Event Details

How do organisations shape perceptions, build trust, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders? If you have ever wondered what it takes to build a successful career in Corporate Communications or Public Relations (PR), this panel discussion offers an opportunity to learn directly from experienced professionals in the field.

Join seasoned practitioners from both corporate and agency settings as they share their career journeys, discuss the realities of working in communications and PR, and provide insights into the skills and attributes needed to thrive in this fast-paced and dynamic industry. The discussion will also explore common career pathways, including the differences between agency and in-house roles, helping students better understand the opportunities available across the profession.

Whether you are considering a future in communications, storytelling, media relations, stakeholder engagement, or reputation management, this session will provide valuable perspectives to help you navigate the field with greater clarity and confidence.

Who should attend:

• Undergraduate and postgraduate students interested in Corporate Communications, Public Relations, media, marketing, or related fields
• Students exploring careers that involve storytelling, stakeholder engagement, reputation management, and strategic communications
• Students seeking insights from experienced professionals on entering and succeeding in the communications industry

This is a post-event workshop for NUS Career Fest 2026 and in collaboration with NUS Department of Communications and New Media.

Speakers:

Q AKASHAH 
Managing Director, PR & Influence, Social, Ogilvy Singapore & Malaysia
Executive Director, Islamic Marketing, Ogilvy ASEAN

Q is an award-winning communications professional with two decades of experience.

She focuses on impactful earned-first integrated work, ranging from brand positioning to reputation management and influencer campaigns. Q was previously seconded in Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as advertising. She specialises in issues-prone industries including financial services, property, and healthcare.

Recognised as Southeast Asia’s Young Achiever of the Year, Q has led numerous award-winning campaigns recognised for insights-driven strategies, effective engagement, and successful launches – all delivering real impact by transforming brands, behaviours, and businesses.

Jonathan Tan
Senior Vice President, Group Marketing & Communications
DBS Bank

Jonathan brings a decade of experience managing communications, investor relations and marketing across the financial services and fintech sectors.

Jonathan currently manages communications and issues management for DBS Bank’s financial markets, investment banking, corporate banking and digital assets franchise. He was previously responsible for investor relations, marketing, communications and the CEO Office at Sygnum, the world’s first digital assets bank. This included coordinating two fundraising rounds to raise over US$90 million. He started his career as a videographer and digital content producer at Temasek.

Jonathan is an alumnus of NUS Communications and New Media.

Mr Siva Govindasamy
Divisional Vice President, Public Affairs, Singapore Airlines

Mr Siva leads corporate reputation management across the SIA Group. His responsibilities include strategic communications, media relations, social media engagement, corporate sponsorships, community relations, and the production of the Group’s Annual and Sustainability Reports.

Before joining Singapore Airlines in 2019, Siva led Asia Pacific corporate communications for Airbus. He previously spent more than 16 years in journalism, including roles at Reuters, FlightGlobal, ICIS News, and The Straits Times.

Siva holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Political Science) from the National University of Singapore.

Register by 13 October 2026.
(Registration will close once all slots are filled)

Terms & Conditions

• Registration for the event will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• The organiser reserves the right to make changes to the event programme - including but not limited to speakers, schedule, and content - without prior notice.
• The organiser reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the event of unforeseen circumstances beyond the organiser's control. Registered participants will be notified via email or other means of communication provided during registration.
• By participating in the event, participants agree to indemnify the organiser from claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising out of their participation.
• Participants acknowledge that photographs, videos, or audio recordings may be taken during the event, and agree to grant the organiser the right to use such media for promotional or documentation purposes.