APACD Relaunches As Critical Voice For Asia-Pacific In-House Comms Professionals
21st April 2020
The Asia-Pacific Association of Communication Directors will serve and shape the region's in-house communications sector, at a decisive moment. Special introductory offer available.
The Asia-Pacific Association of Communication Directors (APACD) today relaunches with a special introductory offer that enables the region’s in-house communications executives to sign up for 18 months at the price of 12.
Since its inception in 2014, APACD has provided a voice to more than 400 communications and public affairs directors across the Asia-Pacific region. Its relaunch comes after it announced a new partnership with PRovoke (p/k/a the Holmes Report) last year.
“As ever, our goal is to build a network that advances our profession, by providing in-house Asia-Pacific communications directors and professionals the ideal member community for networking, learning, exchanging ideas and fostering professionalism,” said APACD president Azmar Sukandar. “As many of you will already be aware, there are numerous benefits to membership of APACD, many of which revolve around being part of the premier organization for in-house communications directors in this region.”
The relaunch follows a series of events and initiatives that have laid the groundwork for APACD’s new platform, underscoring the critical importance of corporate communications amid the unprecedented challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Last month, for example, APACD unveiled a Covid-19 research study and webinar that attracted more than 140 in-house attendees from across the region. In addition, the Hong Kong chapter has also launched a Sustainable Communications Programme that develops virtual teams of students, young talent and experienced mentors to solve problems on behalf of charities, social enterprises and NGOs.
The new website covers these developments and more. “It’s exciting to have this new site for APACD and we look forward to sharing more enriching content and events here with our members and everyone interested in communications in the region,” said Sukandar. “Do check it out, and let us know what else you’d like to see.”
Membership benefits
Priced at just US$199, Asia-Pacific in-house communications executives can take advantage of the special offer by signing up here. A 50% discount is available for NGO employees. In addition, in-house execs who have lost their jobs as a result of Covid-19 can benefit from six months’ free membership by emailing us.
Meanwhile, supporting memberships are also available for those that wish to support APACD and benefit from its unique network — for example PR agencies, supplier and freelance professionals in the field of communications and/or public affairs. Please sign up for full pricing options & benefits.
APACD members sign up to a unique charter that sets out the organization’s beliefs and codes of conduct, demonstrating our members’ belief that the communications professional has a critical role to play when it comes to managing the relationship between an organization and the people upon whom it depends for success.
Members benefit from discounted entry fees when the popular APACD Awards are relaunched this year with a refined offering that focuses specifically on in-house teams and professionals. The APACD Awards will retain its distinct branding and will be judged virtually by APACD juries in local markets, with winners recognized at the SABRE Awards Asia-Pacific.
There will also be discounts to the SABRE Awards and to the Asia-Pacific Communications Summit, which merged with PRovoke’s regional conference last year and is scheduled to take place in the third quarter of this year.
PRovoke has also integrated its new Next 20 Roundtable series with APACD local chapters across the region, to ensure that senior client concerns are being discussed and covered on a regular basis. At the same time, APACD members will benefit from PRovoke’s industry-leading content platform, including free Premium Content subscriptions (worth $199) for all APACD members.
As APACD builds out its offering, it will continue to provide a range of information resources and materials, while also aiming to launch a marketplace that helps our members find services they need, including training options.
Finally, APACD and PRovoke are currently scoping out an annual research study of our members, focusing on the opportunities and challenges facing in-house communicators and PR agencies across a fast-changing region. If you have any thoughts on this study, please email us.
Board & chapter leads
APACD relaunches with a new board, following the departure of founder Pierre Goad to Canada. Diageo corporate relations director Azmar Sukandar has taken on the president role, supported by vice-president Christopher Domitter (Japan) and treasurer Keith Morrison (Singapore). The board also features Christina Koh (Singapore), Michael Chapnick (Singapore) and Shravani Dang (India).
APACD’s Hong Kong chapter is being led by Sylvia Evans; while Singapore is co-led by Arnab Roy Choudhury and Christina Koh, and Charmaine Glase is leading the Australia chapter.
APACD is actively seeking to expand the board, and name chapter leads for other countries in the coming months. Please feel free to send an email with suggestions and nominations.
Background & objectives
Since its launch in 2014, APACD has provided a voice to more than 400 in-house communications leaders and executives from more than 23 markets across the region, recognising the unique challenges and opportunities for communications leaders in this fast-changing region.
The organization’s members know only too well that one size does not fit all across a region that is seeing remarkable economic, social and cultural change. Against this backdrop, Asia-Pacific companies and organizations are expanding their operations rapidly to encompass a more global mindset, while MNCs become increasingly sophisticated in terms of their Asia-Pacific engagement strategies. For communicators of all stripes, whether at MNCs, associations, institutions and in politics, an international perspective is as crucial to their work as in-depth local knowledge.
Meanwhile, at a time of rapid economic and technological transformation, the communications profession has never been more valuable to an organization’s purpose, mission and strategy. The relationship between business and society is being redrawn before our eyes, calling on communications directors to navigate a new reality in terms of stakeholder capitalism and the convergence of marketing and communications.
APACD aims to help its members understand and capitalise from all of these trends by providing a peer network for mid- to senior-level communication professionals from all fields and industries across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss and formulate solutions to current communication challenges. The organization aims to establish common quality standards and advance professional qualifications within the field through a vibrant event calendar, informative media. awards recognition and knowledge-sharing.
At its core, APACD offers a platform of networking and exchange for members and friends, and advances the visibility and reputation of the in-house communications profession. It is committed to fostering diversity, overcoming cultural barriers and formulating standards, underpinning the development of an Asia-Pacific communications culture as a strong voice in today’s world.
Please contact us if you have any APACD queries. You can sign up here.
