INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE PROMOTES ACTIVE COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION WITHIN ASEAN BENEFITING EDUCATION, WOMEN, AND BUSINESS SECTORS

BALI, Indonesia, Oct. 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The international conference organised by LSPR Institute of Communication & Business (LSPR Institute) emphasised the need for enhanced and active communication to demonstrate the significant benefits of unity among ASEAN member countries, particularly in the areas of education, women's rights, and business. This initiative has become crucial amidst the complexities and uncertainties brought about by globalisation in various aspects of human life.

The founder of LSPR Institute and initiator of the international communication conference, Prita Kemal Gani, highlighted this in the opening of the 5th LSPR International Conference on Communication and Business (ICCB) in Denpasar, Bali, on Friday, September 29th.

"Strengthening a sense of belonging as a unified ASEAN community must provide tangible evidence of the true embodiment of ASEAN's identity. This is essential to provide a genuine sense of purpose and benefit for the future of ASEAN and its people," said Prita Kemal Gani.

Addressing approximately 200 participants from both domestic and international origins, Prita Kemal Gani emphasised the importance of clear communication strategies outlined in the ASEAN Communication Master Plan 2018-2023. These strategies, when targeted towards specific audiences, can yield real, swift, and sustainable benefits.

"The ASEAN communication roadmap identifies several target audiences that require serious attention, including the education sector, women and children, businesses, disability groups, key influencers, and governments, as well as the media. The main message is the integration of society, peace, stability, and shared prosperity," stated Prita, a renowned national PR figure.

Prita stressed that effective communication can lead to success in both business and societal issues. Special needs communities need fairer opportunities and representation. The significant role of women in decision-making processes, the limited productivity among ASEAN businesses, and the need to encourage the media to provide positive benefits to the ASEAN and international communities were all discussed.

The event was supported by the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, and the Provincial Government of Bali.

During the conference, Mr. I Dewa Putu Sunartha, S.E, M.Si, the Assistant General Administration Secretary of the Bali Provincial Government, inaugurated the event, expressing his belief in the power of idea exchange during conferences to foster sustainable economic growth. He appreciated the conference being held in Bali and encouraged participants not only to exchange ideas but also to enjoy Bali's natural beauty and culture.

The conference was also graced by Mr. Sandiaga Uno, the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, who delivered his remarks.

The academic panel sessions featured renowned scholars, including Prof. Anne Gregory, Professor Emeritus of Corporate Communication at the University of Huddersfield & Adjunct Professor at LSPR; Prof. Jesper Falkheimer, Editor in Chief of the Journal of Communication Management & Professor at Lunds Universitet; and Prof. Mike Hardy CMG, OBE, FRSA, Chairman of the International Leadership Association & Director of the Centre for Trust, Peace, and Social Relations at Coventry University, UK & Adjunct Professor at LSPR.

Additionally, there were practical sessions involving ASEAN practitioners moderated by Mr. Jaffri Amin Osman, MIPR, FIPR, FAPR, MCIPR, Chairman of the Global Alliance of PR and Communication Management for Asia Pacific & President of the Institute of PR Malaysia. Speakers included Boy Kelana, Chairman of PERHUMAS, Indonesia; Harold Geronimo, President of the Public Relations Society of The Philippines (PRSP); My Nguyen, Chairman of the Vietnam Public Relations Network (VNPR); and Dr. Nutthaboon Pornrattanacharoen, Academic Committee for Innovation and Foreign Affairs, Thailand Public Relations Association (PR Thailand).

Event Profile

The 5th LSPR International Conference on Communication and Business (ICCB) with the theme "Strengthening ASEAN's Leadership in Sustainable Business and Advanced Communication" marked its fifth edition on September 28-29, 2023, in Bali. The event welcomed practitioners, researchers, and students, with Denpasar hosting the conference for the second time after its inaugural event in Bali in 2018. The purpose of ICCB was to motivate academics and practitioners, especially within ASEAN, to enhance global leadership. ASEAN, as a regional entity, needs loyalty and trust from its people for businesses to flourish, ensuring prosperity and security for all. This conference aimed to gather thoughts, facilitate discussions, and share information about practices and innovations among ASEAN nations, ultimately contributing to the UN-2030 Sustainable Development Goals agenda.

A total of 296 abstracts and research papers were submitted from 15 countries, including Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, The Republic of The Philippines, Vietnam, Netherlands, United States of America, Pakistan, Thailand, People's Republic of China, People's Republic of Bangladesh, Spain, Brazil, and Nigeria. Each paper underwent a rigorous selection process, and the accepted presentations will be published in esteemed journals indexed in SCOPUS and SINTA, such as NYIMAK, INTERAKSI, Jurnal Ilmu Komunikasi, Communicare, Jurnal Komunikasi Malaysia, Jurnal Komunikasi Ikatan Sarjana Ilmu Komunikasi, WACANA Jurnal Komunikasi, Commentate (Journal of Communication Management), Journal of Research Business Tourism, Journal of Communication & Public Relations, Journal Communication Management, and Jurnal Spektrum Komunikasi.