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 by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and SGX, is designed to strengthen foundations and drive value creation among SGX-listed companies.
Founded in 1999, WeR1 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 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.
WeR1’s appointment reflects its 27-year proven 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.
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 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. This initiative matters because it directly addresses a persistent challenge in Singapore's equity market: many small- and mid-cap companies trade at discounts due to poor communication with investors. By subsidizing professional services and training, the Value Unlock initiative aims to enhance corporate narratives, boost investor engagement, and ultimately improve liquidity and valuations. For business leaders, this represents a tangible opportunity to leverage government-supported resources to strengthen their market position without bearing the full cost. The impact on the industry could be significant, as better-informed investors and more transparent companies may lead to a more vibrant and efficient capital market in Singapore.
