Indonesian and Malaysian academics are again carrying out academic exchange activities. This event was held on Friday, March 17 2023, at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Communication Sciences, Padjadjaran University, Jatinangor. Present speakers from Putra Malaysia University (UPM), namely Assoc.Prof. Dr. Nurul Ain and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zulhamri Abdullah. A number of students and lecturers of the Public Relations Study Program were involved in a heated discussion with the two speakers on the topic of Public Relations, Reputation and Crisis: How to Handle PR Crisis and Maintain Its Reputation.
The topic presented by Dr. Nurul Ain regarding, “Crisis Communication: A Reflection of Pre & Post Pandemic Era” from a Malaysian perspective. In his presentation, Dr. Ain explained that a crisis for an organization is a necessity, but a crisis becomes dangerous if the media is involved in it. He added, “What is another worse cause of crisis? When the spokesperson is the wrong one and when you don’t understand the stakeholder!”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zulhamri Abdullah presented the topic The Importance of Public Relations for Asian Reputation. He emphasized that Public Relations students must be ready to face global challenges. Not only focusing on the company’s reputation, but also the reputation of the Asian country and region because currently many Indonesian and Malaysian companies are known in the world.
The presentation session took place interactively, more than 200 PR students enthusiastically participated in the event. The Indonesia-Malaysia academic exchange activity at Fikom Unpad was closed with the awarding of souvenirs in the form of certificates by the Head of the Public Relations Study Program and a documentation session with the two UPM lecturers. After the event, Dr. Ain and Dr. Zul commented that he really appreciated the enthusiasm of the PR students and apologized for not being able to answer all the student questions. He hopes to be able to attend Fikom Unpad again in the next opportunity.
Before the safari to Padjadjaran University, the two teachers visited the University of Indonesia and Esa Unggul University. This activity will continue to be carried out through a comparative study research program between the two countries, student and lecturer visits, joint community service, and regular teaching between universities,” said Devie Rahmawati, coordinator of the academic exchange program.
