We.R.Wira Season 4 equips students with industry-ready skills through UN SDG storytelling

We.R.Wira attracted a record 41 entries from four higher education institutions. UiTM Shah Alam led the winners at the Golden Wira Awards.

SHAH ALAM: Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam dominated the Golden Wira Awards after emerging as the biggest winner at the conclusion of Centriq PR’s We.R.Wira Season 4 initiative.

The latest edition attracted a record 41 submissions from four higher education institutions in Malaysia.

The programme uses storytelling aligned with the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to equip aspiring communicators with industry-relevant skills, including stakeholder engagement, sustainability communications and cross-sector collaboration.

Besides UiTM, this year’s edition drew participants from UOW Malaysia, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman and Inti International College, which hosted the awards ceremony at the Tan Yew Sing Auditorium in Subang, Selangor.

Collectively, participants explored 12 of the 17 UN SDGs in their submissions, with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) emerging as the most represented themes.

At the awards ceremony, UiTM Shah Alam claimed the top prize with Anak Pulau: Below the Surface.

The university also secured first runner-up through Where Heart Meets: The Story of Tender Hearts Cafe, while UOW Malaysia’s Beyond the Sirens finished as second runner-up.

Four honourable mentions went to Colouring Lives (UOW Malaysia) and UiTM’s Keep Wildlife Wild: Animal Neighbours Project, Sixteen Pillars, One Heritage and Invisible Citizens: The Fight For A Name.

In the newly introduced Outstanding SDG Alignment category, Invisible Citizens: The Fight For A Name was recognised for its alignment with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), while The Lost Food Project: More Than Leftovers received the award for its integration of SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

Entries were judged by a panel comprising UN Association Malaysia representative Loke Pak Yen, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation representative Frank Chan, EVD Berhad’s Norhizam Abdul Kadir and Centriq PR managing director Jacqueline Arnold.

Arnold said the communications industry increasingly requires practitioners to understand sustainability issues and communicate them effectively to diverse stakeholders.

“Storytelling is more than creative expression; it is practice for life. Beyond learning to craft authentic narratives, students gain the ability to identify stakeholders with shared values, build meaningful collaborations and amplify stories across multiple platforms to inspire real impact,” she said.

“This is what PR is all about. Through We.R.Wira, we encourage young communicators to listen with empathy and give voice to everyday heroes who create positive change in their communities.”

In addition to the competition, Centriq PR conducted a workshop at Inti International College, supported by a video series and workshop materials, introducing students to strategic communications, SDG alignment and ESG-focused storytelling.