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Whistleblowing Policy
- 1. Objectives
A culture of good governance, integrity, responsibility, and accountability is important to the Singapore International Chamber of Commerce (“SICC” or “the Chamber”).
The Whistleblowing Policy, which has the total support and commitment of our Board, Audit Committee (“AC”) and the Senior Management, is put in place with this objective.
SICC requires all business units and departments to comply with all applicable laws and regulations and to maintain proper standards of business conduct. The Chamber does not tolerate any impropriety, intentional deception, statutory non-compliance, wrongdoing or malpractice by staff and business partners in the course of their work.
This Whistleblowing Policy provides a framework and guidance on reporting in good faith any suspected misconduct, unethical behaviour, or violations of laws, regulations, or organisational policies, and the protection of whistle blowers and confidentiality of reporting and the investigation process.
- 2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All SICC employees, contractors, and interns
- Suppliers, consultants, and business partners
- Any other stakeholders engaged with SICC
Matters that may be reported include, but are not limited to:
- Fraud, corruption, bribery, or financial irregularities
- Abuse of authority or misuse of resources
- Breach of laws, regulations, or organisational policies
- Harassment, discrimination, or unsafe workplace practices
- Suppression or concealment of any of the above
- 3. Principles
- Good faith: Reports must be made honestly, with reasonable belief in the facts reported.
- Confidentiality: The identity of whistleblowers will be protected to the fullest extent possible.
- Non-retaliation: SICC strictly prohibits any form of retaliation against whistleblowers who report in good faith.
- Fair process: All reports will be assessed and, where appropriate, investigated promptly and objectively.
- 4. Reporting Channels
We take whistleblowing seriously and your concern matters to us. It is encouraged that disclosures are made in writing to assure a clear understanding of the concerns raised. Any disclosure can be made to the following receiving parties:
- Email: [email protected] (this email will be routed to the CEO and the Audit Committee)
- Postal: Sealed envelope, marked “Private & Confidential – Whistleblowing” attention to the Chairman of the Audit Committee
- In-person: To the CEO or Chairman of the Audit Committee
In the event of any improper activities involving key leadership appointments or board members, the whistleblowing report can be sent directly to the AC Chairman via email to [email protected].
In making a report, please provide the following information, where possible:
- Name(s) of person(s) and/or organisation(s) involved
- Description of the incident, including date, time, location and frequency of occurrence of the incident
- Details of any other witnesses
- Supporting evidence and/or documents
- Value of any money or assets involved
- Any other information that may substantiate the concern
Anonymous reports will also be accepted, although providing contact details may assist in investigations.
- 5. Handling of Reports
- All reports will be acknowledged within 7 working days.
- The Audit Committee (or designated authority) will review the report and determine the appropriate course of action.
- Investigations will be conducted discreetly and fairly, involving only those necessary for the process.
- Findings will be reported to the Board where appropriate.
- 6. Protection of Whistleblowers
Whistleblowers who act in good faith will not face dismissal, demotion, harassment, or any other form of retaliation. Any employee who engages in retaliatory acts will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
- 7. False or Malicious Allegations
Deliberately false or malicious allegations are prohibited and may result in disciplinary or legal action.
- 8. Review of Policy
This policy will be reviewed every two years, or as necessary, to ensure it remains relevant and effective.