WeR1 Consultants Pte Ltd, a specialist in corporate strategy and investor relations, has been appointed by Singapore Exchange Limited as a service provider for both programmes under the S$30 million MAS-SGX Value Unlock initiative. The initiative, announced earlier, is designed to strengthen foundations and drive value creation among SGX-listed companies. WeR1's approval covers both the Equip and Elevate programmes, under which listed companies can avail grants to offset costs for professional services related to enhancing corporate strategies, sharpening investment narratives, and deepening investor and media engagement.
Founded in 1999, WeR1 brings a 27-year track record of helping small- to mid-cap listed companies, which often struggle with weak market visibility, in their financial communications. Led by former Reuters correspondent and Merrill Lynch equity analyst Lai Kwok Kin, the firm has supported dozens of listed companies in the region for corporate strategy, IPO and crisis communications, and investor relations.
Under the Equip Grant, WeR1 is launching three training programmes: "Lining Your IR Calendar Effectively," "Turning Crisis into Opportunity," and "Specialist Writing for Financial Markets." Participating companies can claim 50% co-funding support of up to S$15,000 each for these programmes. For the Elevate Grant, WeR1 has been approved to offer investor relations services. Undervalued companies aiming to bridge the valuation gap can receive 50% co-funding support, capped at S$200,000 per listed company.
A core approach of WeR1 for the Elevate programme is its Corporate & Business Update methodology, a disclosure-based narrative refresh designed for listed companies with limited analyst coverage, uneven trading liquidity, and low investor engagement. WeR1 has helped more than 30 companies articulate their corporate transformation, including Fu Yu Corporation and Zico Holdings.
KK Lai, WeR1's Founder and Managing Director, said: "We are deeply honoured to have been approved for both programmes under the MAS-SGX Value Unlock Initiative. Many smaller listed companies remain undervalued because they do not communicate with clarity and consistency. WeR1 intends to bring its experience and approaches to help these companies overcome the valuation gap and increase trading liquidity."
WeR1 is inviting SGX-listed companies, particularly smaller Mainboard and Catalist issuers, to explore their eligibility under the Equip and Elevate programmes. The appointment underscores the importance of effective investor relations and corporate strategy in unlocking value for shareholders.
