Myanmar to receive first foreign coaching on communications via Singapore agency
AS MYANMAR’S growing economy creates opportunities for communications professionals in a wide range of industries, Rice Communications, a Singaporean public relations agency with presence in the nation, has planned to conduct a free training on PR and communications.
Sonya Madeira, founder and managing partner of Rice Communications, said the agency would introduce a talent programme which will train 20 Myanmar nationals with a keen interest in communications as a career for the first time in the country.
“Interested applicants can apply by May 31. All the applicants will be notified of the requirements and selection process by email. Classes will start in mid-July,” she said.
Madeira expects to train graduates of communications or related specialisations, working professionals in media or agencies (PR, advertising, digital) and those in corporate, government or non-government communications roles.
With the aim to produce skilled, homegrown communications talent who can move Myanmar forward, the programme will cover PR fundamentals, industry best practices, on-the-job tips, and insights on current and emerging trends, she said.
12-month course
“We are dedicating some SG$100,000 in senior experts’ time, tools and technology, resources |and knowledge within the agency |as well as our extended network to deliver a high standard of training,” she said.
The 12-month course consists of full-day classes once a month, quarterly industry-expert workshops, webinars, online consultation, and a suite of project-based learning tools. The sessions would cover such areas as integrated communications planning, content development, media relations, events management, and digital and social media engagement.
Madeira said the trainees would receive certificates upon completion |of the full programme. She added |that outstanding trainees would be selected for a paid internship at one of the firm’s offices. Currently, the agency has offices in four Asian cities – Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing and Yangon.
Donna Garcia, Rice Communications’ country manager for Myanmar, said that the agency aimed at making a difference by transferring skills and knowledge and feeding the industry’s and its own talent pipeline in the nation. She believes in capacity building by up-skilling, partnering and facilitating growth.
