Singapore – The Asia-Pacific Association of Communications Directors (APACD), a regional network of in-house communications professionals, has announced its integration with the Public Relations & Communications Association (PRCA), one of the largest PR professional body globally. The move aims to enhance collaboration, capability-building, and professional development opportunities for corporate affairs and communications leaders across Asia-Pacific.
Under the integration, APACD will become an independent committee within PRCA, maintaining a dedicated management structure while aligning closely with PRCA’s board, specialist committees, and partners. The integration is designed to bring added value to current APACD members and expand access to global resources, ethical standards, and professional training offered by PRCA.
Founded in 2014, APACD has served as a hub for senior in-house communicators, fostering knowledge exchange and advocating for the advancement of the corporate communications profession in the region. PRCA, which launched its Asia-Pacific branch in 2018, represents more than 35,000 PR professionals in 82 countries and is focused on raising standards across the global communications industry.
Leadership of the newly formed committee will be led by:
- Chair: Shweta Shukla, head of corporate affairs, ASEAN & Taiwan at Haelon
- Head of Program: Asiya Bakht, founder of Beets Public Relations
- Strategy Advisor: Arun Sudhaman, founding editor of Earned First
Former APACD President Keith Morrison, who has held the position since 2017, will remain actively involved as a member of the management committee, alongside other key board members.
Commenting on the integration, Ed Burleigh, head of PRCA APAC, said, “We are thrilled to welcome APACD members into PRCA. This integration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the PR and communications profession across Asia-Pacific. Together, we can offer greater learning, networking, and growth opportunities to our members.”
Meanwhile, incoming APACD Chair Shweta Shukla added, “Bringing together in-house and agency professionals under one platform allows for richer collaboration and innovation. I’m excited to work with peers across the region to drive professional excellence and create meaningful opportunities for our community.”
Keith Morrison reflected on APACD’s journey and the rationale behind the integration, stating, “The communications industry is evolving rapidly, and we need stronger professional networks to adapt and thrive. This partnership with PRCA positions us to meet the challenges ahead and I’m proud of what APACD has achieved with the help of our dedicated board and volunteers.”
The integration is expected to further unify the communications profession across Asia-Pacific, offering a stronger voice and support network for practitioners navigating an increasingly complex and dynamic landscape.
