Permanent rules for Singapore listcos to continue virtual meetings a given, say pundits

PROVISIONS for virtual meetings are expected to kick in by the time temporary measures that made it easier for companies to hold them expire, say market watchers. They also hope the new rules will cover best practices that protect shareholders’ rights.

The Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) (Alternative Arrangements for Meetings) Orders were introduced in April 2020. They allow entities to hold virtual meetings temporarily, even if this was prohibited under any written law or legal instrument.

The orders were due to expire by September 2020, but were extended by the Ministry of Law in view of the continuing Covid-19 situation. On Dec 15, 2022, the ministry said the orders will cease on Jul 1, 2023.