This article was contributed by APEC Business Exchange

Profile of an Investor Relations Practitioner
IRPs come from both different academic and professional backgrounds. Some began their careers in IR after having worked as stock analysts or in investment-related industries, while others entered the industry as former financial journalists. Increasingly, many polytechnic and university graduates have also found entry-level positions in investor relations. Senior IRPs tend to have eight or more years experience in this or related fields, and would have also represented companies from a variety of industries.

Elements of a successful Investor Relations Practitioner
In order to be a successful IRP, you must possess both communication and marketing skills, and also a good understanding of financial markets and how they operate. Additionally, you should have the capability of dealing with stock analysts, media personnel, bankers, lawyers, accountants, fund managers, and institutional investors. IPRs should also have a working knowledge of public affairs, local politics, and a comprehensive perspective of national issues and their impact. Typically, they would also have an understanding of the regulations and requirements of different exchanges. This knowledge helps to assure that the rules of disclosure are strictly adhered to.

The Practice of Investor Relations in Singapore
With the establishment of the Association of Investor Relations Practitioners (http://www.airpap.com/) (AIRP) in Singapore, it is evident that the industry is in fact growing. One of their objectives is to foster best practices and enhance ethical and professional standards in the practice of investor relations. To ensure a minimum standard of new entrants into this industry, the AIRP will certify candidates that have successfully completed the Certified Practitioner of Investor Relations (CPIR) Programme. This six-month programme, offered by APEC Business Exchange (http://www.apecbizex.com/), will equip candidates with practical knowledge of finance, communications, and marketing that is required of an IRP. In addition, certified candidates who join the AIRP will be able to attain international portability as the AIRP is a member of the International Investor Relations Federation (http://www.iirf.org), headquartered in London.