PETALING JAYA: The Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia (4As) is launching the Chartered Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) Diversity and Inclusion Essentials Certificate, the first of its initiatives for the advertising industry to address diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace and in its work product.

       “The launch of this unique training and certification in Malaysia is the first step in fulfilling the 4As pledge to roll out a structured and strategic DEI plan to educate local member agencies on what DEI truly is, what it means and how to implement it not only in their internal workings but also in the campaigns that we create,” said Nizwani Shahar, 4As vice-president, and mentor and industry partner with LeadWomen and UN Women in a statement.

       Conducted by the 4As’ long-established training partner the UK-based IPA, the certificate is the 6th IPA course to be introduced in the country. It is suitable for everyone in the industry, no matter their experience, background or seniority.

       Its 10 hours of online learning consists of nine modules covering racial and ethnic diversity in the workplace, LGBTQIA+ in the workplace, female careers and leadership in the workplace, masculinity in the workplace, the multi-generational workplace, disability in the workplace, neurodiversity in the workplace, gender identity and expression in the workplace, and social mobility in the workplace.

       LGBTQIA stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or questioning), intersex, and asexual (or allies).

       “These are important workplace issues to consider and to be aware of. Heightened awareness will improve the working environment and ultimately be reflected in the work product,” said Nizwani.

       “We ask for agencies to commit to this training, to explore and understand how we can be more equitable and inclusive of everyone in our industry. We must show through words and actions that we are serious about delivering social good, and we must hold ourselves accountable for seeking out the voices too often ignored, and to listen and improve, making an impact that can be measured in the outcomes we achieve,” she added.

       The certificate is assessed via an online test upon completion of the modules.

       Registration is open till May 27 this year. Course fees are HRDF claimable and cost RM830 +6% SST for 4As members, and RM1,050 +6% SST for non-4As members.