IABC Asia Pacific’s Fusion 2023: Making waves in cross-cultural communication, AI, and leadership

Sept 30, 2023 – In Bali, the waves are perfect for surfing. It was perfect, too, for the waves that our speakers made at the recent Fusion 2023 conference when they talked about cross-cultural communication, AI, and leadership.

With 25 speakers from 11 countries, six Asia Pacific chapter leaders, and five partner organizations, Fusion 2023 exceeded the expectations of a majority of attendees, who rated their experience “excellent”.

There was good attendance, too, from different APAC countries, including India and Australia.

IABC Fusion 2023 attendees wrap up a successful conference with a customary photo op.

“Meeting amazing people”, “connecting with everyone”, “great insights on different but relevant topics”, “variety of speakers and topics”. These were some of the highlights shared by attendees.

With the theme, “Communicating and connecting across cultures”, IABC Asia Pacific demonstrated that communication professionals play a crucial role in creating inclusive cultures and nurturing diversity in organizations and communities.

The Silver Quill awardees hold their gleaming trophies with pride.

Fusion 2023’s Balinese touch

Say “suksma” in Bali, and you get a smile. A “thank you” is always appreciated. With cross-cultural communication in mind and with simple things done deliberately and consistently, you can become a better communicator and harvest the fruits of inclusiveness. Our speakers gave cross-cultural communication tips that every communicator should include in his or her professional arsenal.

The amazing waterfalls in Bali are sights to behold. There are many of them. Each one is peculiarly beautiful. And just like these waterfalls, leaders can be relentless yet reassuring and able to navigate troubled waters to build connections and drive change. What our speakers shared about leadership communication reflects the powerful attributes that every leader needs.

Finally, the enchanting Hindu temples and their iconic gates are definitely Instagram-worthy. Visit them if you have the chance. They inspire awe. Much like AI and the giddy possibilities we can imagine. Do we approach AI with trepidation? We don’t have to. Our speakers talked about how we can ride the AI wave and shape the future of communication.

Aside from the insights from our speakers, we also held the awarding ceremony for our Silver Quill and Communicator of the Year (COTY) awardees, who all received gleaming glass trophies and plaques.

Jose Teodoro K. Limcaoco, president and CEO of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), has been presented with his trophy as Communicator of the Year, Executive Leader category.

 

The working team of the conference made sure it was a success. They included Kane Errol Choa, IABC Asia Pacific Chair; Jyoti Khan, IABC Asia Pacific Immediate Past Chair; Melinda Coyne, Fusion 2023 Conference Director; Mel Loy, Founder & CEO, Hey Mel! Communications & Training; and Liza Vengco, Awards and Recognition Director.

And for all the communication insights, ideas, tips, new friendships, fun activities, and deliciously spicy food, we say “Suksma!”

We look forward to seeing you at the conference next year.

Some members of the IABC APAC Board pose for a photo after the conference. From left: Anthony O. Alcantara, Brand and Communications Director; Sarah Toaldo, Chapter Development Director; Suchithra Krishnan, Brand and Communications Director; Jyoti Khan, Immediate Past Chair; Liza Vengco, Awards and Recognition Director; Melinda Coyne, Conference Director; Ross Monaghan, Vice Chair; and Kane Errol Choa, Chair. Not in photo: Samara Williams, Secretary and Governance Director; Moushmi Balachandran, Certification Director; Andrea de Palatis, Brand and Communication Director; Rauf Hameed, Members-at-Large Liaison and Development Director; and Minsi Chung, Treasurer.
Mary Anne Kepui of Wanbel Consulting accepts her trophy as a Communicator of the Year awardee, senior communication professional category.