The Board of Directors shall comply with the relevant laws, regulations, the Articles of Association and resolutions of shareholders, with honesty, integrity and due care for their overall interests.
To ensure the company’s operations meet shareholder expectations, the Board of Directors shall formulate strategies reflecting its vision and mission, before setting policies to guide management in their execution. CEO prepares long-term plans, including annual operating plans and budgets which are presented to the Board of Directors for consideration and approval yearly by the ending of the first month preceding the new financial year.
The Board of Directors shall also ensure that, in pursuit of its vision and Mission, the Company operates by the principles of corporate governance stated in this charter.
1.2. Policy on Conflict of Interests
The Board of Directors shall not allow any employee to seek personal gain from, or to engage in, activities that directly compete with the company or transactions that may lead to a conflict of interest with the company. If such a transaction is unavoidable, the Board of Directors shall ensure that the transaction is carried out with transparency and fairness similar to transactions carried out with unrelated parties. Any employee having an interest in any transaction must not take part in its approval process. All directors are expected to sign the Non-disclosure, Non-Solicitation and Non-compete agreement and fulfil its declarations at all times.
1.3. Policy on Stakeholders
The Board of Directors recognizes the rights of stakeholders and therefore encourages cooperation between the Company and stakeholders including staff, customers, partners, creditors, government agencies, communities where the Company operates, and the public at large. All employees must comply with the company’s Code of Conduct [ASSL-ADM-P002 Business Ethics and Code of Conduct Policy] which has been established to ensure fair and balanced dealings with stakeholders.
Two-way communication channels have been established to ensure stakeholders and other parties can express their views or file grievances. The company provides a point of contact to receive complaints relating to the Corporate Governance and Code of Conduct directives from all stakeholders, before reporting to the Board of Directors at an appropriate time.
[Reference Link: Whistleblowing, Grievance or Employee Care Line: 330-1133/ 681-7711, Barbados: (246) 836-4164]
1.4. Policy on Information Disclosure, Transparency, Financial and Operational Reporting
The Board of Directors shall ensure strict adherence to all relevant laws, rules, and regulations relating to the disclosure of information and transparency. The internal information usage control is stated in the Company’s Classified Information Policy [ASSL-MIS-P005].
Systems are in place to prevent access to information from third parties, and to limit employee’s information access level according to their responsibility. All employees and directors have signed a Confidentiality Agreement with the Company.
1.5. Policy on Risk Management
The Board of Directors adopted risk management systems for all material and controllable risks which may affect the company’s operations. This includes risks relating to the achievement of the Company’s vision and implementation of its strategies, as well as risks about the financial condition of the Company, its operations, and other relevant areas.
Risk management is carried out based on the probability that an identified risk may materialize and the likely impact it may have on the company, with clear preventative and mitigation measures established. The company retains systems to assess, monitor and report on how these risks change with time.
A Risk Management Committee shall be set up to report regularly, on a timely basis, to the Board of Directors on its performance. A review of the effectiveness of risk management systems occurs at least annually, or periodically upon risk levels changing and as directed by the board.
1.6. Policy on Internal Control
The Board of Directors shall ensure an effective and efficient internal control system that covers every aspect of its operations, and complies with related laws, rules and regulations. Effective and adequate check and balance mechanisms are in place to protect investments in the Company and its assets. The company shall set clear procedures for the delegation of authority and the responsibilities of senior executives and staff.
An independent Compliance Unit (includes an Internal Audit section) shall be established to ensure that all operating units of the company comply with these procedures. The Compliance Unit shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer who reports to the board. The reporting time lines will be established through the Corporate Secretary and as mandated by the Board.
1.7. Policy on Monitoring and Evaluation of Performance
To ensure that operations are in line with any goals set, the Board of Directors shall regularly evaluate the performance of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and other senior executives. The criteria for such evaluation will be related to the established KPI as approved by the Chairman of the board and takes into consideration the Strategic Plan as well as other financial goals and will be used in the determination of remuneration and incentives.
1.8. Policy on Succession Plans
The Board of Directors shall ensure that a succession plan for the position of CEO and other senior executives is in place to ensure the company can be managed by executives with the appropriate competency and skills. The CEO will report on succession plans to the Board of Directors as required. A succession plan must cover cycles of 10 years and are subject to change as often as is necessary and at no time should the company not have an active succession plan.
1.9. Policy on Anti-Corruption
The company have conducted and shall conduct businesses, both locally and internationally, honestly and ethically and with a commitment to acting professionally, fairly, and with integrity in all business deals and business relationships, of which the practices lead to a zero-tolerance counter Corruption.
“Directors” and “Employees” are prohibited from carrying out or accepting any type of wrongful money, assets, compensation, and other benefits either directly or indirectly. However, to the extent, as allowed by law, regulation, announcement, local culture, local norm or business practice, gifts of reasonable values are acceptable but must be declared and are subject to be pooled and distributed randomly to any employee. The discretion lies with the Chairman.
1.10. Policy on Sustainable Development
The company shall conduct its business with good corporate governance and management of economic, environmental and social risks and opportunities. In every location, sustainable development framework shall be set into practice through the effective implementation of company policies or the adoption of international best-in-class standards or derivatives to create Competitiveness and Value creation to all stakeholders as follows:-
Competitiveness
- People: Respect for employees’ human rights by fair treatment, build and enhance a strong corporate culture, and the development of the employee, while enhancing leadership and technical competency.
- Operational Excellence: Focus on the flexible and efficient business process along the supply chain and having continuous improvement, provide superior products and services to customers and enhance customer relationship management, and seek new business opportunities.
Value Creation to Stakeholders
- Compliance: Adhere to good corporate governance and comply with stipulated laws and regulations, including the adopted international standards or their derivatives.
- Occupational Safety and Health: be in compliance while caring for occupational safety and health of our employees and business partners.
- Environment: Balance business development alongside environmental protection, study and evaluate environmental impact before project implemented as a preventive measure in every project, reduce or optimize resource utilization, provide pollution prevention at sources and proper environmental management along the supply chain.
- Community: Create sustainable values through community engagement, local employment and other programs toward stakeholders’ acceptance.
1.11. Corporate Culture and Organizational Attitude
The Board of Directors must foster a suitable corporate culture consistent with the company’s values by assigning to Management the task of implementing measures that achieve this end. The Board of Directors shall strive to set a good example in this regard.