Judges pick shortlist for 2009 Asia-Pacific Awards

On the overall standard of entries this year Jeremy Woolf, senior vice-president at Text100 and judge for the awards, said: “What was encouraging was that the shortlisted agencies and clients looked to demonstrate PR ability to create demand for product and services. The successful entries weren't defined by budget, but rather demonstrated good execution of creative ideas and understanding of audience."

Richard Wright, director, corporate communication and public relations at BT, added that budget cuts had affected the quality of entries this year. "That's not to say it was all bad. Some entries were exceptional"

David Hall, head of group communications (Asia) at HSBC, and chairman of judges, said: "This was the first time I have been involved with the awards and two things stand out for me. First, the drive within the industry to deliver to the highest possible standards and, secondly, the commitment of the organisers and judges to delivering a credible and substantial awards programme.

“There were a number of areas in which no award was made which may be disappointing to those who submitted entries. Nonetheless, it is a testimony to the achievements of the far greater number who did receive awards and an ecouragement for further effort in those categories for which no award was made."

The Asia-Pacific PR Awards will take place on November 11 at the China Club, a private members club in Hong Kong.

The awards show, now in its ninth year, is more exclusive this year, with a limited number of places for each agency.

This year the awards have seen a total of 337 entries, compared to 320 in 2008.