1. It's Not Just What It Seems
- BY KHAIRI

Public relations is about taking complex ideas like technology and, in simple terms, sharing about the benefits it brings with people.

This encompasses what I’ve learnt after listening to Ms Mabel Phoon of PR giant Weber Shandwick. Returning here after a three-year stint in the New York offices of the public relations agency, I had the benefit of listening to her as she shared her experiences in the public relations industry.

I agree that public relations is more than just media relations. In the past, people working in this industry are often called “spin doctors”. However, if we don’t tell the truth in this digital age, people can easily find out the actual truth and this will badly damage any company’s reputation.

“Public relations is managing information and the access to it”. Ms Mabel Phoon told us. But this set the alarm bells in my mind going. If public relations involve the restriction of access to information, how is it any better than misinformation?

Ah, the ethical dilemmas of a PR professional: where is the limit?


2. Relating To The Public, But More
- BY SHERMAINE NG

Having a talk on Public Relations by Ms Mabel Phoon of Weber Shandwick New York, this afternoon, allowed me to gather some cool insights.

Ms Mabel shared that "many people think that PR is colouring the truth." However, being in the industry for a good 18 years gave her a chance to understand that it is actually "the truth well told".

Turned off by the saying "Negative publicity is still publicity", Ms Mabel shared with us that she did not believe in it, and "would pray that people do not talk about" her brand.

With clients such as M1, and Samsung, Ms Mabel was also able to share with us her professional opinion that "all companies have to be on Social Media because everyone is getting their information online." She even added that Facebook and Twitter posts are merely snippets of press releases for the company.

I questioned myself, "If posts on Social Media platforms by big companies are mini press releases, am I actually selling myself on my own social media account in a different way?"


3. Public Relations: Unexpected Interest
- BY AMIRAH

It was really interesting, especially when Ms. Mabel talked about how public relations aren’t one of her career choices. However, after finding out how diverse it is, she decided to give it a try and now she has 18 years worth of experience under her belt. It was really interesting to hear her experiences on the jobs and campaigns that she undertook. However, I felt that it was a pity that there wasn’t any visual as it is quite difficult for me to picture the campaigns, especially the ones that I am not familiar with. Nonetheless, it was very enjoyable.

4. My Take On Public Relations 

- BY MAE

I've never been really interested in Public Relations. But the talk by Ms. Mabel today might have changed my mindset a little.

I used to think that public relations was about painting a positive image of a company to its audience. Similar to advertising, public relations relay a message to its audience. However, in public relations, the message cannot be controlled.

Ms. Mabel shared several of her experiences working with different big brands such as m1 and samsung. She also mentioned that being in PR allowed her to be a part of some of the world's historical moments, such as the launch of the first camera phone and the first 3d television.

If I could be a part of such events by doing public relations, why not?

Labels: Amirah, Khairi, Mabel Phoon, Mae Chu, Public Relations, Shermaine Ng