88 companies join Statement of Support initiative

THE Securities Investors Association (Singapore) is celebrating its 20th anniversary and holding the 10th Singapore Corporate Governance Week 2019 themed "Technology - The New Face Of Governance?" from Sept 23 to Oct 1.

Organised by SIAS, CG Week is endorsed and supported by the Association of Banks Singapore, the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and the Singapore Accountancy Commission (SAC), as well as the Singapore Exchange as the supporting exchange. SIAS is also a member of the OECD Asian Roundtable.

A key feature of the programme is the Statement of Support by corporates to uphold and advance good corporate governance standards. This statement reads: "As an organisation, we are committed to upholding high standards of corporate governance to enhance shareholder value. We believe practising good corporate governance is central to the health and stability of our financial markets and economy."

To date, 88 companies have joined the Statement of Support initiative for excellence in corporate governance.

Sherman Kwek Group CEO, City Developments Limited

"Much like how the foundation is the most important part of a building, strong corporate governance - guided by transparency, accountability and trust - is vital to any organisation and serves as our compass.

Applying the best practices of corporate governance, our policies and control systems provide the guiding principles on business conduct to all our employees and operations globally. Beyond driving corporate performance, a robust ethical framework instils stewardship, mitigates risks, protects and enhances shareholder value."

Nicky Tan Chief executive officer, nTan Corporate Advisory Pte Ltd

"In a competitive market, corporations that embrace robust and effective corporate governance will excel and endure. They win the confidence of investors, encourage stakeholders and build stable relations with counterparties."

Ng Yong Hwee Deputy CEO, Union Gas Holdings Limited

"As a 40-year family business, we have fully embraced corporate governance as key to the ongoing sustainability and future growth of the group when we were listed on the Catalist board of SGX two years ago. It spurs us towards transparency, accountability and disclosure and drives us to build better frameworks for quality decision making, succession planning for key management and ensures that we make sound financial judgements for the benefit of all stakeholders. We see its value in mitigating corporate risks, which in turn results in investors' confidence in our group."

Wee Ee Cheong Deputy chairman and CEO, UOB

"As a responsible corporate citizen, UOB is committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance, which is fundamental to creating long-term value for our stakeholders and to maintaining the trust they place in us. As we are the custodians of our customers' assets, this responsibility also extends to holding ourselves accountable as a source of financial stability, security and strength."