The SGListCos Introduction to IR course, held on 15 May 2025, brought together C-suite leaders and both new and seasoned IROs from blue chips, SREITs, and non-index stocks for an overview of the IR function.

One of the key takeaways, shared by Harold Woo, Emeritus Advisor, Corporate Access & IR at SGListCos (formerly Senior Vice President of IR at CapitaLand), was that while “you can’t dictate Mr Market”, there is much that can be controlled - from managing reputation and crafting a compelling narrative to engaging effectively with stakeholders.

Jonathan Kuah, Senior Vice President and Head of IR & Corporate Planning at Starhill Global Real Estate Investment Trust, underscored reputation as the “golden rule” of IR. Once investor trust is lost, the damage can be irreversible. Jonathan also covered the importance of aligning messaging with senior leadership and leveraging the communications team’s media expertise to strengthen external engagement. Crisis communication was addressed through practical tools such as scenario-based templates, holding statements, and post-crisis evaluation.

A lively panel discussion followed, featuring the speakers alongside Elena Arabadjieva (COO and Head of IR at Stoneweg Europe Stapled Trust), and David Smith, PhD, CFA (Senior Investment Director at Aberdeen). The panel shared global perspectives on IR, with practical guidance on tailoring engagement by geography and understanding valuation metrics.