Corporate governance

HOCK LOCK SIEW

More disclosures tied to value creation could be just the ‘culture shock’ the market needs

Entrenched mindsets that fester in short-term thinking about corporate governance could exact a steep cost

Ahead of its AGM on Apr 30, Fu Yu Corporation says its dividend policy of returning at least 50% of profits to shareholders remains unchanged.

Fu Yu shareholders question board credentials amid governance turmoil

Directors’ nationalities and seeming lack of experience with SGX-listed companies are among their concerns

OKP Holdings says strong cash reserves are needed to support projects and manage risks in construction.

Shareholder questions Singapore construction firm OKP’s large cash pile, board defends strategy

The company says maintaining a strong balance sheet, or financial position, is “fundamental” to operating in the construction sector

As AGM season gets under way, shareholders planning to attend should make full use of this valuable resource in preparing for those meetings.
THINKING ALOUD

Sias’ questions to listed companies are a valuable resource for all investors

They are based on financial performance, corporate strategy and governance

In Asean, where many family businesses are transitioning from founder-led leadership to sibling partnerships, it is important to build strong governance foundations.
THE BOTTOM LINE

Why family enterprises must move from ‘paper boards’ to real boards

Without strong governance structures, the board becomes the stage for conflict

Boards and management teams of listed entities should always think of small, loyal shareholders, including retirees
SENSE & CENTS

A loyal shareholder reflects on riding through tough times in equities markets

Holding onto Singapore stocks may be irrational, but the hope is that doing so will pay off in the long term

Companies with premium valuations build well above the standards set by the Singapore Code of Corporate Governance, and translate governance into competitive advantage.

Unlocking value for publicly listed companies

How boards can close the gap between price and value in a targeted manner

The debate on executive remuneration should not be reduced to a binary choice between unquestioning acceptance and blanket scepticism.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Corporate scrutiny must be disciplined and evidence-based

Governance should continue to rest on a framework that combines expert input, fiduciary accountability and transparent disclosure

Regulators like the Singapore Exchange and investor rights groups have recently started urging companies to provide forward guidance, as long as these are made in good faith and are not misleading.
THE BOTTOM LINE

Time for AGMs to be more forward-looking

A forward-looking approach to the annual general meeting helps instil shareholder confidence

Without the threat of a genuine "no" vote, shareholders are eventually left with the illusion of choice between similarly overpaid executives at different firms.
HOCK LOCK SIEW

A formal ‘say on pay’ may be more effective than better disclosure

This would give shareholders the right to vote on executive remuneration, to ensure it aligns with performance