Singapore Exchange Limited (SGX) has appointed WeR1 Consultants Pte Ltd as a service provider for both programmes under its S$30 million Value Unlock initiative, designed to strengthen foundations and drive value creation among SGX-listed companies. The initiative, a joint effort with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), provides grants to offset costs for professional services that enhance corporate strategies, sharpen investment narratives, and deepen investor and media engagement.
WeR1, founded in 1999, has been approved for the Equip and Elevate programmes. 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 the Elevate Grant, WeR1 offers investor relations (IR) services, with undervalued companies receiving 50% co-funding support capped at S$200,000 per listed company to bridge valuation gaps.
WeR1's appointment reflects its 27-year track record of helping small- to mid-cap listed companies, which often struggle with weak market visibility, in their financial communications. The firm is led by former Reuters correspondent and Merrill Lynch equity analyst Lai Kwok Kin (KK Lai) and has supported dozens of companies in the region with corporate strategy, IPO and crisis communications, and IR.
A core approach for the Elevate programme is WeR1's Corporate & Business Update (CBU) methodology, a disclosure-based narrative refresh designed for 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, founder and managing director of WeR1, said: 'We are deeply honoured to have been approved for both programmes under the MAS-SGX Value Unlock Initiative. Many smaller listcos 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 initiative is significant for the Singapore market as it provides tangible support for smaller companies to enhance their corporate strategies and investor engagement, potentially leading to improved market valuations and liquidity. By leveraging grants, companies can access professional services that might otherwise be cost-prohibitive, leveling the playing field with larger peers. The CBU methodology, in particular, offers a structured approach to communicating corporate transformation, which can help attract analyst coverage and investor interest.
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