Corporate Information

Whistle Blowing Policy

Corporate Governance

WHISTLE BLOWING POLICY

INTRODUCTION

Singapore Chinese Orchestra (the Company) is committed to a high standard of corporate compliance with accounting, financial reporting, internal controls and auditing requirements, corporate governance, ethical behavior and any legislation relating thereto. This policy aims to provide an avenue for the Company’s employees and external parties to report concerns on any serious wrongdoing and offer them reassurance that they will be protected from reprisals or victimisation for whistle blowing in good faith.

SCOPE

This Whistle Blowing Policy (the Policy) is intended to help surface concerns over any action or omission within the company relating to unlawful conduct, financial malpractice, violation of law, rule, regulation or policy, or a direct threat to the interest of the company. By way of illustration, some of the concerns include but are not be limited to:

  • Accounting irregularities
  • Breach of policies
  • Fraud and corruption
  • Harassment
  • Discrimination
  • Misconduct
  • Theft
  • Other unethical behavior

PROTECTION AGAINST REPRISAL AND CONFIDENTIALITY

The Policy allows for reporting by employees or external parties of such matters to the Audit Committee, without fear of reprisal, discrimination or adverse consequences, and also permits the Company to address such reports by taking appropriate action, including, but not limited to, disciplining or terminating the employment and/or services of those responsible.

The Policy is meant to protect genuine whistleblowers from any unfair treatment as a result of their report. Any report about an actual, suspected or anticipated wrongdoing made in good faith by an individual, be it an employee or external party, shall be protected against any reprisal such as employment termination, retribution, or harassment. All reports made will be treated with confidence and every effort will be made to ensure that confidentiality is maintained throughout the process. However, the Policy is also not a route for taking up personal grievances, thus frivolous and bogus reports will be disregarded.

REPORTING PROCEDURES

Employees and external parties are encouraged to put their names to their reports whenever possible.  Concerns or irregularities expressed anonymously are more difficult to act upon effectively but they may be considered, taking into account the seriousness and credibility of the issues raised, and the likelihood of confirming the report from attributable sources and information provided. 

All reports shall be made promptly and in writing.  The reports made should provide as much detail and be as specific as possible. The reports should include details of the parties involved, dates or period of time, the type of concern, evidence substantiating the complaint and contact details, in case further information is required.  All reports should be marked “Private and Confidential” and sent :

By Email : whistleblow@sco.com.sg

or

By Post : Attention to Audit Committee Chairman

Singapore Chinese Orchestra
7 Shenton Way Singapore 068810

Assessment of the reports shall be made by the SCO Audit Committee with due consideration given to the following factors:

  • Seriousness of the issue raised;
  • Credibility of the concern or information; and
  • Likelihood of confirming the concern or information from the attributable sources

Depending on the nature of the report, investigations may be conducted, involving one or more of the following individuals or entities:

  • The Audit Committee
  • The External Auditor, and/or
  • The Police or Commercial Affairs Department.

INVESTIGATIONS

The employee or external party making the report may be required to be meet up with the investigating team or come forward as witness. All reports have to be supported by grounds of belief and evidence. If investigations do not reveal any valid ground of belief and supporting evidence, no further action will be taken by the Company.

FRIVOLOUS/MALICIOUS REPORTS

The Company will not tolerate any report made frivolously, maliciously or for personal gain. If investigations reveal that the employee or external party has made a report frivolously, for personal again, with malice or without any reasonable grounds for belief, the Company shall consider taking appropriate actions against the employee or external party. 

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