DARREN WONG
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Darren was previously in your position looking for assistance for IPO and since became the founder of IR Service Framework. Darren has also personally trained more than 100 PLCs C-Suites in their investor engagement.
Darren is the founder of Esente Group of companies, which, from humble beginnings in 2003, has grown into a leading Investor Relations Advisory firm in Malaysia. He was also the pioneer and founder of the framework for Investor Relations Service which you see commonly practiced by many IR consultants and practitioners today.
Under his stewardship has developed award-winning investor relations strategies for multi-million to multi-billion M&As, IPOs and other capital market exercises.
He has worked alongside with some of the greatest minds throughout his career in Investor Relations, providing invaluable counsel to industry captains across various sectors. His service has been instrumental in assisting clients navigate through some of the most challenging investment landscapes and sailing through magnificent market booms both locally and abroad.
He works closely with some of the most influential people in the market such as leading analysts, fund managers and the media, which are part of the key drivers of market trends and sentiment, and pivotal components of investment success.
YAP KIT WENG
DIRECTOR
An ex-investment banker having build extensive network with the investment community throughout his 26 years of working experience.
Kit has approximately 26 years of working experience in investment banking roles, encompassing client coverage, deal originations, corporate finance, M&As, structured finance and equity capital markets. He began his career in tax and business at Messrs PricewaterhouseCoopers before venturing into the investment banking sector.
He is currently an independent Non-Executive Director at Esente Capital Berhad. Prior to that, from October 2019 to November 2021, he was the Deputy Group Managing Director of Affin Hwang Investment Bank Berhad, a member of the Affin Banking Group, where he was responsible for the Investment Banking Division and was the Chairman of the Executive Committee. From Nov 2019 to Oct 2020, Kit was also a Non-Independent and Non-Executive Director of Affin Hwang Asset Management Berhad, AIIMAN Asset Management Sdn Bhd and Affin Hwang Trustee Berhad.
Throughout his career, he has also successfully completed multiple capital market transactions and won many accolades for Affin Hwang as well as other organisations to which he was attached, namely Nomura Securities Malaysia, RHB Investment Bank Berhad, CIMB Investment Bank Berhad, AFG Advisory Sdn Bhd and Utama Merchant Bank Berhad.
ETHAN CHOW
ASSISTANCE VICE PRESIDENT
With over six years of experience in Corporate Finance, Ethan brings a solid track record in managing complex financial transactions and advisory work. He began his career with two years in investment banking, gaining exposure to high-level corporate structuring and capital raising, before moving on to spend four years at a boutique advisory firm where he honed his skills in tailored financial solutions for clients across various industries.
Key competencies include:
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Corporate Advisory & Deal Structuring
Strong ability to advise clients on M&A, capital raising, restructuring, and strategic financial decisions, with experience in both buy-side and sell-side mandates. - Client Relationship Management
Skilled in managing client relationships with professionalism and attentiveness, maintaining trust and transparency throughout transaction lifecycles. - Project Management
Experienced in overseeing end-to-end execution of corporate finance projects — from initial pitch to due diligence, negotiations, and closing. - Strategic Thinking
Able to assess client challenges within a broader business context, offering strategic recommendations that align with long-term objectives.
JENNY ALBERT
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Leading Esente’s business development efforts and forging strong partnerships within the Investor Relations & Capital Markets space.
With a sharp understanding of business models, brand positioning and investor engagement, she helps clients achieve impactful listing journeys and long-term market visibility.
Her relationship-driven approach and commercial acumen make her a key force behind Esente’s expanding network of corporate clients.
ASHLEY NG
MANAGER, CLIMATE CHANGE & SUSTAINABILITY AUDIT AND ASSURANCE
Ashley Ng is a Climate Change and ESG professional with a background in project engineering and experience in managing, developing, and executing end-to-end ESG advisory projects for organisations of all sizes - from SMEs to MNCs.
Fluent in the language of corporate sustainability, their expertise also includes developing ESG frameworks, managing resources and streamlining workflows, leading teams to process ESG data, ensuring regulatory and reporting compliance across outputs, as well as business development and client management.
They hold a Bachelors of Engineering (Hons) in Civil Engineering from Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS.
RACHEL YANG
DEPUTY ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Rachel has a background in economics and investment banking, coupled together with 8 years of experience in research and corporate communications. She believes in building strong communication and relationships with people of all backgrounds and has successfully led her team through various projects.
NICHOLAS WONG
EXECUTIVE, INVESTOR RELATIONSHIP
Nicholas is a dedicated and passionate investor relations (IR) practitioner whose expertise transcends age, excelling in navigating the complexities of financial markets through effective communication. He plays a pivotal role in guiding clients through their pre-and post-IPO journeys, ensuring seamless stakeholder engagement. Known for his sound analytical skills, clear communication, and timely delivery, Nicholas provides tailored communication strategies that enhance shareholder value, successfully supporting clients across multiple industries.
HASIF
EQUITY ANALYST
Began his career as an Equity Analyst, Hasif Husin developed strong analytical and research capabilities that built a solid foundation in capital markets. He currently serves as an Investor Relations Executive, focusing on fostering effective engagement between the company and institutional investors as well as research analysts, ensuring clear and strategic communication.
Key Competencies:
- Equity research & fundamental analysis
- Financial modelling & valuation
- Market intelligence & industry research
- Corporate disclosure & reporting
LISA
INVESTOR RELATIONS
With 3 years of experience in venture capital investment and portfolio value creation, she brings an investor’s perspective to the company side, translating the company’s value drivers into narratives that resonate with investors. Her focus is on strengthening investor confidence through clear, data-driven communication and cultivating long-term relationships in the capital markets that enhance shareholder value. Professionally trained in accounting and finance (ACCA and Bachelor of Commerce).
YUJIN KAN
MANAGER, PUBLIC RELATIONS
A seasoned PR professional with hands-on experience in multiple international public relations agencies. Proven expertise in leading end-to-end PR strategies across diverse industries, with a strong track record in media relations, crisis communication, and corporate storytelling.
Key competencies include:
- Developing and executing comprehensive PR strategies for IPO launches and brand campaigns
- Managing local and international media relations, including securing interviews and press coverage
- Crafting impactful press releases, executive speeches, and messaging frameworks
- Planning and executing high-profile events such as launch events, listing ceremonies, and AGMs
- Leading crisis communication initiatives for multinational corporations and public-listed companies
SHUM JING WEI
PUBLIC RELATIONS
In public relations, words hold power. Even in challenging moments, maintaining composure and confidence can create opportunities, giving you the edge needed to turn setbacks into success.
Jing Wei is an experienced public relations professional with a passion for building meaningful relationships between companies and the media. She has worked with public-listed companies (PLCs) and senior executives, fostering strong connections through clear communication and trust. Her approach focuses on authenticity, transparency, and consistency, ensuring messages align with business goals while resonating with key audiences.
With a keen eye for detail, Jing Wei supports organisations in navigating public relations challenges and engaging with stakeholders effectively. Understanding the evolving media landscape, Jing Wei emphasises the importance of preparation and proactive communication. She recognises how journalism shapes public perception and works to ensure her clients maintain a credible, steady presence in a dynamic business environment. Recent Deals: Critical Holdings, AGX, Feytech, UUE Engineering, KHPT, Crest Group, Life Water, Swift Energy
NURUL IZZAH BINTI AB RAHIM
SENIOR ASSOCIATE, PUBLIC RELATIONS
A former Corporate Communications Executive with over 3 years of experience doing in-house PR for PLC. Demonstrates expertise in Strategic Communications, Media Relations, and Event Management. Successfully completed 7 IPO campaigns within a year in the agency
VINCENT LAM
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Vincent Lam is a public relations practitioner experienced in managing both B2B and B2C communications. He has worked closely with public listed companies (PLC), supporting them in corporate communications, media engagement, and strategic messaging, including guiding clients through initial public offerings (IPOs) and key corporate milestones.
In addition to his corporate portfolio, Vincent has also managed consumer-focused campaigns and events, helping brands strengthen their public presence and engagement. His notable clients include Coway Malaysia, Scoot, Ant International, and Malacca Securities.