AGM of Singapore Company How to Build an Efficient and Dynamic Communication Platform?

Annual General Meetings in Singapore How to Build an Efficient and Dynamic Communication Platform?

In Singapore, the Annual General Meeting AGM is not only a cornerstone of corporate governance but also a critical communication platform between shareholders, management, and other stakeholders. In recent years, as investors increasingly demand greater transparency and engagement, how to create an efficient and dynamic AGM has become a key challenge for corporate leaders.

In 2025, several Singapore-listed companies experimented with new interactive formats and digital tools during their AGMs to enhance meeting efficiency and shareholder participation. For example, Singtel introduced an online QA platform at its 2025 AGM, allowing shareholders to submit questions in advance and vote on the most pressing topics. Management then focused on addressing these prioritized issues during the meeting. This approach not only enhanced shareholder engagement but also made the meeting more focused and productive.

From Formalities to Meaningful Dialogue The Need for AGM Transformation

Traditionally, many AGMs have been perceived by shareholders as mere formalities-primarily focused on financial reporting and executive updates, with little substantive interaction. However, as ESG Environmental, Social, and Governance issues gain prominence, shareholders are demanding more from companies in terms of strategic direction, risk management, and social responsibility.

According to the 2025 MAS Monetary Authority of Singapore Investor Engagement Whitepaper, institutional investors are increasingly seeking meaningful dialogue with management. They are not just interested in financial figures but also in a company’s long-term strategies in sustainability, digital transformation, and talent development.

As a result, companies must re-evaluate the purpose of the AGM-shifting from a one-way information dissemination event to a two-way communication bridge.

Enhancing Efficiency Structural Optimization and Technological Empowerment

To build an effective AGM, the meeting structure must be optimized. Leading companies are now breaking the traditional report-and-questions format into clearly defined thematic segments-such as financial review, strategic outlook, risk and governance, and shareholder interaction-each with a designated time frame and moderator to ensure a focused and efficient discussion.

Technology is also playing an increasingly important role. In 2025, DBS Bank utilized an AI-powered meeting assistant during its AGM to capture shareholder questions and generate real-time summaries for management. This not only improved efficiency but also provided data support for follow-up actions.

Hybrid formats-combining in-person and virtual participation-are now the norm. To accommodate shareholders who cannot attend in person, more companies are offering live streaming, remote voting, and virtual interaction. For instance, CapitaLand implemented a real-time voting tally system during its 2025 AGM, enabling shareholders to view preliminary results of resolutions during the meeting, thereby enhancing transparency and trust.

Boosting Engagement Creating an Open and Interactive Atmosphere

Beyond efficiency, the vitality of the AGM is equally important. A dynamic meeting environment can spark meaningful exchanges between shareholders and management, ultimately contributing to better strategic decision-making.

To achieve this, some companies have introduced panel discussions or dialogues featuring external experts or independent directors, engaging in deeper conversations on industry trends and corporate challenges. For example, ST Engineering hosted a 2025 AGM session on the applications of artificial intelligence in defense and transportation, which drew strong participation and sparked extensive discussion on social media.

Younger and retail investors are also becoming more involved. In response, some companies are simplifying language and incorporating more visual tools such as charts and videos to help non-professional investors better understand corporate strategies. OCBC, for instance, included concise animated videos in its AGM materials to explain key digital transformation initiatives in 2025-a move that was widely praised.

Building a Long-Term Mechanism Sustained Communication Beyond the AGM

An efficient and engaging AGM should not be a one-off event but rather the beginning of ongoing communication between the company and its shareholders. More and more Singaporean companies are now publishing detailed QA summaries, meeting minutes, and follow-up action plans after the AGM. Some have even established dedicated communication channels, such as regular email updates, online forums, or investor relations apps.

For example, Singapore Airlines released a shareholder feedback summary report through its investor relations platform after the 2025 AGM, outlining the main concerns raised by shareholders and the management’s response plans. This approach not only improves transparency but also strengthens long-term investor confidence.

Conclusion

Singaporean companies are undergoing a profound transformation in how they approach their annual general meetings-from routine compliance exercises to strategic communication platforms. Structural optimization, technological integration, engaging atmospheres, and post-meeting follow-up are all essential components of this evolution.

Only by truly treating the AGM as a shared stage for shareholder and management collaboration can companies foster greater trust and support in today’s competitive business environment.