The Institute of Public Relations of Singapore (IPRS) brought together nearly 160 PR professionals and industry experts on November 10, 2022, for the inaugural PRISM Summit. The event provided a platform for discussions about the evolving future of public relations (PR), focusing on how practitioners can adapt to technological advancements, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, and leadership challenges.

Ambassador-at-Large Professor Tommy Koh, the keynote speaker, opened the summit with a reflection on the parallels between PR professionals and diplomats, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. In his Fireside Chat, he emphasized the importance of PR in government communications and diplomacy.

Throughout the event, 32 speakers addressed the growing complexity of PR roles, including leadership, sustainability, and technology integration. Su-Yen Wong, Chairperson of the Singapore Institute of Directors, highlighted how PR professionals can support senior leadership through crisis management, narrative curation, and team coaching. Jacob Puthenparambil, CEO of Redhill, discussed how economic shifts and media changes are reshaping PR.

The summit also emphasized the role of PR in advancing sustainability. Tham Kok Wing, Director at Robertsbridge Stonehaven Singapore, encouraged participants to embrace ESG frameworks and apply “Design Thinking, Systems Thinking, and Futures Thinking” to drive meaningful change within their organizations.

IPRS, established in 1970, aims to elevate the PR profession and continues to lead the way in shaping the future of public relations in Singapore and beyond.