LOCAL SENIOR PR PRACTITIONERS GET A TASTE OF THE CHINA MARKET

– FIRST SHANGHAI BUSINESS MISSION CUM CONFERENCE, 3-7 NOVEMBER

Singapore, 28 October 2004 - 30 Public Relations (PR) practitioners in Singapore will head down to Shanghai, China, for a four-day Business Mission cum Conference from 3-7 November. This inaugural business mission is organised by the Institute of Public Relations of Singapore (IPRS) with the support of International Enterprise (IE) Singapore.

This mission will help practitioners gain a deeper understanding and an insight into the business environment in China so as to facilitate PR work in the market. Participants will also be exposed to the challenges and business opportunities that lie ahead of them.

The business delegation comprises practitioners from PR consultancies like Barr & Chan, PR Communications, Asia PR.Comz and Red Shoe Communications and corporate organisations such as OCBC, DBS, Singapore Exchange, Monetary Authority of Singapore, Banyan Tree Hotel & Resorts and CapitaLand Group.

Ms K Bhavani, President of the IPRS said, “This is the first time that IPRS with the support of IE Singapore is organising a business mission overseas.  It is a good opportunity for our senior practitioners to network and exchange first-hand information with representatives from big corporations, media and government bodies in China, particularly those in Shanghai.  We are happy that this initiative will serve as a link for local practitioners who are considering expanding their work into the regional market. We hope to organise similar business missions to other countries through our strong networking with PR professional bodies in these countries.”

The delegates will visit Shanghai TV station, Shanghai People Radio Station, Wen Hui Newspaper, Xin Min Evening Post, and top PR consultancies in China, namely, Julink Communications and PROFUTURE Consulting. Through the programme itinerary, they will be provided with the opportunity to network and develop ties with the Shanghai media and government bodies.

“Public relations play a critical role in business communications. This business mission and conference in Shanghai is an excellent opportunity for Singapore-based PR industry players to learn from and exchange ideas with their Chinese counterparts, as well as to gain a first-hand understanding of PR in Shanghai. The lessons they pick up on this mission will benefit not only those among them who are looking to expand into China, but also their clients who are venturing into the growing Chinese market,” said Mr Satvinder Singh, Assistant Director, Business Services, International Enterprise Singapore.

He added, “We are heartened by the IPRS' initiative in organising this inaugural platform for their members. We are glad to be able to support them in their efforts to internationalise the Singapore PR industry.”

Apart from the planned business mission, delegates will participate in a one-day conference jointly organised by China International Public Relations Association (CIPRA), Shanghai Public Relations Association (SHPRA) and IPRS. The theme of the Conference is “Communication - Brand – Competitiveness”. Speakers include Mr Zhu Linchu, Deputy Director of Shanghai Governmental Development and Research Centre, Mr Li Ruigang, President of the Shanghai News & Media Group, Mr Zheng Yannong, Secretary-General, CIPRA, Ms Pan Xiaojue, Deputy Director of Academic Committee, SHPRA and Mr Basskaran Nair, Senior VP of Communications, CapitaLand.

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Jointly issued by:

International Enterprise Singapore

International Enterprise Singapore (IE Singapore) is the lead agency spearheading Singapore's efforts to develop its external economic wing by helping Singapore-based companies globalise.

Our mission is to help Singapore-based companies grow and internationalise successfully. Our vision is to be an expert agency in firm-level growth, market intelligence and internationalisation strategies. We offer a wide range of services in Singapore and in 36 locations worldwide to help Singapore-based companies globalise through a ‘3C' framework - Competency, Connections and Capital.

At the same time, we work to position Singapore as a base for foreign businesses to expand into the region in partnership with Singapore-based companies.

For more information, please visit http://www.iesingapore.com/

Institute of Public Relations of Singapore

The Institute of Public Relations of Singapore, established in 1970 as a non-profit organisation, is the only accrediting body for public relations practitioners. The Institute's objective is to establish growth for Singapore's PR industry through knowledge acquisition, networking, and the exchange of new ideas. The Institute continually strives to be the leading regional PR organisation that will not only elevate the profession but also set industry standards and increase public recognition of this profession.

For more information, please visit http://www.iprs.org.sg/

For more information, contact:

Ms Anusha Sadhnani, Communication Executive, IPRS

DID: 6236 2901 Email: anusha@iprs.org.sg

Ms Natalie Choo, Assistant Manager, Corporate Communications Division, IE Singapore

DID: 6433 4573 Email: natalie_choo@iesingapore.gov.sg