Leading Networks of In-House and Agency Leaders Join Forces for Greater Impact
SINGAPORE, 28 May 2025 – Asia-Pacific Association of Communications Directors (APACD), a regional association of in-house communications professionals has announced its integration with Public Relations & Communications Association (PRCA), in order to leverage its combined network for building stronger capabilities and synergies among corporate affairs and communications professionals in the region.
As part of this integration, APACD will function as a part of PRCA and work closely with the stakeholders including the board of directors, specialist committees and PRCA partners to bring value to its existing and new members.
APACD was founded in 2014 with the objective of providing a network for inhouse communications, public affairs and PR directors, helping them shape the direction of industry, facilitate the exchange of knowledge and advance their profession.
PRCA meanwhile is the world’s largest professional PR body representing 35,000 PR professionals in 82 countries worldwide. It launched its APAC branch in 2018 with the goal of creating a more professional, ethical and prosperous PR industry in the region.
The integration will see APACD transitioning to an independent committee within PRCA with its own dedicated management team, led by Chair Shweta Shukla, Head of Corporate Affairs, ASEAN & Taiwan at Haelon, Head of Program, Asiya Bakht, Founder of Beets Public Relations and Strategy Advisor, Arun Sudhaman, Founding Editor of Earned First.
The key existing board members including Keith Morrison, who has been the President since 2017, will join the management committee and continue to support APACD.
Commenting on the integration, Ed Burleigh, Head of PRCA APAC, said: “We are so excited to welcome APACD members into the PRCA fold. As industry bodies committed to help create a thriving PR industry, we found alignment in our objectives and values. The inclusion of APACD will strengthen PRCA’s offering while also opening new avenues for learning and networking for APACD members.”
Shweta Shukla, the incoming Chair of APACD added: “The integration of APACD and PRCA brings the finest minds from in-house and agency professionals together, creating a seamless network that can help us better serve business and client needs. I am looking forward to working with my peers to unlock new skills, stakeholder connections and growth opportunities for our members.”
Keith Morrison, President, APACD Board, said: “The disruption our industry is facing calls for stronger professional connections where we can learn and equip ourselves to navigate change and take advantage of new ways of working. Our discussions with PRCA convinced us that it was the right time to come together for the advancement of our industry. It has been rewarding to witness the evolution of APACD and I would like to thank all the board members and volunteers for always making APACD engaging and fun.”
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About PRCA APAC:
The PRCA was founded in 1969 and launched the PRCA Asia Pacific in 2021 which replaced the PRCA Southeast Asia, launched in 2018. The association aims to raise standards in PR and communications, providing members with industry data, facilitating the sharing of communications best practices, and creating networking opportunities.
About APACD:
The Asia-Pacific Association of Communication Directors (APACD) provides a peer network for mid- to senior-level communication professionals from all fields and industries across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss and formulate solutions to current communication challenges.
APACD aims to establish common quality standards and advance professional qualifications within the field by providing publications and organising events and meetings. It also offers a platform of networking and exchange amongst its members, and advances the visibility and reputation of the profession.
For further information, please contact:
Ed Burleigh, Head of PRCA APAC, ed.burleigh@prca.global
