AI, Digital Narratives and Investor Trust Take Centre Stage at Singapore Investor Relations Seminar hosted by LBS Communications

HONG KONG and SINGAPORE, May 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the investor relations landscape across Asia, forcing companies, investors and communications professionals to rethink how they engage markets, communicate narratives and maintain trust in an increasingly fragmented and data-driven financial ecosystem.

These themes formed the centrepiece of "Beyond Volatility: Strategic Investor Relations in an AI-Driven World", a seminar hosted by LBS Communications Consulting Limited in Singapore on 14 May 2026, which brought together investor relations professionals, fund managers, technology experts, listed companies and communications strategists from across the region.

Opening the seminar, Joanne Chan, Managing Director of LBS Communications Consulting Limited, said investor communications is moving beyond traditional disclosure models toward a far more strategic and technology-enabled engagement framework.

"AI is changing investor communications at multiple levels, from how investors screen companies and consume research, to how management teams craft messages, manage volatility and build long-term trust," Chan said.

"Today's environment requires companies to move beyond traditional disclosure models towards more strategic, transparent and integrated investor engagement," she added.

The seminar featured speakers from across the investment, technology, communications and listed company ecosystem, including Isaac Wong of eFusion Capital, Nirgunan Tiruchelvam of Aletheia Capital, Raghav Kapoor of Smartkarma, Fanny Yan of Nissin Foods Company Limited, Elaine Ang of EngageIR and David Ng of Arki Finance. The panel discussion was moderated by Justin Xiao of Clariti Financial.

AI Reshapes Investor Communications and Market Behaviour

A major focus of the discussions was the growing impact of AI-driven analysis and decentralised information channels on capital markets.

Isaac Wong, Portfolio Manager at eFusion Capital, observed that investor communications are moving away from traditional centralised channels dominated by sell-side research and institutional gatekeepers toward a more fragmented ecosystem shaped by social media platforms, podcasts, digital communities and AI-powered information systems.

"In the past, investor communications were far more centralised and controlled," Wong said during his keynote address.

"Today, information dissemination channels are becoming more public, higher frequency and significantly more decentralised. AI can easily make rumours spread rapidly, and companies now need to think about how they track these channels and communicate effectively within them."

Wong also highlighted the emergence of "agent-to-agent" interactions, where AI-driven portfolio management systems and AI-enabled investor tools could increasingly communicate directly with AI-powered corporate systems.

"We need to present information not just for humans, but also for AI agents," he said. "Companies need better data ingestion, authentication and governance frameworks to operate effectively in this environment."

Raghav Kapoor, Chief Karminator and Co-founder of Smartkarma, said investor relations is increasingly becoming a digital-first discipline powered by data analytics and cross-border investor engagement.

"Capital flows are increasingly global, and investor relations today needs to be digital first," Kapoor said.

"Stories are only believable when they are backed by good information. Companies need to build data-driven narratives and stronger digital visibility if they want to improve liquidity, attract global investors and remain competitive."

Kapoor added that many Asian companies continue to underinvest in digital investor relations capabilities despite the rapid shift in investor behaviour toward online and data-driven engagement channels.

Moderating the panel discussion, Justin Xiao, Principal of Clariti Financial, noted that investor relations professionals are increasingly required to navigate a far more complex communication environment shaped by AI, geopolitical uncertainty and rapidly evolving investor expectations.

"The challenge today is not simply communicating more information, but communicating with greater clarity, credibility and relevance in an environment where investors are processing information faster than ever before," Xiao said during the discussion.

Storytelling, Trust and Human Engagement Still Matter

Despite rapid technological transformation, speakers repeatedly stressed that authentic communication and credible storytelling remain central to successful investor relations.

Nirgunan Tiruchelvam, Head of Consumer and Internet at Aletheia Capital, reflected on how dramatically the investor relations industry has evolved since the pre-internet era, when investor communication relied heavily on fax machines, Rolodex contact lists and in-person engagement.

"Information is readily available today, but stories are not," Tiruchelvam said.

"The role of investor relations professionals is still to communicate a compelling narrative about why a company's business model and outlook are superior. AI gives companies better tools, but the need for effective storytelling remains fundamental."

Fanny Yan, Senior Manager of Investor Relations at Nissin Foods Company Limited, said investor relations functions today are becoming more strategic and responsive due to the speed at which information now moves through markets.

"Investor relations professionals today need to respond much more quickly to market developments, industry news and macroeconomic events because information now spreads very rapidly," Yan said.

Elaine Ang, Managing Director of EngageIR, noted that AI-powered analytics tools are helping investor relations teams monitor market sentiment, analyse investor behaviour and respond more efficiently to misinformation or market rumours.

"AI is helping investor relations become more efficient, but it cannot replace the human element, especially the relationship-building and communication skills that remain critical in maintaining investor confidence," Ang said.

David Ng, CEO and Co-Founder of Arki Finance, added that while AI is transforming financial communication, trust and transparency remain at the core of investor engagement.

"AI is an incredible enabler, but ultimately, investor confidence still depends on trust, transparency and human judgment," Ng said during the panel discussion.

The seminar concluded with broad consensus that investor relations is rapidly evolving from a disclosure-focused support function into a strategic discipline that integrates technology, analytics, storytelling and stakeholder trust management.

As AI adoption accelerates across global financial markets, speakers agreed that organisations able to combine technological sophistication with authentic communication and credible long-term narratives are likely to emerge strongest in the next phase of capital markets evolution.

About LBS Communications Consulting Limited

LBS (Leverage Big Strategy) Communications is a purpose and sustainability driven communications consulting firm focused on driving growth through integrating technology and AI into strategic investor communications headquartered in Hong Kong, with branches in Shenzhen and Singapore. As the exclusive Hong Kong and Greater China representative of the Public Relations Global Network (www.prgn.com), we deliver tailored investor and financial communications solutions that span from local insight to global execution.

With over two decades of experience, we specialize in Sustainability Investor Relations (SIR) — empowering businesses to communicate purpose and performance in a transparent, strategic manner. We help our clients engage effectively with investors, regulators, media, and stakeholders to build trust, shape reputation, and drive long-term value.

 

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AI, Digital Narratives and Investor Trust Take Centre Stage at Singapore Investor Relations Seminar hosted by LBS Communications

AI, Digital Narratives and Investor Trust Take Centre Stage at Singapore Investor Relations Seminar hosted by LBS Communications

BANGKOK, May 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- xTool, the global leader in personal creative tools, held its Southeast Asia Brand Premiere today at Central World, Bangkok, officially announcing its comprehensive entry into the Southeast Asian market. During the event, xTool showcased its heavy-weight annual innovation—M2 Color Craft Laser, specifically designed for home crafters and creative entrepreneurs. Simultaneously, the company launched the "xTool Thailand Local Brand Power-UP Program (100 Local Brands Initiative)". This program is open to brands, studios, and startups with commercial potential, aiming to help local creators scale their businesses through immersive pop-up experiences, end-to-end business model guidance, joint brand exposure, and local social media traffic support.

"xTool currently holds the largest market share in the global laser engraver and cutter market, with a scale exceeding the combined total of our competitors ranked 2nd to 10th. Behind this market leadership is the reputation among millions of creators worldwide who regard xTool as the ultimate 'Money-maker.' This achievement stems from our brand's commitment to transforming expensive, high-barrier industrial laser technology into production tools with an exceptional user experience," said Jessie Liu, President of xTool. "Thailand possesses a vibrant creative ecosystem and a rich heritage of craftsmanship, and xTool is highly optimistic about its future commercial potential. We have already established a local factory and a deep supply chain layout in Thailand. This is not only a long-term commitment to the Thai market but also brings unparalleled commercial value to local users: faster delivery, professional localized response, and more reliable operational security."

First Choice for Low-Barrier Entrepreneurship: Validating the High-Margin Customization Model for Efficient Monetization

For Thai creators, the xTool M2 is not just a production tool; it is a core instrument for lowering entrepreneurial barriers and accelerating capital turnover. Following the philosophy of being "Easy, Powerful, Accessible," the M2 democratizes Dual Cameras and the exclusive ACS™ (Auto-Creation System)—features previously reserved for high-end machines. With highly competitive entry-level pricing, the M2 allows home crafters to deliver professional-grade products without heavy financial pressure directly from their home studio.

The product significantly lowers the technical threshold, enabling the "customization service" business model—a proven high-margin model—to be implemented quickly among Home Crafters. With its simplified operation, home-based operators can complete items like custom pendants, coasters, and exquisite cards in minutes, achieving rapid capital return. Whether it's office professionals and students seeking side income, or stay-at-home mothers building a stable business in their spare time, all can start with low upfront costs. For Gift SMBs, customization adds immense artistic value to ordinary materials (such as wood, metal, and leather), leading to higher profit margins per order and shorter payback periods.

This high-profit potential is already market-proven. Last year, xTool piloted its 'Customization Service' model in Pattaya utilizing the xTool F2. During the peak tourist season, the results were exceptional: a single device handled over 150 orders in a single day, generating peak daily revenue exceeding 17,000 THB. The month-long pilot successfully generated nearly 120,000 THB in total revenue. Top-performing categories included bespoke leaf-engraved lamps, personalized tumblers, and custom-engraved jewelry.

xTool Retail Studio: Instant Personalization Driving Store Traffic and Premium Growth

As the technical cornerstone of the Power-Up Program, xTool demonstrated the xTool Retail Studio solution. This solution transforms "on-site customization" into a new engine for store traffic and operational efficiency. In Thailand, the collaboration between xTool and Starbucks Thailand has become a benchmark for retail innovation. Currently, the Starbucks flagship store at Starbucks Reserve™ Chao Phraya Riverfront, ICONSIAM 7(th) Floor, has officially introduced the xTool Retail Customization Station. This operational model transforms tumblers into unique personal statements. Niparat Yaovivat, Senior Marketing Manager of Starbucks Thailand, stated at the event that since introducing the instant engraving service at Starbucks Reserve™ Chao Phraya Riverfront, ICONSIAM 7(th) Floor, Starbucks has observed overwhelmingly positive customer feedback, validating the company's strategic focus on personalization. Customers are not just enjoying, but they are deeply connecting with the opportunity to create truly unique items, particularly by engraving their names or those of loved ones. This strong emotional engagement and demand for bespoke products has driven more traffic to the store and a boost in social media buzz within the premium market.

In 2026, the customization economy is rapidly becoming a standard across global flagship stores. Huawei retail stores, Meta Lab NYC, and over 200 Decathlon stores worldwide have deployed personalized customization services. An analysis of Huawei's Shanghai stores showed that within just one week of introducing the service, product sales in the first five pilot stores surged by 58%, and foot traffic increased by 18%. Furthermore, compared to online channels, the return rate dropped by 80%, and the service achieved a remarkable record of 0 customer complaints across 10,000 orders.xTool is the technical provider for these global brands. To date, its Retail Studio solution has covered over 40 industry-leading brands and more than 2,000 offline terminals, helping brands unlock massive personalized premiums beyond standardized products.

Thai Factory and Care+: Ensuring "Business Continuity" with a Local Support System

Addressing the core needs of Southeast Asian commercial users for operational security, xTool has launched the Care+ Exclusive Service System, leveraging its local factory and supply chain advantages in Thailand. The system is supported by a full Thai-speaking technical team to ensure seamless communication. Localized warehousing enables ultra-fast delivery, significantly shortening the startup cycle for entrepreneurs.

To ensure that the businesses of home crafters and operators are not interrupted by maintenance, Care+ introduces the "Loaner Machine" mechanism. During the period when a device is returned for maintenance, xTool provides a backup machine. This mechanism aims to eliminate the impact of downtime on production lines, thereby ensuring Business Continuity. This comprehensive protection, based on local manufacturing strength, ensures stable output for Thai creators during their commercialization journey.

About xTool

xTool is a global premium consumer-tech brand dedicated to empowering digital-to-physical creation. As the world's largest and fastest-growing laser engraver innovator, xTool provides a comprehensive ecosystem of laser-based personal creative tools, material printers, user-friendly software, accessories, and consumables. Through these innovations, xTool empowers creators to turn imagination into meaningful creations that deliver emotional fulfillment, commercial success, and personal achievement. Discover more at xtool.com.

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Global Creative Tool Leader xTool Strategically Enters Southeast Asia: Unveil Series of "Money-maker" Laser Machine and "100 Local Brands Power-Up Program"