KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 5): The benchmark FBM KLCI is expected to trade above the 1,700-mark next year, according to Bursa Malaysia Bhd chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Seri Tajuddin Atan.

Tajuddin, who was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Investor Relations (IR) award ceremony organised by the Malaysian Investor Relations Association (MIRA) here today, said the index will be able to withstand both external and internal headwinds supported by the country’s strong fundamentals.

“2019 is the year when people expect the market to be a little bit more challenging. But rest assured, as I see it...our fundamentals are quite strong. There are issues that need to be dealt with, of course, there are headwinds. [But] if there’s any movement, maybe there will be a slight correction to that level.

“Generally, after Thanksgiving, the trades are all remnants, it is not a trend by itself. I imagine some book closures and adjustments will reflect where it is. In my view, 1,700 points is a strong level that will be maintained, come next year,” he said.

In his keynote address at the event earlier, Tajuddin highlighted the importance of companies and businesses making clear their core beliefs and value systems, and communicating them in ways that will resonate with their investors.

“More and more investors are looking to achieve something beyond monetary gain with their investments. They want to be sure their investments do not support business activities that oppose any of their own beliefs and values.

“Perceptions are formed quickly and decisively, so never underestimate the value of perception and timing in getting information out — positively, or negatively — especially when there are issues that need to be addressed,” he added.

He encouraged consistency and honesty in investor relations as it can turn investors into advocates and resources who can help with a company’s growth, since investors have vested interests to see the business succeed.

Also speaking at the event, themed 'Investor Relations: The Art of Communicating Value', MIRA chairman Steven Tan stressed that transparent and clear investor messaging is a crucial component when communicating with shareholders.

“Companies are required to maintain a constant pulse on both positive and negative developments in order to communicate appropriately and effectively.

“In essence, companies that demonstrate good investor relations are those committed to good corporate governance and transparency, focused on communicating credible, consistent value creation stories, and building strong relationships with investors,” Tan said.

During the event, 21 awards in 10 categories were given out. The winners were selected from a poll of listed companies that were divided into large, middle or small market capitalisations, conducted by an independent media consultancy from September to October. The results were then validated by KPMG.

DiGi.Com Bhd, led by its 45-year-old CEO Albern Murty, was named the best company and CEO for IR among the large caps. In its eighth instalment this year, the event also saw Alliance Bank Malaysia Bhd and AirAsia X Bhd bagging the awards for best mid- and small-cap companies for IR, respectively.

Meanwhile, Inari Amertron Bhd’s Lau Kean Cheong and Gabungan AQRS Bhd’s Datuk Azizan Jaafar won the best CEOs for IR awards, under the mid- and small-cap categories.

Malayan Banking Bhd’s Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir was named the best chief financial officer (CFO) for IR under the large-cap category, while Lim Cheong Guan of Top Glove Corp Bhd and Ng Chin Wah of Aemulus Holdings Bhd won in their respective mid- and small-cap categories.