In Discussion with David Swan

PRCA APAC has launched the 2026 editions of the Corporate Affairs Forum and Gold Standard Awards.

This year's theme, "Navigating the Unscripted: Public Affairs in a World Without Playbooks", will explore how organisations can navigate uncertainty amid geopolitical shifts, technological disruption, and changing public expectations. The forum will bring together leaders across corporate affairs, public affairs, government relations, and communications through panel discussions, fireside chats, and presentations.

The Gold Standard Awards 2026 will be held on 15^th September 2026. The awards recognise industry excellence and achievements across corporate affairs, public affairs, and government relations, including areas such as media relations, stakeholder engagement, crisis management, and CSR. The awards are open to agencies, corporations, NGOs, and government organisations.

Further details on the forum and awards are available online. 

Sophie King has been promoted to Account Director at Herd MSL. She joined the team in 2023 as Senior Account Manager. Prior to this, Sophie gained agency experience in Australia and in the UK.  

Tavy Cussinel has launched Time For T Communications, a Fractional Chief Communications Officer (FCCO) offering aimed at organisations across the globe seeking senior-level communications support without a full-time executive hire.

Tavy explains that the model responds to a growing gap in the market, targeting organisations that recognise the importance of communications but lack senior leadership to unify messaging, manage reputation, and translate business objectives into clear narratives.

"Too many organisations are producing communications activity without a strategic architecture behind it," she said.

"They have tactics, agencies and content, but no conductor. The fractional CCO model gives leaders access to true executive-level communications leadership: someone who sits at the table, shapes strategy, and protects the brand at the highest level."

As a Fractional Chief Communications Officer, Tavy integrates into leadership teams to design and oversee communications ecosystems. Her work includes defining brand narrative and messaging frameworks, aligning internal and external communications, managing agencies and partners, and preparing organisations for reputational risk and positioning executives as thought leaders.

Tavy brings more than 25 years of international experience spanning Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. She previously founded and sold a London-based public relations agency, and has led regional and country operations for a global communications agency. She has also advised boards, CEOs and senior leadership teams across sectors, including hospitality, healthcare, culture, beauty, fashion, sustainability and corporate brand.