Do you ever wish you had the answer to every question you asked yourself? As I sit here and word this month’s reflection. I am occasionally amazed by how the year has flown by at an incredible pace. At times I do wish I could stop the hands of time to reflect on the successes and failures over the course of the year.
I recently attended the “1st Global Congress For Muslim Public Relations Practitioners” which was held at Hotel Istana here. RUSS Consulting was asked to assist in media relations during the conference. As mentioned in my November reflection, most conferences that we often attend or participate would end up as a disappointment. This conference is significantly different from others that I have attended.
This question often comes up when conversing with clients, friends and colleagues. “Why do you attend so many conferences? Haven’t you gained enough knowledge over the years?” This has never crossed my mind as in my eyes that there is much to gain and nothing to lose.
The conference aim is promoting and encouraging direct, face to face communication among Muslim Public relations practitioners and optimizing of the enormous capabilities within the world of Islam in the field of public relations.
As I see it, I am constantly learning. It is impossible to say that you have learned enough to know everything. International conferences such as this have often enough given me the opportunity to explore new business opportunities that may be formed during small conversations with new acquaintances.
The conference was attended by some old friends that I have not met for some time. It was nice to have these catch up sessions that I occasionally have at these conferences when often enough I do not have the opportunity to do so outside of my working hours and busy weekends.
At these conferences I often like to get involved and network. As mentioned earlier you may never know when that small opportunity may pop up. The heart warming thing was the conference was aimed for Muslim public relations practitioners from most of the Islamic countries. There were non-Muslims that were attending as a participant or a presenter at the conference. I feel it is pleasing to know that there are genuine people that are interested in knowing about the movement of the Muslim world and how it is portrayed today.
Many of the participants and speakers at the conference were public relations practitioners. Even so there were quite a number of distinguished professors and senior lecturers from United States of America, Canada, Europe, Middle East and Australia. It was interesting to hear their stories and insights as I feel that I may be able to utilise these new insights in my daily work and to have better relationships with colleagues and counterparts. I do hope in the near future you would be able to persuade yourself to attend one of these conferences in the near future.
On a related note, the word “Muslim” recently has struck fear into the gazing eyes of the western world. Ever since 9/11, the term Islamophobia has become frequently used by westerners to their disgust with the Muslim world. These were several topics that were discussed during the course of the conference. These discussions will assist in making necessary decisions on how to be more effective in the field of public relations in the Muslim world.
When I put it into perspective, I am able to empower myself more when conversing with others on a similar topic. These conversations are engaging and refreshing as I am acquiring their knowledge while imparting my past experiences to them. I feel that it is always a two-way communication at these conferences. But as earlier mentioned I am gaining so much from new insights, processes or technologies that are constantly being introduced or reinvented. It helps provide a better understanding and shed new light in all matters whether it would be academically, professionally or personally.
These international conferences are there for a purpose. The conference that I have recently attended has certainly been a rewarding and great experience. It gives a new meaning of the word “Muslim” and how public relations practitioners like me are trying to improve the image of Islam in a positive way.
I do wish to take this opportunity, to wish my Christian brothers and sisters across the world a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone. May the upcoming year be blessed and prosperous as this year, if not better!
