IAPC Asia Conference 2026

Last week, Aroca Group welcomed public affairs professionals from across Asia and beyond to Penang for the 4^th  annual International Association of Political Consultants Asia Meeting.

Under the theme Public Affairs at a Crossroads: AI, Political Chaos, and What’s Next, our discussions examined geopolitical uncertainty, political developments across Asia – and beyond, political trends affecting the world, and the growing influence of AI on our profession and region.

We were also honoured to welcome Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, YB Sim Tze Tzin, whose participation brought an invaluable policymaker’s perspective to the meeting.

But much of the event’s value came from what happened between and around the formal sessions: candid conversations, different perspectives, renewed friendships, and new connections. In a world where much of the information we receive is generated and summarised by machines, there remains no substitute for the human connection; bringing thoughtful people together and holding space for deeper conversation.

Our sincere thanks to every sponsor, moderator, speaker, delegate, and partner who made the meeting possible. It has been wonderful to read your reflections and see the conversations continuing beyond Penang, and we can’t wait to see you all again for the next one.