Staff and leadership from across Asia/Oceania gather in Kuala Lumpur for inaugural Communications Workshop

• Communications professionals from player unions across Asia/Oceania gathered in Malaysia for the division’s inaugural Communications Workshop
• Two-day programme covered media relations, digital strategy, player storytelling and artificial intelligence to strengthen unions’ communications capabilities
• Workshop strengthened collaboration between unions to amplify players’ voices and increase the visibility of player issues across the region

Communications professionals from player unions across Asia/Oceania met in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, last week for the inaugural FIFPRO Asia/Oceania Communications Workshop.

The two-day program was designed to strengthen communications capability, share best practice and build deeper collaboration across the division.

Over two days, participants examined a wide range of topics, including communications planning, media relations, digital strategy, player storytelling, social media and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. 

Participants shared experiences from their own countries and discussed approaches to building stronger relationships with media, creating impactful campaigns and increasing the visibility of player issues.  

Discussions also considered the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence and how technology is reshaping the communications landscape. 

A central theme throughout the workshop was the value of regional and global collaboration with FIFPRO Africa represented by Teresa Ouko and FIFPRO’s Director of Communications Alejandro Varsky in attendance.

Sessions combined practical frameworks, case studies and discussions focused on the unique opportunities and challenges facing player unions in the region.

FIFPRO Asia/Oceania Secretary General Shoko Tsuji said the workshop was designed to connect member unions and their staff together to elevate players’ voice and experiences across the region.

“By bringing communicators together in person, we have been able to create stronger connections between member unions and develop more strategic, effective and influential communications across the region,” Tsuji said.

“As football and communications technologies continue to evolve, the ability to tell players' stories, shape conversations and advocate for change remains a critical part of representing and advancing the interests of professional footballers.”

The workshop follows similar initiatives delivered by FIFPRO Africa in Ghana in 2025 and FIFPRO South America in Paraguay earlier this year, reflecting a growing commitment across the global union movement to invest in communications expertise and create stronger networks and knowledge sharing between member unions.