Historic win for Malaysia: PRCA Malaysia President named Communicator of the Year, Asia Pacific 2024 by IABC APAC

In a historic achievement for Malaysia’s communication industry, PRCA Malaysia President Prof. Hj. Mohd Said Bani C.M. Din has been named ‘Communicator of the Year 2024’ by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Asia-Pacific (APAC). Honoured at a prestigious ceremony in Manila yesterday, this marks the first time a Malaysian has received the award. With over 30 years of excellence in public relations, corporate affairs, and media strategy, Bani has redefined communication’s role as a driver of societal and corporate impact. As founder of bzBee Consult, he continues to shape the industry with his visionary leadership and transformative influence.

In celebrating this milestone, IABC APAC lauded Bani’s legacy and his commitment to advancing ethical, transparent, and impactful communication practices. “Prof. Bani’s historic win is not only a personal triumph but a defining moment for Malaysia’s communication industry,” said an IABC APAC spokesperson. “His work has reshaped how communication is perceived – not just as a support function, but as a fundamental pillar of influence, trust, and transformation. This award cements his role as a global leader and elevates Malaysia’s presence on the international communication stage.”

In his acceptance message, Prof. Bani expressed profound gratitude to IABC APAC and reaffirmed his belief in the transformative power of communication, “Communication is more than just words – it is the bridge that connects people, inspires change, and builds trust. Winning the Communicator of the Year Award 2024 is not just a personal achievement, but a testament to the power of ethical storytelling, transparency, and purpose-driven dialogue in shaping a better, more united Malaysia, and a more united world.”

This historic win is more than a personal triumph – it is a victory for Malaysia’s PR and communication industry, a recognition of its potential on the global stage, and a powerful reminder of the impact of ethical, transparent, and purpose-driven communication.

Bani has championed the evolution of PR from a reactive function to a strategic force, highlighting challenges like fragmentation, misperceptions, and systemic hurdles. His leadership in PRCA Malaysia has been instrumental in reforming procurement practices and launching the Code of Ethics & Integrity, setting new benchmarks for ethical communication in Malaysia.

His journey began in law, graduating from the University of Sheffield and completing professional studies in Oxford before practicing as a solicitor in London. Returning to Malaysia, he served in Coopers & Lybrand and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before making a bold leap into broadcasting and corporate leadership. At 30, he became MetroVision’s youngest General Manager, shaping its content strategy. He later transformed TMNet into Malaysia’s top internet provider and contributed to TM International’s (now Axiata) global expansion. His visionary leadership also pioneered Malaysia’s first interactive TV game shows, redefining media and digital communication.

In 2010, Prof. Bani founded bzBee Consult, transforming it into an award-winning strategic communications powerhouse. Under his leadership, the agency has earned over 30 industry accolades, including PR Leader of the Year 2023 (Asia) and Global Communication Campaign of the Year 2023 from the World Communication Forum Association (WCFA) Davos, Switzerland. His excellence has also been recognized with multiple Malaysia PR Awards (MPRA), Communication Campaign of the Year (2023 & 2024), Bumiputera CEO of the Year (2017), and Agency of the Year (2019, Singapore)—cementing his influence in the industry.