Certificate in Investor Relations

IRPAS SEMINAR SERIES

IR CALENDAR

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Certificate in Investor Relations

The Certificate in Investor Relations (CIR) is an internationally recognised entry-level qualification in investor relations (IR). This version administered in Singapore is jointly structured by the Investor Relations Society of UK and the Investor Relations Professionals Association (Singapore) [IRPAS]. It is regarded as an essential prerequisite for those entering the IR profession.

Download CIR Brochure & Registration Form.

Note that SGX Training Grant can be used for this programme. For more queries (after reading through the CIR Brochure), please e-mail to cir@irpas.com.

The Certification

The CIR qualification ensures an appropriate level of factual knowledge of both the regulatory requirements and the financial and market environment, which will enable the practitioner to operate competently and safely.

The benefits of obtaining the Certificate include:

Demonstrates competence in the field
Enhances career development
Provides professional recognition within the IR and investment communities

Details of the qualification:

The qualification is for everyone working in investor relations or considering a move into investor relations, either in Singapore, the UK or overseas.

While CIR is running in the UK, Russia, Malaysia and Hong Kong, the Singapore version will be specially customised for the Singapore market with Section 4 containing materials related to the Singapore Regulatory Environment and Stock Market.

Candidates are advised to spend at least 50 hours of studying time, in additional to practicing the mock exam, to prepare for the final exam.

The qualification is assessed by a one-hour examination comprising 60 multiple-choice questions, based on the topics set out in the syllabus.

Candidates who passed the examination will be awarded the Certification jointly issued and recognised by both IRPAS and IR Society UK.

"This initiative by IRPAS is a natural and important step in the evolution of the investor relations industry and its standards in Singapore. We therefore
encourage our listed companies to support this initiative that will bring benefits to their relationship with shareholders and investors."
Lawrence Wong, EVP — Singapore Exchange Limited

The Process

Register for the programme and make payment (details available in CIR Brochure)
Receive CIR Study Notes and Mock Exam details
Attend CIR Revision Course for Sections 1, 2, 3 & 5
Sit for Exam
Receive Certification (when pass exam)

* Candidates will be able to select from one of two sets of revision course and exam dates available for 2012. Cut off date for registration will be two months before selected exam date. Candidates are not allowed to postpone selected revision course date within two months from exam date. If candidates could not make it for the exam date and inform us at least two weeks in advance in writing, they are allowed to sit for the next exam date. However, if the candidate fails the exam and wishes to retake the exam, an administration fee of S$50.00 nett is chargeable each time. Candidates are allowed to take a maximum of three exam sittings to pass the exam. Thereafter, candidates will have to register for the programme again and receive updated set of study notes.

CIR Syllabus

1. Introduction to investor relations

1.1   Aims and objectives of IR
1.2   Why companies need IR
1.3   Skills and responsibilities of the IR function
1.4   Communication with target groups
1.5   The day-to-day business of IR

2. Companies and regulation

2.1   Limited companies
2.2   Companies Act 2006
2.3   Statutory reporting & financial reporting calendar
2.4   AIM companies

3. Financial markets

3.1   Financial markets
3.2   How equity or stock markets work
3.3   Equity investors
3.4   Debt investors

4. Singapore regulatory environment and stock market

4.1   Singapore Exchange (Mainboard and Catalist) listing requirements
4.2   Methods of Offering
4.3   Immediate Announcements & Corporate Disclosure Policy
4.4   Periodic Reports
4.5   Equity Securities — Other Obligations
4.6   Changes in Capital
4.7   Extracts from Singapore Securities and Futures Act
4.8   SGX-ST Rules – Market Structure
4.9   Clearing Fund
4.10 Market Indices
4.11 Code of Corporate Governance 2005
4.12 Guide to Sustainability Reporting for Listed Companies

5. Accounting valuation and investment principles

5.1   Introduction
5.2   Time value of money
5.3   Valuation models and measures
5.4   Portfolio theory and risk & return
5.5   Accounts
5.6   Price-earnings ratio

Testimonials

".. I know from experience that critical thinking fund managers are like businessmen. They do their sums and they decide whether seeing a company is worth their time. Moreover, they do take access to senior management seriously and it is important to give them that access. Investor relations, like good customer service, should be viewed as a central tenet of management that cannot be ignored or farmed out to someone else."

Mr Magnus Bocker
Chief Executive Officer
Singapore Exchange Limited
"... Investor Relations is about building trust with your investors... and long term credibility is the key to achieving this. It is not about making your company look good, but more on helping investors to understand your company - its performance and prospects. IRPAS is proud to play a key role in promoting best IR practices in the region."

Mr Joseph Chia
General Manager
IRPAS
"..CapitaLand values the strategic role of investor relations. Apart from helping to further raise the profile of the profession, we feel that IRPAS can serve as an ideal platform for professionals to keep in pace with trends and best practices, promote networking and tap IR resources for all members...”

Mr Harold Woo
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
CapitaLand
"..As a Charter member of IRPAS, MAE is committed to building a strong foundation in investor relations professionalism in Singapore. Through experiential sharing of ideas and views, and formalised training courses, we hope to encourage greater awareness and knowledge of this critical function in company-to-investor communications."

Mr Lim Leong Kiat, PBM
Chief Financial Officer
MAE Engineering Ltd
“..SembCorp Marine is proud to come on board as a Charter member as we believe IRPAS can help institute higher standards for investor communications, thereby enabling companies and investors alike to appreciate the importance of good and professional IR...”

Ms Judy Han
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations & Communications
SembCorp Marine Ltd
"..The formation of the association is timely; the market is ready for more and better standards in investor communications and engagement. SingTel is proud to be part of the association..."

Ms Sin Yang Fong
Director, Investor Relations
SingTel
"..StarHub is highly privileged to be a Charter member of IRPAS. We have consistently embraced good corporate governance and transparent practices. With this latest appointment, we come with a spirit of sharing best practices, and will be committed to contributing and raising the bar for the investor relations practice in Singapore..."

Ms Jeannie Ong
Head, Corp Comms & Investor Relations
StarHub
"..By playing an active role in IRPAS, UOB hopes to revolutionise local investor relations practices and make strides in boosting investor relations standards. UOB is privileged to be part of this movement towards a new era for investor relations in Singapore..."

Mr Quak Hiang Whai
Head, Group Communications & Investor Relations
United Overseas Bank Group