SGListCos, in collaboration with venue sponsor, Lendlease REIT, hosted a networking evening bringing together senior leaders, investor relations (IR) practitioners and listed company professionals for a discussion on Forward Guidance and the evolving challenges surrounding market communication and investor expectations.

Opening the evening, Chong Lek Foong and Sutat Chew 周士达 reflected on the progress and momentum built across the listed company community, with Sutat Chew 周士达 formally handing over the reigns from his role as Pro-tem Chairman to newly appointed SGListCos Chairman Jeffery Tan, MSID-SRAD 陳英雄. Jeffery also encouraged members to continue engaging closely with SGListCos to further strengthen the listed company ecosystem.

Moderated by Shi Qing Ng (PrimePartners Corporate Finance), the panel discussion that followed, featured Guy Cawthra (Lendlease REIT), Elena Arabadjieva (Stoneweg Europe Stapled Trust), Mark Liew (PrimePartners Corporate Finance) and Su-Yen Wong, FSID, CSP (Independent Director, CDL, CSE Global and First Resources). In reference to the survey conducted with attendees during the session, panelists discussed how forward-looking statements can serve as a strategic signaling mechanism, while acknowledging the practical challenges companies face across different sectors and business models. Key themes included balancing investor demand for visibility with organisational readiness, the role of boards, finance teams, auditors and regulators, and how smaller listed companies can differentiate themselves through clearer communication and strategic narratives.

The discussion also highlighted broader considerations around regulatory consistency, leadership ownership and the importance of building internal alignment before issuing guidance. As shared during the session, while larger companies and REITs may have greater familiarity with market communication, many SMEs continue to face challenges due to lower earnings visibility and concerns around forecasting accuracy. Nonetheless, panelists agreed that transparent communication around strategy, expansion plans and future direction remains increasingly important in building investor confidence and strengthening engagement with the market.

The evening saw strong engagement and thoughtful discussion among attendees, with many valuable perspectives shared on the evolving role of forward-looking statements in today’s market environment. SGListCos looks forward to organising more networking and knowledge-sharing sessions in the months ahead to foster dialogue and strengthen connections across the listed company community.