SELANGOR, 13 August 2026 — The fourth session of the Pre-IPO Series Talk Workshop, organised by Shanghai Business Media (商海) with the strong support of Sime Darby Property, was successfully held at the Sime Darby Property Ara Damansara Sales Gallery. The session brought together entrepreneurs, business owners and corporate leaders to explore the critical preparations, potential risks and real-world challenges businesses may encounter throughout their IPO journey.
For many businesses, an IPO represents more than a major milestone in scaling the company. It also marks a new stage of scrutiny for corporate governance, brand value, capital structure and business transparency.
Held under the theme “The IPO Journey: Things No One Tells You,” the session featured Mr. Wong Chun Mun, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SBS Nexus Berhad (KLSE: 0386), and Mr. Lim Khey Ken, Partner at Ong Eu Jin Partnership, as the keynote speakers. Moderated by Mr. Tey Eng Xin, Editor-in-Chief of ShangHai Elite Entrepreneurs Book of Fame (4th Edition), the forum offered participants a practical look into the realities behind an IPO, through both business and legal perspectives.
Drawing from his first-hand experience as the management of a listed company, Mr. Wong Chun Mun shared insights into the real challenges businesses face, from IPO preparation through to post-listing operations. Against the backdrop of evolving market trends, he also explored how businesses can leverage brand strength and omnichannel strategies to overcome growth barriers and enhance both corporate and capital market value.
He emphasised that in an increasingly competitive business environment, companies should look beyond revenue growth alone. Building a strong and recognisable brand, strengthening market competitiveness and translating brand equity into sustainable long-term business value are equally important to achieving continued growth.Editor-in-Chief of ShangHai Elite Entrepreneurs Book of Fame (4th Edition)
From a legal and capital markets perspective, Mr. Lim Khey Ken provided an in-depth overview of the key legal, compliance and capital structure considerations businesses need to address when preparing for an IPO.
Drawing from his professional experience, he highlighted the importance of identifying potential risks at an early stage. Companies pursuing an IPO should establish sound corporate governance practices and strengthen their internal structures well ahead of the listing process, helping to minimise legal and compliance issues that could potentially delay or complicate their IPO plans.
From Business Operations to the Capital Markets: Understanding What It Takes to Go Public
The forum also featured an engaging Q&A and networking session, with entrepreneurs and corporate leaders actively discussing topics including IPO preparation timelines, business valuation, capital structure, brand building, corporate governance, legal risks and sustainable growth after listing.
The speakers responded to questions based on practical business scenarios, allowing participants to assess their own businesses from different perspectives and gain a clearer understanding of whether they are truly ready to take the next step towards the capital markets.
As part of the Pre-IPO Series Talk 2026, the series aims to provide entrepreneurs who are considering an IPO, currently preparing for a listing, or looking to leverage the capital markets for business expansion with a practical platform for knowledge sharing and real-world insights.
By connecting business leaders from listed companies with professional advisers and industry experts, the programme seeks to help businesses move beyond simply “wanting to go public” towards being genuinely “IPO-ready,” while developing a more comprehensive understanding of the opportunities, responsibilities and challenges that come with entering the capital markets.
The successful conclusion of the fourth session further highlighted that preparing for an IPO involves far more than fundraising and securing a listing. Businesses must also prepare strategically across areas such as corporate governance, brand development, legal and regulatory compliance, capital structure and long-term growth planning.
Moving forward, Shanghai Business Media will continue to organise business forums, professional knowledge-sharing sessions and business networking initiatives to provide entrepreneurs with practical insights into the capital markets and broader business development.
Through these platforms, Shanghai Business Media aims to support businesses at different stages of growth, helping them identify opportunities, strengthen their foundations and move confidently towards their next stage of development.