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Bursa Malaysia Berhad (“Bursa Malaysia” or the “Exchange”) today launched the third PLC Transformation Programme Guidebook entitled “Strengthening Stakeholder Management & Investor Relations” (“Guidebook 3”). The third guidebook in the series emphasises the need for public listed companies (PLCs) to enhance their engagement levels and customise their communication approach to better connect and build relationships, trust and confidence with shareholders, wider stakeholders and within the company.
Guidebook 3 covers distinct aspects of effective stakeholder management and investor relations (“IR”) as well as crisis communications, when engaging with the many stakeholder groups of a company. This includes guidance on developing a robust crisis communication approach, operationalising IR as well as examples of good stakeholder management practices. Adoption of the Guidebook’s recommendation would help create better understanding of the PLCs among the investor community.
“As I reflect on my past role as a CFO and CEO of PLCs, I believe that there is room for better stakeholder management and investor relations by PLCs,” said Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, Chairman of Bursa Malaysia. “Building and maintaining trust and confidence through appropriate communication and engagement with stakeholders is paramount for the long-term viability of every organisation.”
“Good IR is key to helping listed companies to enhance their visibility, gain subsequent access to capital as well as enjoy better valuation for their companies,” said Datuk Muhamad Umar Swift, CEO of Bursa Malaysia. “In an increasingly competitive business environment, investors are also demanding more transparency on environmental, social, and governance matters, before they invest in a company.”
In conjunction with the launch of Guidebook 3, an industry panel discussion was organised which featured Gerald Ambrose, CEO of abrdn Islamic Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Christine Lau of Digi.com Bhd, and Crystal Teh of Sunway Group Bhd. The panel discussion was moderated by Jonathan Duckett, Executive Director of the Malaysian Investor Relations Association (“MIRA”).
“The PLC Transformation Programme’s Guidebook 3 is a valuable tool for PLCs to enhance their visibility and build IR capability to proactively engage with stakeholders, as well as future equity or debt holders, as the companies grow,” said Jonathan Duckett. “It is also important that engagement is perpetual.”
Guidebook 3 of the PLC Transformation Programme serves as a useful ad for companies across different sectors, industries and sizes, in their engagement with stakeholders. The Exchange strongly encourages all PLCs to embrace the best practices advocated in the PLC Transformation guidebooks, which is reflective of stakeholders’ expectations and current trends.
Officiated by the Minister of Finance Malaysia in March this year, the objective of the PLC Transformation Programme is to help raise the stature of Corporate Malaysia and increase the attractiveness of PLCs in Malaysia. The first three digital guidebooks from the programme are available for download at the Bursa Malaysia website
www.bursamalaysia.com/reference/public_listed_companies_transformation/guidebooks.
For more information about the PLC Transformation Programme, visit
www.bursamalaysia.com/reference/public_listed_companies_transformation/overview or email PLCT@bursamalaysia.com.
