PricewaterhouseCooper, Jahja has held various managerial positions at the pharmaceutical company PT Kalbe Farma Tbk. and served as director of PT Indomobil for the period 1980-1989.

Has been active in the banking industry since 1999 at BCA. Since then his career has continued to climb because of his expertise in managing BCA. In 2006-2011 Jahja was entrusted with becoming the Deputy President Director of BCA. Furthermore, at the General Meeting of Shareholders (GMS) of BCA on June 17 2011, Jahja was officially appointed as President Director of BCA until now.

Despite being the number 1 official at BCA, Jahja’s closeness to the media crew deserves a thumbs up. This is reflected in his “welcome” attitude when asked for confirmation by journalists. Jahja Setiaatmadja was awarded the “PR Practitioner Lifetime Achievement (Journalist Choice) 2022” award from MIX MarComm Magazine