ITE to strengthen controls after Singapore Auditor-General finds lapses

THE Institute of Technical Education (ITE) said it accepts the Auditor-General's observations of various lapses. The statement came after the Auditor-General's Office (AGO) published its annual report on public sector irregularities.

The AGO found the adoption of an inappropriate procurement method, an interim payment of S$2.43 million for works not carried out, late payments totalling S$14.35 million, irregularities in the award and payment of contracts, and transactions with a subsidiary that were not at arm's length, among other things.

ITE said: "We have, and will take appropriate action to correct the lapses and close the gaps identified. These include further strengthening controls and mechanisms to ensure accountability and uphold the principles of transparency, fairness and open competition, and enhancing systems to mitigate risks in financial transactions."