KUALA LUMPUR: The Institute of Public Relations Malaysia (IPRM) is unveiling a landmark initiative to nurture the next generation of communication leaders, the IPRM PR and Comms Excellence Award for Top Students.
Established in 1962 as Malaysia’s national professional body for public relations, IPRM continues to advance the standards and stature of the profession.
This new award introduces a national benchmark of academic and professional excellence, recognising and celebrating the best emerging talent in the field.
Debuting in the 2026 academic year, the annual accolade will honour the most outstanding PR and Communications student from each IPRM Student Association (IPRMSA)-registered university across the country.
To date, IPRM has established more than 20 IPRMSA chapters in public and private universities nationwide, a testament to its enduring commitment to cultivating excellence and integrity among future practitioners.
To strengthen ties between academia and industry, this prestigious award celebrates outstanding undergraduate and postgraduate students who
exemplify strategic thinking, ethical leadership, and excellence in communication.
Each participating faculty will nominate one top-performing student through a transparent internal selection process, with final approval granted by the IPRM Council. The inaugural call for submissions will officially open in 2026.
This award is more than recognition; it is a launchpad for future leaders and a national endorsement of talent. Honourees will gain:
* Industry visibility across IPRM’s professional networks, including agencies, corporations, and government-linked entities.
* Prestige and credibility that strengthen their portfolios for employment, scholarships, and postgraduate opportunities.
* Access to mentorship and networking with senior practitioners and thought leaders in Malaysian communications.
* Leadership development through IPRMSA initiatives and exposure to real-world challenges.
At its heart, this initiative aims to set a national benchmark for excellence in Public Relations (PR) and Communications, celebrating students who embody both academic brilliance and real-world impact.
To ensure fairness and credibility, the award will be overseen by a distinguished oversight committee comprising representatives from the IPRM Council, the Malaysian Association for Communication Educators (MACE), and respected senior industry leaders.
This diverse panel brings together academic insight and industry expertise, ensuring a well-rounded and thoughtful evaluation process. Members of the committee will be officially announced in January 2026.
The selection journey is rooted in merit: participating IPRMSA universities will nominate exceptional students through their own internal framework.
These nominations will then be carefully reviewed by the oversight committee, with final endorsement provided by the IPRM Council
Voices from the Frontlines of PR and Communication Education:
Dato’ Sri Professor Dr Syed Arabi Idid, Chair of IPRM’s Accreditation Board and Honorary Advisor to MACE (main pic), added: “This initiative sets a national benchmark for PR and communications excellence. It aligns classroom learning with industry expectations, ensuring our graduates are primed to lead.”
IPRM urges all IPRMSA-affiliated universities to begin preparing their internal selection frameworks. The inaugural cohort of winners will be celebrated in 2026, marking a new era of excellence in Malaysian PR and communications.
