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WIPR and Universiti Malaya-Wales Sign MoU to Develop Future Communications Leaders

Kuala Lumpur, 7 February 2026 — Women in Public Relations (WIPR) and Universiti Malaya-Wales (UM-Wales) today formalised a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening leadership development, industry-academia collaboration and professional readiness for future communications leaders.

The MoU signing was held in conjunction with the NEXUS Strategic Leadership Series titled Communications as Power: Shaping Future Leaders”, attended by undergraduate and postgraduate students of UM-Wales as well as communications professionals from various industries. The initiative reflects a shared commitment by both organisations to position communications as a strategic leadership function with influence at senior management and boardroom levels.

The collaboration focuses on building leadership capability, enhancing real-world professional exposure, promoting mentorship opportunities and strengthening applied learning for communications students. It also establishes a structured framework for knowledge exchange between academia and industry practitioners through leadership talks, professional engagements and student-led initiatives.

Speaking at the event, Hazlina Hashim, Founder and Chairman of Women in PR (WIPR), said,

“Women in PR was established to strengthen leadership pathways for women in the communications industry, where talent is abundant, but leadership representation remains uneven. Our collaboration with UM-Wales brings leadership conversations into the classroom, bridging academic learning with industry realities and ensuring leadership development starts early, by preparing future professionals to lead with confidence, credibility and impact.

“Women in PR’s mission is to develop confident, visible leaders in the communications industry, and this collaboration allows us to begin that journey earlier. By engaging students at the university level, we are shaping mindsets, expanding leadership aspirations and creating clearer pathways from education into industry leadership.”

The NEXUS Strategic Leadership Series featured a fire-side chat with Dr. Hasnita Hashim, Patron and Advisor of WIPR, who addressed the role of communications as a strategic power tool in shaping future organisational leaders. The programme also included the conferment of an Adjunct Professorship by UM-Wales to Dr. Hasnita Hashim in recognition of her leadership contribution to the industry.

Prof. Dr. Roselina Ahmad Saufi, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of Universiti Malaya-Wales, said the collaboration aligns with the university’s commitment to producing graduates who are industry-ready and leadership-driven.

“Our responsibility as an academic institution goes beyond academic excellence. We must prepare students to lead, think strategically and operate ethically in complex professional environments. This partnership with WIPR creates a strong platform for our students to gain industry exposure, leadership insights and professional networks that will accelerate their readiness for real-world leadership roles in the future,” she said.

Under the MoU, both parties will collaborate on student development initiatives, leadership programmes, mentorship opportunities, applied learning activities and professional engagement platforms. The partnership also supports early professional exposure for students and long-term career pathway development in the communications industry.

Women in PR (WIPR) continues to champion the advancement of women in communications by advocating leadership development, strategic influence and stronger representation in senior management and boardroom roles. Through initiatives such as the NEXUS Strategic Leadership Series and institutional collaborations, WIPR aims to strengthen the leadership pipeline for the communications profession in Malaysia.

 

About Women in Public Relations (WIPR)

Women in Public Relations (WIPR) is a professional association focused on advancing women in communications through leadership development, mentorship and industry collaboration. WIPR advocates for stronger representation of communications leaders in senior management and boardroom roles, positioning communications as a strategic leadership function. For more information, visit www.mywomeninpr.com or follow WIPR on LinkedIn.

MoU signed by Hazlina Hashim, Founder and Chairman of Women in PR (WIPR) and Prof. Dr. Roselina Ahmad Saufi, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of Universiti Malaya-Wales

Dr. Hasnita Hashim receives her Certificates of Appointment as UM-Wales Adjunct Professor from Prof. Dr. Roselina Ahmad Saufi

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