Bursa Malaysia Berhad (Bursa Malaysia) launched the IR4U programme, a comprehensive programme designed to support and enhance the standards and capabilities of Investor Relations (IR) practices, to raise the visibility and investability of Malaysian listed companies, to foreign and local investors.
The IR4U programme complements the Exchange’s existing IR initiatives such as the Investor Relations & Public Relations Programme (launched in 2021); the PLC Transformation Programme, specifically through Guidebook Book 3 “Strengthening Stakeholder Management & Investor Relations”; and the Bursa Research Incentive Scheme (both launched in 2022).
These initiatives are part of the Exchange’s broader efforts to enhance the profile of listed companies, and invigorate the equities market.
“A strong IR function is essential for the health and development of our capital market as a whole. The IR4U programme will provide listed companies with the tools and resources they need to effectively communicate their value proposition to investors, and to build strong relationships with the investing community. By helping PLCs become ready and adept at engaging investors, this can in turn raise confidence and appreciation for the quality offerings on our market,” said Datuk Muhamad Umar Swift, Chief Executive Officer of Bursa Malaysia.
The IR4U Programme encompasses the IR4U Portal, a comprehensive online resource to serve as a centralised hub which houses webinars, articles, and guidebooks covering the latest trends in the IR space, as well as various aspects of effective stakeholder management and IR relevant to PLCs and IR practitioners.
These resources will be beneficial to listed companies with an existing IR strategy, as well as for companies who are just developing their IR function.
In conjunction with the programme launch, the Exchange also released two (2) handbooks that provide practical and actionable steps on how to develop and implement effective IR plans and strategy:
• ‘Introducing IR4U: Fundamentals of Investor Relations’ – delineates the role and responsibilities of an IR officer, as well as how to plan and implement an IR programme that meets a company’s needs at various stages of growth;
• ‘IR4U: Applications of Investor Relations’ – assists IR practitioners in translating their knowledge into practical application in the marketplace.
In July of this year, Bursa Malaysia assumed the Malaysian Investor Relations Association’s (“MIRA”) role, taking over the responsibilities of the MIRA. This consolidation underscores Bursa Malaysia’s unwavering commitment to fostering a vibrant IR ecosystem and empowering PLCs to effectively engage with the investment community.
Bursa Malaysia will step up in supporting PLCs and IR practitioners with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to excel in their IR endeavours. PLCs interested to participate or learn more about the IR4U Programme can visit the Bursa Malaysia website at https://www.bursamalaysia.com/reference/ir4uprogram/overview or contact the IR4U team at [email protected].
