A key message emerging from the discussion was that Investor Relations is moving beyond its traditional role as a corporate information channel toward Strategic IR — a function that requires a deep understanding of the business, the ability to explain complex situations clearly to the market, to connect sustainability with the company’s equity story, and to bring capital-market perspectives back into management decision-making. At the same time, IR continues to play a critical role in maintaining corporate credibility and ensuring that investors have a clear and accurate understanding of the business, particularly during periods of heightened uncertainty.
The event featured executives and IR professionals from a range of industries, including Kobboon Srichai of Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL (CPF), Pattarawan Sookplang of CP Axtra PCL (CPAXT), Nuntana Taveeratanasilp of SCB X PCL (SCBX), and Tanat Rungsrithong of PTT PCL (PTT), bringing perspectives from the food and agro-industrial, retail, financial and energy sectors.
From Investor Relations to Strategic IR
One of the central themes of the discussion was that IR can no longer simply act as a bridge between a company and the market. Today’s IR professionals must understand the business well enough to help management communicate the issues that matter most to investors and their decision-making.
Pattarawan Sookplang said the role of IR should evolve from its traditional form toward Strategic IR, combining an understanding of the business, financial performance and the broader market environment. Drawing on her experience in the airline industry during the COVID-19 crisis, she noted that investor questions shifted dramatically from growth prospects to liquidity and the company’s ability to withstand an unprecedented disruption.
In such circumstances, the role of IR is not to make every answer sound positive. Rather, it is to help investors understand what the company is facing, how management is responding and what constraints exist — while communicating on the basis of verifiable information and avoiding commitments on matters beyond the company’s control.
Credibility Matters More Than Speed
The ability to respond effectively to rapidly changing circumstances is another major challenge for IR teams. Tanat Rungsrithong cited concerns over the continuity of energy supply arising from developments around the Strait of Hormuz as an example of an issue that could quickly lead to questions from investors about potential business impact.
When issues of this nature arise, IR teams need to gather facts from publicly available information while working closely with operational teams to understand the company-specific implications before communicating with the market.
The priority, therefore, is not simply to respond as quickly as possible, but to ensure that information is accurate, consistent and made appropriately available to all relevant stakeholders. For matters that could have a material impact on the business, companies may need to use multiple communication channels, including disclosures through the Stock Exchange of Thailand and conference calls with analysts and investors, to ensure the market receives clear and consistent information.
From ESG to Equity Story
Beyond navigating market volatility, another increasingly important responsibility for IR is connecting ESG with business value and long-term potential, helping investors understand the relationship between sustainability, corporate strategy and future growth.
Kobboon Srichai suggested that ESG should begin with the core of the business. Sustainability should not be viewed as a standalone initiative or a separate set of activities, but should be embedded in the company’s business model, management approach and corporate strategy from the outset.
From an Investor Relations perspective, ESG communication should therefore go beyond describing what a company is doing in the areas of environmental, social and governance responsibility. IR should help investors understand how these initiatives relate to the company’s competitiveness, risk management and ability to create long-term value. This is essential in transforming ESG information into an equity story that is relevant and meaningful to investors.
IR Professionals Requires Deep Business Understanding – and the Ability to Simplify Complexity
As the scope of IR expands, the capabilities required of IR professionals are also evolving. Nuntana Taveeratanasilp described IR as a discipline that sits at the intersection of several areas — from finance and accounting, and understanding what financial figures reveal about the underlying business, to the ability to translate complex issues into messages that the market can understand.
IR professionals therefore need an exceptionally strong understanding of the business, combined with the ability to communicate effectively. They must be able to connect the perspectives of the business, senior management and the capital market.
This breadth of knowledge also means that a career in IR need not be confined to the Investor Relations function itself. Professionals who understand both the internal workings of an organization and the expectations of the capital market can develop into broader strategic roles within the company.
AI Is Changing How IR Works, but Trust Remains at Its Core
Technology and artificial intelligence are changing the way many corporate functions operate, and Investor Relations is no exception. AI and digital tools can support activities ranging from data management and disclosure monitoring to the preparation and organization of information for investors, enabling IR teams to work faster and more efficiently.
However, technology remains an enabler rather than a substitute for the fundamentals of Investor Relations. Data accuracy, an understanding of business context, sound judgment and the credibility of the people communicating with the market remain essential to building and maintaining trust between companies and investors.
Yaibua Chuasuwan, Chief Executive Officer of Optiwise Company Limited, said Optiwise is expanding its role from an Investor Relations support service provider toward becoming a more comprehensive partner in corporate communications and capital-market disclosure.
By combining expertise in business, finance, communications and technology, Optiwise aims to help listed companies manage and communicate material information to the market in a way that is efficient, accurate, transparent and timely.
“Investor Relations today no longer ends with communicating information. The function is moving closer to the business and to strategic decision-making. At the same time, no matter how much technology evolves, the market will continue to expect accurate information, transparency and credibility from companies. These remain the foundation of the relationship between a company and its investors,” said Ms. Yaibua.
Optiwise & Friends therefore serves not only as a community for knowledge-sharing among Investor Relations professionals, but also reflects the broader evolution of the profession — from communicating corporate information to playing a more strategic role in connecting businesses, management teams, investors and the capital market.
About Optiwise & Friends
Optiwise & Friends is a knowledge-sharing community for executives and professionals working in Investor Relations and the capital market. Organized by Optiwise, the event brings together professionals from different organizations and generations to exchange experiences and perspectives on the evolving role of IR and key issues shaping communication between listed companies and investors.
The latest event, “Redefining IR Amid Market Volatility — Trust. ESG. AI. What’s Next for IR?”, was held on 1 October 2026 at Gaysorn Tower, Bangkok.
About Optiwise
Optiwise Company Limited is a disclosure and communications service provider for listed companies and companies preparing for an initial public offering. Its services cover Investor Relations, Sustainability & ESG, Corporate Communications and Digital Solutions, supporting organizations in communicating material information to investors and stakeholders efficiently and transparently, in line with capital-market practices.
For more information: www.optiwise.io
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