KUALA LUMPUR – A new third guidebook on the PLC Transformation Programme was recently launched by Bursa Malaysia Berhad to help public listed companies (PLC) 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.
The guidebook is titled “Strengthening Stakeholder Management & Investor Relation”’ and it’s the third in the series published by Bursa Malaysia.
In a recent statement, Bursa Malaysia stated that this third guidebook 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,” the statement added.
“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,” he added.
Meanwhile, Datuk Muhamad Umar Swift, CEO of Bursa Malaysia, said that good IR is the key to helping PLCs enhance their visibility, gain subsequent access to capital as well as enjoy better valuation for their companies.
“In an increasingly competitive business environment, investors are also demanding more transparency on environmental, social, and governance matters, before they invest in a company,” he said.
In conjunction with the launch of the third guidebook, 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”).
Duckett stated that the third guidebook in the PLC Transformation Programme’s series is a valuable tool for PLCs to also build IR capability to proactively engage with stakeholders, as well as future equity or debt holders, as the companies grow.
“It is also important that engagement is perpetual,” he said.
The third guidebook of the PLC Transformation Programme serves as a useful aid for companies across different sectors, industries and sizes, in their engagement with stakeholders.
For that, Bursa Malaysia highly recommends all PLCs to embrace the best practices advocated in the PLC Transformation guidebooks, which is reflective of stakeholders’ expectations and current trends.
The first three digital guidebooks from the programme are available for download at the Bursa Malaysia website here.
Join our Telegram group for the latest updates!
Read more: VCM exchange to launch by end of 2022 – Bursa Malaysia
Discussion about this post