Role of the Board: The Directors are collectively responsible to the Company’s shareholders for the long-term success of the CAO Group and for its overall strategic direction, its values and its governance. They provide the Company with the core competencies and the leadership necessary for the CAO Group to meet its business objectives within the framework of its systems of internal controls and processes.

All members of the Board are aware of their responsibility to take decisions objectively which promote the success of the CAO Group for the benefit of shareholders.

The CAO Corporate Governance Policy sets forth the matters reserved for the Board’s decision, and provides clear directions to Management on matters that must be approved by the Board. In addition, Management has the responsibility for overseeing the implementation by the CAO Group’s operating subsidiaries of the policies and strategy set by the Board, and for creating the framework for their successful day-to-day operation.

Some of the businesses that the Board transacts include:

a) setting, reviewing and approving corporate strategies, annual budgets and financial plans;
b) reviewing the adequacy and integrity of the Company’s internal controls, risk management systems, financial reporting systems and monitoring the performance of the CAO Group and the Management;
c) ensuring that the CAO Group and Management comply with all laws, regulations, policies, directives, guidelines and internal code of conduct;
d) considering and approving the nominations of suitable candidates to the Board of Directors; and
e) ensuring accurate, adequate and timely reporting to, and communication with shareholders.

Key matters that are specifically reserved for the Board’s consideration and approval include corporate planning, material acquisitions and disposals of assets, corporate or financial restructuring, formulation of any dividend policy or the change of such dividend policy, declaration of dividends, interested person transactions, any appointment, re-appointment or removal of the Chairman of the Board,

Apart from matters specifically reserved for Board’s consideration and decision, the Board will approve transactions exceeding certain threshold limits, whilst delegating authority for transactions below those limits to Board Committees and the Management for approval.

Composition of the Board: At the date of issue of this Statement of Corporate Governance, the Board comprises eight (8) Non-Executive Directors and the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director (the “CEO/ED”). All Independent Directors as well as those nominated by the two (2) major shareholders, namely China National Aviation Fuel Group Limited (“CNAF”) and BP Investments Asia Limited (“BP”), were appointed on the strength of their expertise, experience and stature.

The Board is composed of members who are diverse in terms of education, skills, regional and industry experience, geographical origin, interpersonal skills, race, gender and age. Details including the academic and professional qualifications and major appointments of each Director are provided under the “Board of Directors” section of this Annual Report.

The Board recognises and embraces the importance of Board diversity which aims to cultivate a broad spectrum of demographic attributes and personal characteristics in the boardroom, leveraging on differences in thought, perspective, knowledge, skill, regional and industry experience, cultural and geographical background to ensure that the Company retains its competitive advantage.

The Board has put in place Internal Policy Guidelines on Board Diversity to provide guidance to the Nominating Committee in reviewing and assessing the appropriate mix of diversity, skills, experience and expertise required on the Board and the Board Committees of the Company, and the extent to which the required skills and core competencies are represented on the Board. In carrying out its responsibilities in accordance with the said Internal Policy Guidelines on Board Diversity, the Nominating Committee will take into account the Company’s diversity objectives as well as the need to maintain flexibility to effectively address Board renewal and succession planning at Board level and to ensure that the Company continues to attract and retain highly qualified individuals to serve on the Board and Board Committees.

The Board believes that developing a heterogeneous Board will contribute to the achievement of its strategic and commercial objectives which will include: (i) driving better business performance and results; (ii) making corporate governance more effective; (iii) encouraging a wider range of ideas and options and ensuring high quality and responsible decision-making capability; and (iv) ensuring sustainable growth and development of the CAO Group.

In terms of gender diversity, the Company has one (1) female Director on the Board. The female gender therefore represents approximately 11.1% of the total Board membership. In terms of age diversity, two (2) Directors are in their sixties, six (6) Directors are in their fifties and one (1) Director is in his forties, representing approximately 22.2%, 66.7% and 11.1% of the total Board membership respectively.

Delegation of Authority to Board Committees: To ensure the efficient discharge of its responsibilities and to provide independent oversight of Management, various Board committees namely, the Audit Committee, the Nominating Committee, the Remuneration Committee and the Risk Management Committee have been constituted with clear written terms of reference. Each Committee has the authority to examine issues relevant to their terms of reference and to make recommendations to the Board for action. The ultimate responsibility and decision on all matters still lies with the Board.

To optimise operational efficiency, the Company regularly reviews and updates its financial authorisation and approval limits for purchases and expenses requisitions as well as expenses/fees relating to costs of sales (within and outside the approved full-year budget) in tandem with the business operational needs.

Meetings of the Board and Board Committees: The Board met four (4) times in 2019. At the scheduled quarterly Board meetings for the financial year 2019, the Board: (i) reviewed and approved the release of the quarterly and full-year results; (ii) discussed reports by Management relating to major corporate activities; (iii) approved the annual budget; and (iv) reviewed the performance of the CAO Group’s businesses. When Directors cannot be physically present, telephonic attendance and conference via audio-visual communication at Board and Board committee meetings are allowed under the Company’s Constitution. The number of meetings of the Board and Board Committees held in 2019, as well as the attendances of each Board member at these meetings, are disclosed below:

Notes:

1     Mr Teo Ser Luck was appointed as a Non-Executive, Independent Director on 24 April 2019 in place of Dr Wang Kai Yuen. He was concurrently appointed as the Lead Independent Director, Chairman of the Audit Committee and a Member of the Nominating Committee, Remuneration Committee and Risk Management Committee. 
2     Dr Wang Kai Yuen retired as Deputy Chairman and Lead Independent Director at the 25th Annual General Meeting held on 24 April 2019. He concurrently relinquished his office as the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee and as a Member of the Audit Committee and Nominating Committee.
3     Mr Hee Theng Fong was appointed as a Non-Executive, Independent Director on 24 April 2019 in place of Mr Ang Swee Tian. He was concurrently appointed as the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee and a Member of the Nominating Committee and Audit Committee.
4     Mr Ang Swee Tian retired as an Independent Director on 24 April 2019. He concurrently relinquished his office as the Chairman of the Audit Committee and as a Member of the Remuneration Committee, Nominating Committee and Risk Management Committee.
5.    Mr Chan Yat Chung, a BP-nominee Director, resigned as a Non-Executive, Non-Independent Director on 1 November 2019. He concurrently relinquished his office as the Chairman of the Risk Management Committee and a member of the Audit Committee.
6.    Mr Eugene Leong Jhi Ghin, a BP-nominee Director, was appointed as a Non-Executive, Non-Independent Director on 1 November 2019 in place of Mr Chan Yat Chung. He was concurrently appointed as the Chairman of the Risk Management Committee and a Member of the Audit Committee.   

Quarterly Meetings of Board and Board Committees, Independent Directors’ Meeting and Annual General Meeting:
Meetings of the Board and Board Committees, Independent Directors’ Meeting and the Annual General Meeting of the Company for each year are scheduled some time in the month of July in the preceding year to facilitate the Directors’ individual administrative arrangements in respect of any competing commitments.

Director Familiarisation Programme: A formal letter is sent to newly appointed Non-Executive Directors upon their appointment explaining their duties and obligations as a Director as well as the governance policies and practices of the CAO Group. In addition, the formal letter of appointment sets out their expected time commitment and make clear that, by accepting the appointment, they are confirming that they are able to meet the expectations of their role. They are also required to disclose their other significant commitments to the Board prior to their appointment and to give notice of any subsequent changes.

Comprehensive and tailored training is provided for all new Directors appointed to the Board as part of their orientation to ensure that they are familiar with (i) the Company’s strategic objectives and the nature and scope of its operations;(ii) the Board’s role and the governance structure and processes of the Company; (iii) Directors’ duties and responsibilities under statute and common law; (iv) applicable legal requirements and other regulatory requirements; (v) broad overview on the rules of SGX-ST Listing Manual; and (vi) the CAO Corporate Governance Policy. Facility visits to our associated companies’ premises are also arranged to enable newly appointed Directors to acquire an understanding of the CAO Group’s business operations.

Comprehensive Director familiarisation sessions were arranged for Mr Teo Ser Luck and Mr Hee Theng Fong who joined the Board in April 2019 and for Mr Eugene Leong Jhi Ghin who joined the Board in November 2019.The purpose of the familiarisation sessions was to familiarise them with the business activities, strategic direction, policies and corporate governance practices of the CAO Group. Areas covered included the Corporate Strategy and Investments, Oil Trading and Aviation Marketing Businesses of the CAO Group, Risk Management Framework, Policies and Practices, Overview of the Financial Performance of the CAO Group, Investor Relations Activities, Compliance and Internal Audit function, Directors’ Duties and Continuing Listing Obligations and Governance Structure, Policy and Practices of the CAO Group. These sessions also provided opportunities for the aforesaid Directors to get acquainted with senior management, and also foster better rapport and communications with Management.

For any Director who has no prior experience as a director of a listed company, arrangements will be made for him or her to attend the Listed Entity Director (“LED”) Programme conducted by the Singapore Institute of Directors (“SID”) within a year of his or her appointment. Accordingly, the Company had arranged for Mr Eugene Leong Jhi Ghin to attend the LED Programme conducted by SID, within one (1) year of his appointment as a Director of CAO.

Continuing Professional Development of Directors: In line with CAO’s Policy on Director Orientation and Professional Development adopted by the Board since November 2012, continuing professional development programmes were organised for Directors to ensure that all Directors are updated on important market developments in the energy industry and issues which may have a significant impact on the businesses, financial and operational matters of the CAO Group. These programmes are conducted by external advisers, experts or senior management and these included a Board Information Session relating to “Outlook for Global Crude oil and Refined Products Markets” conducted by Asia S&P Global Platts. The Company also provides the Board with updates on developments in laws and regulations or changes in regulatory requirements and financial reporting standards, which are relevant to or may affect the CAO Group’s businesses. The Directors have been periodically updated on various aspects of the CAO Group’s operations through briefings, informal discussions and meetings with Management. As part of the Company’s continuing professional education for Directors, the Company circulates to the Board articles, reports and news releases issued by the SGX-ST which are relevant to the CAO Group’s businesses. Also, wherever applicable, meetings are arranged for the Directors to meet with relevant experts on issues which impact the CAO Group’s operating environment. In addition, the Directors are encouraged to attend appropriate relevant external programmes such as those conducted by SID or seminars organised by the SGX-ST or other professional institutions, at the Company’s expense. The Directors may also, at any time, request further information or meetings with Management on the CAO Group’s operations.

Directors’ Disclosure of Interests: The Board has established the Board of Directors Conflict of Interest Policy   (the “Board Conflict of Interest Policy”) which is adjunct to the Company’s overarching commitment to high levels of integrity and transparency. The Board Conflict of Interest Policy provides guidance and assistance to the Board in identifying and disclosing actual and potential conflicts of interest, and to help ensure the avoidance of any conflicts of interest where necessary.

All Directors are required to officially disclose their interests in the Company including any interested person transactions with the Company. To facilitate a comprehensive disclosure by Directors and the CEO/ED of the Company of any interests arising from multiple or cross directorships, shares or equity ownership interests etc., a revised letter template for the general disclosure of interests by Directors and the CEO/ED has been devised for use by Directors and the CEO/ED. As a further commitment of the Board to transparent disclosure, management and monitoring of existing and potential conflicts of interest, a “Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form” by Directors and key management personnel (“KMP”) of the Company has been devised to facilitate adequate and timely disclosures by Directors and KMP.

Any Director who has an interest that may present a conflict between (a) his or her obligation with the Company and his or her personal business or other interests; and/or (b) the interests of the appointing major shareholder and the interests of the Company on which he or she serves, will either recuse himself or herself from participating in the deliberations and voting on the matter or declare his or her interest and abstain from decision-making.

All Directors practise good governance by updating the Company about changes to their interests in a timely manner.

Composition of Independent Directors on the Board: Of the nine (9) members on the Board, six (6) are nominated by substantial shareholders and are deemed as non-independent. The three (3) Independent Directors namely, Mr Teo Ser Luck, Mr Li Runsheng and Mr Hee Theng Fong constitute one-third of the Board. Currently, at least two (2) Independent Directors are resident in Singapore. These two (2) Independent Directors are Mr Teo Ser Luck and Mr Hee Theng Fong. None of the nine (9) Board members is related to one another.

Independent Element of the Board: The Nominating Committee assesses and determines the independence of a Director upon appointment and on an annual basis. The Nominating Committee takes into consideration CAO’s Internal Policy Guidelines on Directors’ Test of Independence which set out the process for considering the independence of Directors of the Company (the “Directors’ Test of Independence Policy”). The Directors’ Test of Independence Policy(i) specifies the materiality thresholds and independence criteria which the Nominating Committee will use to assess the independence of a Director; (ii) identifies the information that the Company will collect from Directors to enable the Nominating Committee to assess the independence of Directors; and (iii) outlines the basis of disclosure to shareholders of the assessment of the independence of Directors, including the disclosure of any relationships that may be perceived to affect the independence or objectivity of a Director.

The Nominating Committee carried out the review on the independence of each non-executive Director in September 2019 by taking into consideration the Directors’ Test of Independence Policy and the information collected from each Director through the completion by each Director of a confirmation of independence checklist. The Director is required to declare any circumstances in which he or she may be considered non-independent. The Nominating Committee will then review the confirmation of independence checklist by applying the Directors’ Test of Independence before affirming the independence of a Director.

In the Form of Director’s Declaration for 2019, Mr Teo Ser Luck, Mr Li Runsheng and Mr Hee Theng Fong had each confirmed that there were neither any circumstances that could have materially interfered with his exercise of unfettered and independent judgment nor were there any occurrence of any circumstances where the interests of CAO might   not be best served by the interests of the major shareholders of CAO. All have demonstrated their independence in character and judgement in discharging their duties and responsibilities as Directors of the Company and their ability to act in the best interests of the Company. This is evident from the minutes of the proceedings of the Board and Board Committees where they had expressed individual viewpoints and objectively scrutinised and sought clarifications from the Management, employees, external auditors and internal auditors of CAO as they considered necessary.

The Board accepted the Nominating Committee’s views and affirmed the independence of these Directors.

The composition of the Board is reviewed annually by the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee is satisfied that the Board comprises Directors who as a group possess the necessary calibre, experience and core competencies for effective decision-making. Individual director’s profiles can be found in “Board of Directors” section of the Annual Report.

All Singapore-listed companies are required to comply with Provision 2.2 of the 2018 Code which stipulates that Independent Directors should make up a majority of the Board where the Chairman is not independent. In this regard, considering that the rationale of Provision 2.2 of the 2018 Code is basically intended to prevent any one (1) major shareholder from dominating the decision-making process of the Board where the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer are both nominated by the same major shareholder and notwithstanding that the Chairman of the Board is not an Independent Director of the Company, there already exists an appropriate level of checks and balances in the management and operation of the Company via the Shareholders’ Agreement as the composition of the Board of Directors of the Company presently comprises representatives from its two (2) major shareholders namely, CNAF and BP. Matters requiring the Board’s approval are discussed and deliberated with participation from each member of the Board and the decisions are based on collective decision without any individual or small group of individuals influencing or dominating the decision-making process. In addition, the Company had appointed a Lead Independent Director from amongst the Independent Directors of the Company. Hence, considering that the safeguards for a balanced Board are already in place, the Board is of the view that it would be appropriate to maintain the present Board composition of the Company for the foreseeable future.

Hence, considering that the safeguards for a balanced Board are already in place, the Board is of the view that it would be appropriate to maintain the present Board composition of the Company for the foreseeable future.

Separate Role of Chairman and CEO: The Chairman, with the assistance of the Lead Independent Director, is primarily responsible for overseeing the overall management and strategic development of the Company. With the assistance of the Company Secretary, the Chairman schedules Board meetings and ensures that all procedures and good governance practices are complied with. The CEO/ED consults both with the Chairman and the Lead Independent Director for their views on the agenda for Board meetings.

The CEO/ED executes the Board’s decisions and is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Company’s business, making operational decisions for the Company and implementing the Company’s business, direction, strategies and policies.

The Chairman regularly consults with the Lead Independent Director as well as other members of the Board and Board committees on major issues. As such, the Board believes there are adequate safeguards in place against having a concentration of power and authority in a single individual.

The Chairman and the CEO/ED are not related to each other.

The list of responsibilities of the Chairman and the CEO/ED is available for inspection at the Company’s registered office.

Regular Meetings of Independent Directors: In  accordance with the  CAO Corporate Governance  Policy, the Independent Directors of CAO meet at least once a year, without the presence of the other Directors, to discuss any matters relevant to the CAO Group, such as its investment criteria, risk management and internal controls, risk appetite and risk tolerance, performance of management, Board communication and performance, and strategic issues. Led by the Lead Independent Director, the Independent Directors of CAO held their meeting on 30 October 2019 without the presence of the other Directors. The Independent Directors of CAO discussed issues relating inter alia to, assessing the completeness, adequacy and timeliness of information provided by Management to the Board of Directors to enable them to make informed decisions to discharge their duties and responsibilities.

Composition of Nominating Committee and Terms of Reference: The Nominating Committee was established by the Board to make recommendations for all Board appointments. The Nominating Committee comprises five (5) members, the majority of whom, including its Chairman, are Independent Non-Executive Directors:

Nominating Committee

The Chairman of the Nominating Committee is not associated with any substantial shareholder of the Company.

The Nominating Committee held one (1) meeting in 2019 where it met to discuss and review (i) the independence of Non-Executive Directors; (ii) Board Performance Evaluation; and (iii) the Nominating Committee Annual Self-Assessment Findings. The Nominating Committee had also reviewed and approved several other matters under its remit via email circulation.

The responsibilities of the Nominating Committee include:
a) the review of the structure, size and composition of the Board and the Board Committees;
b) the review of the succession plans for the Board Chairman, Directors and Chief Executive Officer;
c) the development of a transparent process for evaluating and the performance of the Board, its Board Committees and non-executive Directors, including assessing whether the non-executive Directors are able to commit enough time to discharge their responsibilities and the maximum number of listed company Board representations which a Director may hold;
d) the review of the training and professional development programmes of the Board;
e) the appointment and re-appointment of all Directors (including alternate Directors, if any); 
f) the review and confirmation of the independence of each Director; and
g) the review of the management structure of key operating subsidiaries of the Company and evaluation of the performance of key management personnel of these key operating subsidiaries, as and when proposed by any Director.

Board Nomination Process for the Selection and Appointment of New Independent Directors: The Nominating Committee will generally apply the Internal Guidelines for Selection and Appointment of Independent Directors of CAO (the “Internal Guidelines”) for the process of identifying, evaluating and selecting suitable candidates for appointments as new Independent Directors of the  Company.  In  considering  the  overall  balance  of  the  Board’s  composition, the Nominating Committee will give due consideration to the selection and evaluation criteria set out in the Internal Guidelines, having regard to the normally accepted nomination criteria which include but not limited to (i) the appropriate background, experience, industry knowledge or ability to acquire that knowledge, professional skills and qualifications;(ii) demonstrated, willingness to devote the required time, including being available to attend meetings of the Board and Board Committees; and (iii) high levels of personal and professional integrity as well as business ethics.

In the case of selection and appointment of CNAF-Nominee Directors and BP-Nominee Directors, the Nominating Committee will not apply the Internal Guidelines. However, with regard to the nominations received from either CNAF or BP for the appointment and/or replacement of their respective nominee Directors, the Nominating Committee may apply the relevant evaluation criteria in the Internal Guidelines when assessing their suitability in complementing the core competencies of the Board at that time.

Early in the course of the year, the Nominating Committee commenced the search for prospective candidates identified from a number of sources. The Chairman of the Board, Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Nominating Committee, together with Management, met up with four (4) identified candidates through referrals from directors’ contacts and recommendation from the Chinese Embassy in Singapore, to assess and ascertain their suitability for appointment as Independent Directors of the Company to fill the casual vacancies in the Board after the retirement of Dr Wang Kai Yuen and Mr Ang Swee Tian from the Board after the conclusion of the 2019 Annual General Meeting of the Company scheduled in April 2019. Following careful consideration and assessment, Mr Teo Ser Luck and Mr Hee Theng Fong were shortlisted as potential candidates for appointment as Independent Directors of the Company. The Nominating Committee had considered the relevant evaluation criteria in the Internal Guidelines when assessing their suitability     in complementing the core competencies of the Board. Following consideration and assessment, the Nominating Committee submitted its recommendations to the Board for approval of the appointment of Mr Teo and Mr Hee as Independent Directors of the Company. The Board had considered the recommendations of the Nominating Committee and the background, qualifications and experiences of each of Mr Teo and Mr Hee respectively. After having confirmed the independence of Mr Teo and Mr Hee, the Board approved the appointments of Mr Teo and Mr Hee as Independent Directors of the Company whose appointment took effect on 24 April 2019 immediately after the conclusion of the 2019 Annual General Meeting of the Company.

In the course of the year, Mr Eugene Leong Jhi Ghin, a BP-nominee Director, was appointed as a Non-Executive, Non-Independent Director of the Company in place of Mr Chan Yat Chung. Prior to Mr Leong’s appointment, Nominating Committee had considered the relevant evaluation criteria in the Internal Guidelines when assessing Mr Leong’s suitability in complementing the core competencies of the Board. Following consideration and assessment, the Nominating Committee submitted its recommendations to the Board for approval of the appointment of Mr Leong as a Non-Executive, Non-Independent Director of the Company. The Board had considered the recommendations of the Nominating Committee and the background, qualifications and experiences of Mr Leong and approved the appointment of Mr Leong as a Non-Executive, Non-Independent BP-nominee Director of the Company.

Directors’ Multiple Directorships in Listed Companies: In line with the Board adopted guiding principles for the determination of a specified maximum number of listed board representations. Directors of CAO should not, as a general guide, hold more than six (6) board representations in listed companies (the “Maximum Number of Listed Board Representations”). In addition, the following considerations are also taken into account:

(i) where the individual also holds a full-time executive position; and
(ii) where the individual is a full-time independent director.

All Directors of the Company have complied with the requirement on the Maximum Number of Listed Board Representations.

The Nominating Committee had reviewed each Director’s external directorships as well as the Director’s attendance and contributions to the Board. Despite the multiple directorships of some Directors, the Nominating Committee is satisfied that all of the Directors of the Company have complied with the requirement on the Maximum Number of Listed Board Representations. The Nominating Committee is also satisfied that the Directors spent adequate time on the Company’s affairs and have carried out their responsibilities.

Retirement by Rotation and Re-election of Directors: Pursuant to Regulation 94 of the Company’s Constitution, one-third of the members of the Board of Directors shall retire by rotation at every annual general meeting of the Company (the “AGM”) and these Directors may offer themselves for re-election, if eligible. For the 26th AGM to be held on 4 June 2020, Dr Xi Zhengping and Mr Li Runsheng are due for retirement by rotation and would be eligible for re-election.

In accordance with Regulation 100 of the Company’s Constitution, Mr Teo Ser Luck and Mr Hee Theng Fong who were appointed as Independent Directors of the Company on 24 April 2019 and Mr Eugene Leong Jhi Ghin, who was appointed as a Non-Executive, Non-Independent Director of the Company on 1 November 2019, will each hold office as Directors until the next annual general meeting of the Company and will be eligible for re-election under Regulation 100 at the 26th AGM.

Board Performance: The Nominating Committee evaluated the performance of each Director and the effectiveness of the Board as a whole. The Board has, through the Nominating Committee, implemented a formal process annually for assessing the effectiveness of the Board as a whole, each of its Board Committees and individual Directors  (the “Overall Board/Board Committees’ Performance Evaluation”). The Overall Board/Board Committees’ Performance Evaluation entailed the completion by each member of the Nominating Committee of a Board assessment and effectiveness questionnaire (the “Board Evaluation Questionnaire”).

The elements of the Board Evaluation Questionnaire included questions on (i) the Board’s composition; (ii) Board’s access to information prior to Board meetings and on an ongoing basis to enable them to properly discharge their duties and responsibilities as Directors; (iii) the expertise and experience of each member of the Board; (iv) the conduct of proceedings of meetings, participation and contributions to the Board both inside and outside of Board meetings; (v) the assessment of the performance benchmark for assessing the performance of the Board as a whole and in ensuring the continued return for shareholders; and (vi) the standard of conduct in preventing conflicts of interest and the disclosure of personal interests and abstention from voting where appropriate.

A summary of the assessment ratings on each of the elements of the Board Evaluation Questionnaire by each member of the Nominating Committee for last three (3) preceding years was also sent to the members of the Nominating Committee.

Each member of the Nominating Committee would first carry out his own assessment and evaluation of the performance of the Board as a whole and its Board Committees using the Board Evaluation Questionnaire.

A general summary of the assessment ratings on each of the elements of the Board Evaluation Questionnaire by each member of the Nominating Committee will be collated by the Company Secretary for the Nominating Committee’s deliberation and consensus at its Nominating Committee Meeting held on 31 October 2019.

During the year, each of the Board committees also conducted an annual self-evaluation to assess its effectiveness as a whole and explored ways to further enhance its effectiveness.

The Nominating Committee is satisfied with the current compositions and performances of the Board and the Board Committees, both individually and as a whole.

Information Flow: The Company has put in place enhanced communication processes between the Board and Management in terms of information flow.

Agenda for meetings and all Board papers for discussions are circulated to Directors at least ten (10) calendar days in advance so that the Directors are prepared for the meetings. However, sensitive matters may be tabled at the meeting itself or discussed without any papers being distributed. Management and senior executives of the Company would be present during the Board meeting or Board Committee meeting, as the case may be, to present their proposals or to answer any questions that Board members may have.

The Board as a whole as well as individual Directors have direct access to Management represented by senior executive officers of the Company and the CAO Group. The Management provides the Directors with monthly updates on the operational and financial performance of the CAO Group, and also responds to regular questions from the Board or individual Directors in a timely manner.

Where the Board deems it necessary, the Board can obtain independent advice from external consultants. This enhances the Board’s ability to discharge its functions and duties.

All Board members have direct access to and the advice and services of the Company Secretary. The Company Secretary attends all Board and Board Committee meetings and assists the respective Chairman of the Board/Board Committees in ensuring that Board/Board Committee papers, procedures and the applicable laws and regulations are adhered to.

Information about the Company and the CAO Group are freely available to each Board member. Management will promptly supply any additional information that the Board requires.

The Board also has ready access to external professionals for consultations.

Remuneration Committee: The Board has established a Remuneration Committee to consider and to make recommendations on remuneration matters for the Directors and KMP of the CAO Group. Apart from ensuring consistencies with good practices, the Remuneration Committee is also mindful of the need to ensure that the Company and the CAO Group are able to attract and retain good Directors and senior executives to the business.

The Remuneration Committee comprises five (5)  members, the majority of whom, including its Chairman,  are Independent Non-Executive Directors:

Remuneration Committee

The Remuneration Committee assists the Board and Management by assessing and making remuneration recommendations for the Executive Directors and KMPs of the Company that are appropriate and proportionate to the sustained performance and value creation of the Company, in line with the strategic objectives of the Company.

In the discharge of its responsibilities, the Remuneration Committee may, as it deems appropriate, seek expert advice from an external international human resource consultancy firm. During the year, the Company used the “2019 Global Job Scoring System” and “2019 Singapore Mercer Benefits Monitor” for the Energy & Trading Industry purchased from Mercer, as references for benchmarking purposes. Mercer and its consultants are independent and not related to the Company or any of its Directors.

Broadly, remuneration for the CEO/EO and five (5) KMPs for the financial year ended 31 December 2019 is based on the Company’s and individual performances and the remuneration for Non-Executive Directors in the form of fees is based on responsibilities and memberships in the Board and its committees.

All Independent Directors of the Company are paid Directors’ fees, subject to the approval of shareholders at the AGM. Directors’ fees comprise a basic fee and fees in respect of service on the Board Committees. All Non-executive, Non-Independent Directors of the Company do not receive Directors’ fees.

The structure for the payment of Directors’ fees for Non-Executive Directors is based on a framework comprising basic fee and additional fees for serving on the Board Committees and also undertaking additional services for the CAO Group. Fees paid or payable to Independent Directors take into account factors such as effort and time spent, and responsibilities of these Directors. The CEO/ED does not receive Directors’ fees for his Board directorships with the Company or within the CAO Group.

The remuneration of Directors payable for the financial year ended 31 December 2019 is set out below:

(1) The total remuneration of Mr Wang Yanjun shown above excludes the 2019 variable bonus payable for the financial year 2019. The quantum of the said 2019 variable bonus will be determined during the financial year 2020, in accordance with the Company’s bonus framework policy approved by the Remuneration Committee and the Board. 
(2) Mr Teo Ser Luck was appointed as an Independent Director on 24 April 2019. He was concurrently appointed as the Lead Independent Director, the Chairman of the Audit Committee and a Member of the Nominating Committee, Remuneration Committee and Risk Management Committee.
(3) Dr Wang Kai Yuen retired as a Director at the AGM on 24 April 2019. He concurrently relinquished his office as the Deputy Chairman, the Lead Independent Director, the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee and a Member of the Nominating Committee and Audit Committee.
(4) Mr Hee Theng Fong was appointed as an Independent Director on 24 April 2019. He was concurrently appointed as the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee and a Member of the Nominating Committee and Audit Committee.
(5) Mr Ang Swee Tian retired as a Director at the AGM on 24 April 2019. He concurrently relinquished his office as the Chairman of the Audit Committee and a Member of the Nominating Committee, Remuneration Committee and Risk Management Committee.
(6) Mr Eugene Leong Jhi Ghin, a BP- nominee Director, was appointed as a Non-Executive, Non-Independent Director on 1 November 2019 in place of Mr Chan Yat Chung. 
(7) Mr Chan Yat Chung, a BP-nominee Director, resigned as a Non-Executive Director, Non-Independent Director on 1 November 2019.

(1) The remuneration disclosed comprises secondment fees paid to BP Singapore Pte Ltd (“BPS”) pursuant to a secondment agreement between CAO and BPS.
(2) The remuneration disclosed for Key Management Personnel (other than Mr Owen Wong who is a BP secondee) includes the 2018 variable bonus paid during the financial year 2019 and excludes the 2019 variable bonus payable during the financial year 2020. The quantum of the said 2019 variable bonus will be determined during the financial year 2020, in accordance with the Company’s bonus framework policy applicable for KMPs approved by the Remuneration Committee and the Board.

There are no employees in the CAO Group who are immediate family members of the Chairman or any of the Directors during the financial year ended 31 December 2019. “immediate family member” means the spouse, child, adopted child, step child, brother, sister and parent.

The remuneration of the CAO Group’s five (5) KMP takes into consideration the pay and employment conditions within the same industry and is performance-related.

The remuneration package of Directors and senior executive officers include the following:

Basic/fixed salary – The basic salary (exclusive of statutory employer contributions to Central Provident Fund) for  the CEO/ED and each KMP were approved by the Remuneration Committee and endorsed by the Board, taking into account the performance of the individual for the financial year 2019, the inflation price index and information from independent sources on the pay scale for similar jobs in a selected group of comparable organisations.

Variable/Performance – The CAO Group operates a bonus scheme for all employees including the CEO/ED. The criteria for the bonus scheme are the level of profit achieved from certain aspects of the CAO Group’s business activities against targets, together with an assessment of the Company’s and individual’s performance during the year. The remuneration disclosed above for the CEO/ ED and the five (5) KMPs included the 2018 variable bonuses in relation to profit targets achieved for the Company’s oil trading activities during the financial year 2018.

Others – Benefits in kind such as statutory employer contributions to Central Provident Fund, employer’s contributions to social security funds for CNAF seconded personnel, private medical cover and car are made available where appropriate and consistent with common industry practices.

The Board, with the assistance of the Audit Committee, reviewed all financial statements of the Company and the CAO Group. The Board is accountable to shareholders and always aims to present a balanced and understandable assessment of the Company’s and the CAO Group’s financial position and prospects to shareholders on a timely basis. The quarterly, half-year and full-year results were announced or issued within the mandatory period. The Board also ensures that timely announcements of other matters as prescribed by the SGX-ST Listing Manual requirements and other relevant rules and regulations are made.

Board members are provided with management accounts on a monthly basis. Such reports keep the Board informed, on a balanced and understandable basis, of the CAO Group’s performance, financial position and prospects and consist of the consolidated profit and loss accounts, analysis of sales, operating profit, pre-tax and attributable profit by business segments compared against the budgets, together with explanation given for significant variances for the month and year-to-date.

The Board had put in place an external audit policy (the “CAO External Audit Policy”) which provides guidance on the application of the 2018 Code as well as CAO Corporate Governance Policy in relation to the provision of external audit services for the CAO Group.

The Audit Committee, in accordance with its terms of reference, reviews the performance of the external auditors on an annual basis. In reviewing the performance of the external auditors, the Audit Committee will focus on the quality and rigour of the audit (e.g. assessment of the effectiveness of the external audit through levels of errors identified, accuracy in handling key accounting audit judgments and response to queries from the Audit Committee); quality of audit services provided, the audit firm’s internal quality control procedures, relationship with internal auditors and the Company; and the independence and objectivity of the external auditors.

In line with the prevailing regulatory requirements of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, which has jurisdiction over CNAF, which is a state-owned enterprise of the People’s Republic of China, and over the Company as CNAF’s subsidiary, the same audit firm should not be retained for more than five (5) consecutive full-year audits.

During the financial year 2019, the Board, through the Audit Committee, Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”) and internal auditors, BDO LLP (“BDO”), scrutinised Management’s conduct of the Company’s and the CAO Group’s business processes and financials. Each area of the Company and the CAO Group was audited on an ongoing basis to ensure that the Company and the CAO Group maintain good corporate practices and governance and financial integrity.

The Board recognises the importance of sound internal control and risk management practices. In this regard, the Board affirms that it is responsible for the CAO Group’s systems of internal control and risk management system and had established the Risk Management Committee.

The Risk Management Committee comprises three (3) members, all of whom are Non-Executive Directors:

Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee assists the Board and the Company in fulfilling its oversight and approval responsibilities relating to risk management policies and framework which shall include, among others, the review of market risk, credit risk, operational and compliance risks associated with trading activities, technology risk (including information security risk and cybersecurity risk), reputational risk and other risk concerns (other than in relation to financial reporting and financial-related risks and controls).

The Risk Management Committee had delegated the day-to-day management of the risks of the Company and the CAO Group to the Company Risk Meeting, which operates within the delegated authority set by the Risk Management Committee from time to time. The Company Risk Meeting comprises the Head of Risk Management (a BP-secondee), senior Management and relevant functional heads (i.e. from Trading, Operations, Finance and Legal), and meets once a month as well as on an ad hoc basis when required. The Chairman of the Company Risk Meeting, who is the Head of Risk Management, directly reports to the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”).

The Risk Management Department of the Company ensures that the risk management activities have been executed daily. The Risk Management Department is responsible for, among others:

(i) ensuring that risk management activities have been executed daily; and
(ii) all risk-related policies, processes and limits are implemented and adhered to.

The Head of Risk Management may also report directly to the Risk Management Committee for important matters or concerns relating to the risk management policies and framework of the CAO Group.

The Risk Management Report is found on pages 68 to 73 of the Annual Report.

The key responsibilities of the Compliance and Internal Audit Department include inter alia:
(a) review and evaluation of compliance issues across the CAO Group;
(b) monitoring of new and existing laws and regulations as well as keeping abreast of the status of all relevant compliance activities;
(c) acting as a channel of communication between compliance investigators and concerned parties;
(d) setting policies and periodic checks to prevent any unethical or illegal conduct within the CAO Group;
(e) responding to violation of regulations, policies, rules and standards of conduct within the CAO Group;
(f) coordination of compliance activities such as providing training to staff of the CAO Group;
(g) overseeing the annual internal audit for the CAO Group which includes preparation of internal audit schedules including short/long term audit plans, reviewing the annual/quarterly internal audit reports to the Management and the Audit Committee;
(h) integration and establishment of the CAO Group’s internal control framework, policies, processes and systems across the Company, its subsidiaries and associates;
(i) facilitating and assisting the CAO Group functional heads in formulating policies, operational processes and systems. Ensure that the policies, processes and systems are efficient in implementation and aligned with regulatory requirement; 
(j) establishing and maintaining the CAO Group’s Business Continuity Plan;
(k) establishing and ongoing review of the CAO Group’s SOP’s templates to ensure proper departmental ownership of each processes and changes; and
(l) evaluating the system of internal controls for new projects and business activities and analysis on the impact of such activities on the CAO Group and where necessary, provide recommendations and develop programmes for improvement.

The Head of Compliance and Internal Audit reports directly to the CFO. The Head of Compliance and Internal Audit may also report directly to the Audit Committee for important matters or concerns relating to the system of internal controls of the CAO Group.

As part of the CAO Group’s efforts to ensure all employees of the CAO Group stay relevant and informed of the dynamic business environment and uphold core ethics and values that are essential to the long-term success of the CAO Group, the Compliance and Internal Audit Department arranged for all employees of the CAO Group to participate in the mandatory e-learning course modules relating to (1) Fraud Prevention; (2) Information Security; (3) Trade Sanctions;
(4) Anti-Bribery & Anti-Corruption; and (5) Code of Ethics via the Thomson Reuters’ online learning portal.

In July 2019, the Company conducted a business continuity plan cum IT disaster recovery plan exercise (“BCP/IT Disaster Recovery Exercise”) at its off-site disaster recovery site involving participants from cross-functional departments. The objective of the BCP/IT Disaster Recovery Exercise is to increase familiarity with the Company’s established guidelines, structure and support framework necessary to ensure appropriate emergency escalation response, resumption and recovery of key business functions and processing resources in a timely manner coupled with effective communication channels among the CAO Group’s key management team and employees globally.

Following the completion of the comprehensive risk review  exercise undertaken during the financial year 2018,  the Risk Management team took the lead in carrying out the post-completion comprehensive risk review follow-up work, which involved strategically combining the action plans from the aforesaid risk review exercise with the key work objectives of the respective departments so as to improve the Company’s management system in a targeted way to enhance the overall risk management. A detailed summary report on 2018 Comprehensive Risk Review Follow-Up was submitted to the Risk Management Committee and the Board for information during the financial year 2019.

With the assistance of the Audit Committee and the Risk Management Committee, the Board reviews the adequacy and integrity of those control systems from time to time. Corporate Policy on Anti-Money Laundering Measures, including the appointment of an Anti- Money Laundering Compliance Officer, together with other trading related policies such as Out-of-Office Dealing Policy, Telephone Taping/Instant Messaging/Mobile Phone Policy, Deal Entry Policy, CAO Group Trade Sanctions Policy and CAO Group Corporate Guarantee Policy had been endorsed by the Risk Management Committee and relevant departments had also been mandated with the responsibility to oversee the adoption of the aforesaid policies in their practices, processes and operations.

The internal audit function of the CAO Group, which is outsourced to BDO, assists the Audit Committee and the Board in evaluating the internal control systems and processes, financial and accounting matters, compliance and business and financial risk management. The Audit Committee’s responsibilities in the CAO Group’s internal controls are complemented by the work of the outsourced Internal Auditors, BDO, the Compliance and Internal Audit department, the Risk Management department and the Legal department.

Based on the audit reports, internal control systems review report and management controls in place, the Audit Committee is satisfied that the internal control systems provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded, that proper accounting records are maintained and financial statements are reliable.

In line with the Singapore Standards on Auditing issued in July 2015, the Company’s  external auditors, Deloitte, will disclose key audit matters in the auditor’s reports on the financial statements which include matters that were of most significance in the audit of the financial statements for the financial year ended  31 December 2019 (the “Key Audit Matters”).

Significant financial reporting matters (including the Audit Committee’s perspectives on the Key Audit Matters) are summarised below:

In addition, BDO which had been engaged to conduct a review of the internal control systems and processes of the CAO Group will highlight any internal control weaknesses which have come to their attention in the course of their review. Any such audit findings noted during the audit by external auditors or  internal control weaknesses noted during  the review by BDO, and recommendations in relation thereto, if any, by the external auditors and BDO respectively, are reported to the Audit Committee.

In accordance with Provision 10.2 of the 2018 Code, the Audit Committee reviewed the written assurance (“Letter of Assurance”) from the CEO/ED and CFO on the financial records and the financial statements of the Company for the financial year ended 31 December 2019. The Letter of Assurance provides reasonable assurance to the Board  that (1) the financial records of CAO for the financial year ended 31 December 2019 have been properly maintained;
(2) the financial statements and the accompanying notes comply with the Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (International) in all material respects; (3) the financial statements and accompanying notes provide a true and fair view of the financial position and performance of CAO and its subsidiaries; and (4) the integrity of the financial statements is founded on a sound system of risk management and internal control; and (5) the risk management and internal control system is operating efficiently and effectively in all material respects.

In accordance with Provision 9.2 of the 2018 Code, the Board was provided the Letter of Assurance from the CEO/ED and CFO confirming that the financial records have been properly maintained and the financial statements give a true and fair view of the CAO Group’s operations and finances. The Letter of Assurance from the CEO/ED and CFO also confirmed the adequacy and effectiveness of the CAO Group’s risk management and internal control systems.

Based on the internal controls established and maintained by the CAO Group, work performed by the internal and external auditors, and reviews performed by management and various Board Committees, the Board, with the concurrence of the Audit Committee, is of the opinion that the CAO Group’s system of internal controls addressing financial, operational, compliance, informational technology controls and risk management systems, were adequate as at 31 December 2019 to provide reasonable assurance for achieving the following objectives:

(a) effectiveness and efficiency of operations; 
(b) reliability of financial reporting; and
(c) compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

The Board noted that the system of internal controls provides reasonable, but not absolute, assurance that the CAO Group will not be affected by any event that could be reasonably foreseen as it strives to achieve its business objectives and goals. In this regard, the Board also noted that no system can provide absolute assurance against the occurrence of material errors, poor judgement in decision-making, human error, fraud or other irregularities.

Composition of the Audit Committee: The Audit Committee comprises five (5) members, all of whom are Non-Executive Directors and the majority, including its Chairman, consists of Independent Directors:

Audit Committee

Roles of the Audit Committee: The Audit Committee held four (4) meetings in 2019 where it met with external and internal auditors to review both the Company and the CAO Group’s financials and audit reports. A key issue for discussion is the financial statements and announcements made by the Company to shareholders. The members of the Audit Committee, collectively, have expertise or experience in financial management and are qualified to discharge the Audit Committee’s responsibilities.

The Audit Committee met with both the external and internal auditors at least once without the presence of the Management.

The Audit Committee assists the Board and the Company in fulfilling its oversight responsibility relating to inter alia,  the integrity of the Company’s financial statements and financial reporting processes and the Company’s system of internal accounting and financial controls, the review of the adequacy and effectiveness of the Company’s risk management and internal controls (in relation to financial reporting and other financial-related risks), the adequacy of the scope, resources and performance of the internal audit function, the annual independent audit of the Company’s financial statements, the engagement of external auditors and their remuneration, and the evaluation of their qualifications, independence, objectivity and performance.

The Audit Committee reviewed the quarterly and annual financial statements for the financial year 2019 and the integrity of financial reporting of the Company, including the accounting principles, for recommendation to the Board for approval. The Audit Committee also reviewed and approved the plans of the internal auditors and external auditors to ensure that such plans adequately cover, in particular, significant internal controls of the Company relating to financial, operational and compliance-related matters. Significant issues are discussed at Audit Committee meetings.

The Audit Committee has full authority to investigate into any matter within its terms of reference, including any suspected fraud or irregularity, or suspected infringement of any relevant laws, rules or regulations.

The Audit Committee has full access to and co-operation of the Management. The Audit Committee also has full discretion to invite any Director or executive officer from the Company or the CAO Group to attend its meetings. The Audit Committee has full access to both external and internal auditors. Where required, the Audit Committee is empowered to obtain external legal advice or such other independent professional advice as the Audit Committee deems necessary.

The Audit Committee monitors all interested person transactions, including transactions under the general mandate   on Interested Person Transactions approved by shareholders at the AGM held in April 2019, and conflict of interest situations including transactions, procedures or actions taken which may raise issues about the Management’s integrity.

The Audit Committee also evaluates the scope and results of internal audit reports as well as  Management’s responses to the findings of the internal audit reports. For further discussions about internal audit, please see section
(D) INTERNAL CONTROLS.

The Audit Committee has also conducted an annual review of non-audit services and is satisfied that the nature and extent of such services provided by Deloitte will not prejudice their independence and objectivity before confirming their re-nomination.

The Board had proposed to re-appoint Deloitte & Touche LLP as auditors of the Company for the financial year 2020.

As part of the Company’s ongoing efforts in promoting and upholding high standards of corporate governance as well as maintaining the highest levels of probity and behaviour amongst its workforce, enhancements were made to the existing Whistleblowing Policy of the Company (the “Revised CAO Whistleblowing Policy”) to ensure its effective functioning. These enhancements included inter alia, clearer guidance relating to the Company’s approach and stance on whistleblowing and the means by which whistleblowers can raise serious concerns of any allegations of wrongdoing as well as more explicit indication of the kinds of conduct which might be considered reportable concerns. Under    the Revised CAO Whistleblowing Policy, whistleblowers may report any reportable concerns pertaining to any form of misconduct affecting the CAO Group, its customers, partners, suppliers and other stakeholders, via a dedicated email address: whistle_blowing@caosco.com which will be accessed by the Receiving Officers who shall be such person or persons as the Audit Committee may designate from time to time.

A summary of the Revised CAO Whistleblowing Policy can be accessed from the Company’s external website. Under the Revised CAO Whistleblowing Policy, all reportable incidents will be reviewed within a reasonable time-frame, and after due consideration and inquiry, a decision will be taken on whether to proceed with a detailed investigation. Guidance and direction will be sought from the Management of the Company on the appropriate course of action. Where a reportable incident relates directly or indirectly to any member of the Management, that member of the Management shall abstain from participating in the deliberations relating thereto. Management shall then submit all reported concerns including recommended action (if any) to the Chairman of the Board and/or the Audit Committee for their guidance. The Chairman of the Board and/or the Audit Committee shall decide as to whether the Company should proceed with the investigation of the complaint or whether no further action is considered necessary. In the event that the Chairman of the Board and/ or the Audit Committee shall decide that an investigation should proceed, an adhoc investigation taskforce shall be established and the members of such adhoc investigation taskforce shall comprise relevant personnel recommended by the Management and approved by the Chairman of the Board and/or the Audit Committee.

The Company had established and implemented the Crisis Management and Business Continuity Plan, Fraud Control Plan and an Enterprise Risk Management Framework and Process. The Crisis Management and Business Continuity Plan provides the CAO Group with a structured process for limiting the intensity or impact of negative threat or event to its employees, products, services, investments, financial stability and reputation.

The Fraud Control Plan comprises periodic fraud risk assessments on the Company which is subject to review from time to time.

The Enterprise Risk Management Framework and Process ensures that the Company has a structured approach and framework to regularly assess its enterprise-wide risks. Enterprise Risk Assessments are conducted on a regular basis to identify and deliver an inventory of key risks for the Company and to develop a list of key risk indicators that can help the Company monitor and mitigate its key risks.

In addition, other existing policies, internal guidelines and/or processes and procedures have been put in place by the Company and these include the Strategy and Investment Governance Standards & Strategy and Investment Governance Committee, IT Policy & Practice, Jet Fuel Marketing Policy, Safety, Health and Environment Policy, Contracts/Documents Review Policy and Procedures.

The Company has put in place an employee handbook which includes a code of business conduct and ethics for employees.

Internal Audit

Both the Board and the Audit Committee agree that it is important to have a strong professional internal audit function to enhance their ability to manage risk and safeguard shareholders’ interest. It has been determined that the best approach is to engage independent professional auditors to discharge this function and such, BDO has been retained as the Internal Auditors of the CAO Group.

During the financial year, BDO reviewed the Company’s processes and procedures on a continual basis to ensure compliance with the best corporate governance practices. It also reviewed interested person transactions on a quarterly basis. The Audit Committee is satisfied that BDO had adequate resources to perform its functions and had appropriate standing within the Company.

BDO had presented their internal audit plan 2019 to the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee adopted the audit plan for 2019.

As the Internal Auditors of the CAO Group, BDO had conducted its internal audits in accordance with BDO’s global internal audit methodology which is aligned with the Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing set by The Institute of Internal Auditors.

The CAO Group is committed to providing regular, effective and fair communication with its shareholders and the investment community.

Over the years, the Company has won recognition from investors, the media etc., for its proactive approach to shareholder communication and transparency. During the financial year 2019, the Company was awarded with the “Most Transparent Company” (Winner in Energy Category) by Securities Investors Association of Singapore, the “Best Risk Management” (Gold Award, Mid Cap Category) by Singapore Corporate Awards 2019 as well as named “Best Performing Stock” (Commerce Category) by The Edge Billion Dollar Club, 2019 .

The Company, through the Investor Relations team and senior management, maintained active working relationships with domestic and international brokerage firms, investment banks and the media.

In order to: (i) cultivate wider investing public’s familiarity with the CAO Group; (ii) increase global awareness and appreciation of CAO’s business strategy, corporate developments, growth strategies and financial performance; and (iii) enhance the quantity and quality of analysts’ research, CAO expanded its channels of communication with the international investment and financial community. Increased interactions were conducted through international conferences, face-to- face meetings, teleconferences, earnings briefings and corporate access events which were webcast globally across international financial markets.

The Company reviews an analyst’s report for factual accuracy of information that is within the public domain but does not provide forward guidance for analysts’ earnings estimates, and will not comment on their conclusions, earnings estimates, or investment recommendations.

As a matter of internal policy, the Company will not deny an analyst or investor access to information on the basis of a negative recommendation or a decision no longer to hold the Company’s securities. The Company shall not attempt to influence an analyst to change his or her recommendations by exerting pressure through other business relationships.

The Investor Relations Department publishes and maintains a list on the Company website showing names of analysts and firms providing coverage.

Channels of communication with retail investors were made through email correspondence and telephone calls as well as participation in investor conferences. During the year, the Company also participated in several corporate profile seminars for both retail and institutional investors, including investor education seminar organised by SGX-ST.

The Company also engages the media and investment community through news releases and media/analysts briefings after each announcement of the CAO Group’s financial results.

To assist members of the Board to gain a current understanding of the views of institutional shareholders, the Board receives at each its scheduled quarterly meetings, (i) an investor relations and corporate communications report which cover a wide range of matters including a commentary on the perception of the Company and views expressed by   the investment community, media reports, share price performance and analysis, share ownership analysis, highlights of recent investor relation activities; and (ii) a half-yearly peer companies analysis report which provides a detailed analysis and evaluation on the benchmarking exercise with identified peer companies to provide the Board with a better understanding of CAO’s position within the industry as well as identify gaps and learning points.

In addition, the Board adopted the Internal Guidelines on Issuance of Profit Guidance or Profit Warning Announcements which purpose is to allow market expectations to adjust to the likelihood that the Company will either not be living    up to an earlier profit guidance, and/or to avoid an earnings shock, negative impact on the share price, sell-off of the Company’s shares and/or volatility of trading in the Company’s shares, when the financial results are announced.
 

All shareholders of the Company are treated fairly and equitably to facilitate the exercise of their ownership rights.

At each AGM, shareholders are encouraged to participate in the question and answer session. The Board of Directors, senior management, the external auditors, internal auditors and the Company Secretary are present to respond to shareholders’ questions.

Where there are items of special business to be transacted at the AGM, comprehensive explanatory notes will be sent together with the notice of the AGM.

Each issue or matter requiring the approval of shareholders of the Company is submitted as a single item resolution. To ensure transparency, the Company conducts electronic poll voting for shareholders/proxies present at the meeting for all the resolutions proposed at the general meeting. Votes cast for or against and the respective percentages on each resolution will be tallied and displayed live on screen immediately at the general meeting. The total number of votes cast for or against the resolutions and the respective percentages are also announced after the general meeting via SGXnet.

A shareholder who is not a “relevant intermediary” may appoint up to two (2) proxies during his or her absence, to attend, speak and vote on his or her behalf at general meetings. Shareholders who are “relevant intermediaries” such as banks, capital markets services licence holders which provide custodial services for securities and the Central Provident Fund (“CPF”) Board, are allowed to appoint more than two (2) proxies to attend, speak and vote at general meetings. This will enable indirect investors including CPF investors, to be appointed as proxies to participate at general meetings of the Company.

The Company Secretary prepares minutes of shareholders’ meetings, which incorporates substantial comments or queries from shareholders and responses from the Board and Management. These minutes can be accessed from the Company’s external website.

Shareholders also have the opportunity to communicate their views and discuss with the Board and Management matters affecting the Company after the general meetings.

The Constitution of the Company can be accessed from the Company’s external website.
 

Dividend Policy

The dividend policy of the Company (the “CAO Dividend Policy”) sets out the guiding principles for dividend distribution by the Company (the “Guiding Principles”). The Guiding Principles included inter alia, maintaining a consistent baseline dividend payout ratio which constitutes thirty percent (30%) of the Company’s annual consolidated net profits attributable to shareholders commencing from financial year 2016.

In approving or reviewing a dividend policy or making its recommendations on the timing, amount and form of any future dividends, the Board takes into consideration, among others:

(a) the expected future capital requirements and growth opportunities available to the CAO Group; 
(b) net earnings of the CAO Group; and
(c) any regulatory approvals and/or where applicable, approvals required from third parties (e.g. banks and other financial institutions) as appropriate.

A summary of the Revised CAO Dividend Policy can be accessed from the Company’s external website.
 

In line with the recommended best practices on dealings in securities set out under Rule 1207(18) of the SGX-ST Listing Manual, the Company has issued a directive to all employees and directors not to deal in the Company’s securities on short-term considerations and to abstain from dealing with the Company’s securities for a period commencing two (2) weeks before the announcement of the results of the first three (3) quarters and one (1) month before the announcement of the full year results and ending on the date of the announcement of the relevant results.

Shareholders have approved the renewal of the general mandate for interested person transactions of the CAO Group on 24 April 2019 (the “IPT Mandate”). The IPT Mandate sets out the levels and procedures to obtain approval for such transactions. Information regarding the IPT Mandate is available on the Company’s website at www.caosco.com.  All business units are required to be familiar with the IPT Mandate and report any such transactions to the Finance Department. The Finance Department keeps a register of the CAO Group’s interested person transactions.

Information on interested person transactions for 2019 is found under “Supplementary Information” on page 194.

As part of the Company’s ongoing process of ensuring effectiveness of its system of internal controls, the established system of internal controls of the Company would be subject to biennial review by an independent external reviewer with appropriate experience in corporate governance and risk management processes.

With the assistance of BDO, the Company conducted a review of the Company’s system of internal controls (the “Review of System of Internal Controls”). Based on the findings from the Review of System of Internal Controls, the Company was generally in conformity with Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “COSO”) Internal Controls Integrated Framework. Risks identified (none of which were rated as high risk) are highlighted in the Risk Assessment section in its report. No other exceptions were noted with respect to internal controls and counter-measures reviewed in the scope of the engagement. However, BDO had recommended several areas of improvement so as to fully conform to the requirements under the COSO internal controls framework. Accordingly, Management had carefully considered these recommendations from BDO and had taken the necessary actions to implement the same as appropriate.

Appendix

The Company shall have a Lead Independent Director who shall be an independent director as defined under the 2018 Code.

In circumstances where the Chairman of the Board of Directors is not independent, the Board of Directors of the Company considers it to be useful and appropriate to designate a Lead Independent Director to coordinate the activities of the Independent Directors of the Company and perform such other duties and responsibilities as the Board may determine from time to time.

In addition to the duties of Board members as set forth in the 2018 Code, the specific duties and responsibilities of the Lead Independent Director shall be as follows:

• Act as the principal liaison between the Independent Directors of the Company and the Chairman of the Board, and between the Independent Directors of the Company and senior management.

• Has the authority to convene meetings, as appropriate, among the Independent Directors of the Company and to ensure that Independent Directors have adequate opportunities to meet and discuss issues in sessions of the Independent Directors without the presence or participation of management.

• Preside at any meetings held among the Independent Directors of the Company.

• Review the quality, quantity and timeliness of the information submitted to the Board and Board Committees.
• Advise and assist the Chairman on the meeting agenda items.
• Advise the Chairman and facilitate Board’s approval of the number and frequency of meetings of the Board and Board Committees (including any special meetings of the Board) as well as meeting schedules to ensure that there is sufficient time for discussion of all agenda items.

• Has authority to initiate actions, for and on behalf of the Independent Directors of the Company, to address any concerns on corporate compliance matters including the engaging of external advisers and consultants, even at the displeasure of the Management or majority shareholders of the Company.

• Respond directly to the shareholders of the Company, questions and comments that are directed to the Lead Independent Director or to the Independent Directors of the Company as a group, with such consultation with the Chairman of the Board and the other Non-Independent Directors, as the Lead Independent Director may deem appropriate.