Despite the challenges of having a virtual event, the IPRMSA-TAR UC PR Forum still managed to attract above two hundred participants.
A collaborative endeavour of Year 1 students of the Bachelor of Public Relations (Hons) programme with the Institute of Public Relations Malaysia Students' Association (‘IPRMSA’) saw the organisation of an educational Public Relations Online Forum entitled, "Communicating the Humanitarian Issues: The Roles of NGO" on 23 March 2022. The forum was conducted via Google Meet with the purpose of understanding the roles of NGOs in communicating humanitarian issues to the public.
The forum was officiated by Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, the President of TAR UC, who was accompanied by Ms Dearna Kee June Chen, Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Creative Industries (‘FCCI’).
“TAR UC not only emphasises on theoretical learning but also encourages students to put what they've learned into practice. I believe that today's forum will provide students and staff with beneficial and practical insights from the speakers in adjusting to the present state of the public relations profession in NGOs,’’ said Prof Ir Dr Lee in his opening speech.
The vast knowledge and experiences shared by the two guest speakers, Dr Chang Peng Kee, the Associate Professor of Communication from UKM and Mr Justin Cheah, the Operations Director of Kechara Soup Kitchen has benefitted 260 participants who attended the forum, including the management personnel of TAR UC, PR lecturers, students of Kuala Lumpur Main Campus and branch campuses as well as external counterparts.
The 1.5-hour forum consisted of oral presentations by the two speakers on the great contributions of Malaysian NGOs amidst the health crisis of Covid-19 and the recent massive floods where both had badly affected the citizens. The virtual discussion had also addressed the public relations specialists' functions in the NGOs, how well the media cover humanitarian concerns in Malaysia, and the awareness Malaysians have on NGO activities.
On this issue, Mr Justin asserted that Kechara Soup Kitchen’s mission and philosophy is to target root causes of homelessness and poverty by providing non-discriminatory assistance. Dr Chang claimed that the roles of public relations practitioners are important in NGOs as they need to secure sponsors, be sensitive to social issues and promote the NGOs in order to attract volunteers.
