Financial PR starts academy to train CEOs, CFOs, etc

At FPR Academy, market practitioners such as legal counsel and heads of research will train CEOs, CFOs and IR officers in matters ranging from intepretation of SGX disclosure rules to ways in engaging analysts and media. Photo by Sim Kih

WHAT SHOULD a listed company do if slapped with an investigation for accounting irregularity?

This, and other topics that connect a listco to its stakeholders, are discussed at Financial PR's latest innovation for Asia’s investor relations market – a C-level communications school.

"The FPR Academy will raise investor relations standards in our key markets - Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and China," said Kathy Zhang.

“Through the sharing of case studies by market practitioners such as corporate legal counsel and heads of equity research, we equip CEOs, CFOs, other C-level executives and their IR officers with the necessary knowledge and confidence to communicate effectively with the investment community,” said Ms Kathy Zhang, managing director of the Financial PR group of companies.

The inaugural training session by FPR Academy happened yesterday afternoon over three hours with Ms Gwendolyn Gn, a partner at Shook Lin & Bok as guest trainer.

Shook Lin & Bok is a full-service legal firm with Singapore’s largest practice for listed companies.

Ms Gn, who specializes in corporate finance, regional M&A and has extensive experience in equities, took attendees through the legal perspective in interpreting SGX disclosure regulations.

It wasn't a one-way discourse: There was lots of lively exchanges between her and top-level participants from ASL Marine, BH Global, Teho, Mencast, Samko Timber and Dukang Distillers as she shared practical tips such as how to handle disclosure of material information and SGX queries.

Spotted at yesterday's event (all photos by Sim Kih):

Gwendolyn Gn, Shook Lin & Bok (Partner)