Corporate Governance

The primary role of the Board is to provide entrepreneurial leadership and set the overall business direction of the Group. The Board constantly seeks to protect long term shareholder value and enhance the returns to the Company. The Board is committed to continually sustain value creation and broaden the Group’s revenue stream. This is done through diversification into new businesses which are complementary to Wilmar’s core businesses as well as expansion of existing businesses with good prospects for long term growth. In addition, the Board sets appropriate tone-from-the-top for the Group in respect of ethics, conduct, regulatory compliance and desired organisational culture through the adoption of various Group policies endorsed by the Board.

The Board’s principal duties and responsibilities (besides statutory responsibilities) are to:
1. set strategic goals (with focus on value creation, innovation and sustainability) of the Group and ensure that the necessary financial and human resources (“HR”) are in place for the Group to meet its objectives;
2. decide on matters in relation to the Group’s operations which are of a significant nature, consistent with medium and long term goals to achieve sustainable business performance, taking into account stakeholders’ interests;
3. oversee the process for evaluating the adequacy of internal controls, risk management, financial reporting and compliance;
4. review the performance of Management who are responsible for ensuring the timely and effective execution of business strategies and running operations;
5. instil an ethical corporate culture and ensure that the Company’s values, standards, policies and practices are consistent with the culture;
6. ensure transparency and accountability to key stakeholders groups; and
7. consider sustainability issues, in particular environmental, social and governance factors, in the formulation of the business strategies and corporate policies of the Group.

Matters Requiring Board Approval

Matters that require the Board’s decision and approval include:

1. strategies and major business proposals of the Group;
2. acquisitions and disposals of investments, businesses and assets exceeding authorisation limits granted to the Executive Committee (“Exco”);
3. new lines of businesses which complement the core business activities of the Group;
4. loans and credit lines from banks and financial institutions and market fund-raising exercises for amounts exceeding authorisation limits granted to the Exco;
5. Group written policies (including policies which set out authorisation limits) and terms of reference of the various Board Committees; and
6. share issuances, interim dividends and other returns to shareholders.

All Directors are expected to objectively discharge their duties and responsibilities as fiduciaries in the best interest of the Company and avoid conflicts of interest. Directors are updated on the latest relevant statutory and legal requirements to enable them to discharge their responsibilities effectively and be familiar with current corporate governance best practices to ensure proper accountability within the Company.

Conflicts of Interest

The Board has clear procedures for dealing with conflicts of interest. Where the Director faces a conflict of interest, he or she should disclose this and recuse himself or herself from meetings, deliberations and decisions involving the issue that is the subject of conflict.

Delegation of Duties by the Board

To assist the Board in the execution of its duties, the Board has delegated specific authority to the following Board Committees, which function within the respective terms of reference approved by the Board. These terms of reference set out the composition, authority and duties of the respective Board Committees.

Executive Committee

The Exco comprises two Executive Directors (“EDs”) namely, Mr Kuok Khoon Hong (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”)) and Mr Pua Seck Guan (Chief Operating Officer) (“COO”). The Exco oversees the management of the business and affairs of the Group and its duties and responsibilities include the following:

1. evaluate new business opportunities and submit strategic business proposals, with due consideration given for value creation and upholding sustainability, for approval by the Board;
2. recommend proposed acquisitions and disposals of investments, businesses and assets, which are not within Exco’s authorisation limits, for approval by the Board;
3. ensure that the Group operates within the approved budgets, business direction and the approved internal controls put in place by the Group;
4. formulate the Company’s core values, mission and culture to ensure that obligations to stakeholders are understood and met;
5. set the direction for key management personnel (“KMP”) to manage engagements with key stakeholder groups and recognise and mitigate adverse perceptions which would affect the Company’s business and reputation;
6. general management and operational matters; and
7. monitor Group performance.

Share Purchase Committee

The Share Purchase Committee (“SPC”) comprises two EDs namely, Mr Kuok Khoon Hong (Chairman and CEO) and Mr Pua Seck Guan (COO). The SPC decides on the terms and all matters relating to share buyback by way of on-market purchase(s) or off-market purchase(s).

Other than the Exco and SPC, the following Board Committees, which are made up of Independent Directors or a majority of Independent Directors, provide further safeguards to prevent an uneven concentration of power, authority and decision in a single individual:

1. Audit Committee (“AC”) - (Principle 10)
2. Risk Management Committee (“RMC”) - (Principle 9)
3. Nominating Committee (“NC”) - (Principle 4)
4. Remuneration Committee (“RC”) – (Principle 6).

Details of these Board Committees are set out further below in this report.

Key features of board processes

The Board aims to conduct regular scheduled meetings on a quarterly basis. Ad-hoc meetings are convened, if requested by the Board or if warranted by circumstances deemed appropriate by the Board. All regular Board and Board Committee meetings are planned and scheduled well in advance, in consultation with the Directors. In between scheduled meetings, matters that require the Board’s approval, are circulated to all Directors for their consideration and decision. As provided for in the Company’s Constitution, Directors may also participate in Board meetings by tele-conferencing and/or video-conferencing.

Three Board meetings were held in the financial year ended 31 December 2020 (FY2020) to review and to approve, inter alia, the Company’s and the Group’s financial results for the third quarter, half and full years. Due to constraints posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the financial results for the first quarter of 2020 were approved by way of circular Board resolution taking into consideration comments made by Board members. The deliberations and discussions taken at the Board and Board Committee meetings are minuted. The Company Secretary attends all Board meetings and minutes the proceedings. The agenda for Board and Board Committee meetings are prepared in consultation with the Chairman and the respective Board Committees’ Chairs.

All materials for Board and Board Committee meetings are sent to Board and Board Committee members at least one week prior to each meeting, to allow them sufficient time to prepare for the meetings and to enable discussions to focus on any questions or issues that they have. The meeting materials are also uploaded onto a secure online portal which can be readily accessed on tablet devices by the Directors, which is in line with the Company’s ongoing commitment to minimise paper waste and reduce its carbon footprint.

As part of good corporate governance, all Directors are invited to attend meetings held by the AC and the RMC. For the RC and NC meetings, these are attended only by Independent Directors but with the Chairman and CEO participating by invitation for the RC and as a member of the NC.

All written resolutions passed and minutes of meetings held by the various Board Committees are circulated to the Board for information and review, including all appropriate recommendations for approval by the Board.

Attendance at Board and Board Committee Meetings

The attendance of Directors at the Board and Board Committee meetings held in FY2020 is as follows:

Board Orientation and Training

All newly appointed Directors receive a formal letter from the Company setting out the roles and responsibilities of a Director of the Company and a set of guidance notes which explain the duties and obligations of a Director under the Singapore Companies Act (the “Act”), the Listing Manual of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (“SGX-ST”) and the Securities & Futures Act. Arrangements are made for new Directors who have no prior experience as a Director of a listed company to undergo mandatory training in his or her roles and responsibilities as prescribed by the SGX-ST. Newly appointed Directors are also briefed by Management on the business, operations and financial performance of the Group, including corporate governance practices such as disclosure of interests in transactions and securities, prohibitions on dealings in the Company’s securities and restrictions on disclosure of price and trade sensitive information.

Directors are provided with opportunities to develop and refresh their skills and knowledge. The Company encourages Directors to participate in seminars, conferences and training programmes which are relevant to their role as Directors. Such programmes are funded by the Company. The professional development programmes attended by some Directors in the course of FY2020, as well as in-house briefings organised for Board members, include the following:

1. AC Seminar 2020 jointly organised by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (“ACRA”), Singapore Exchange (“SGX”) and Singapore Institute of Directors (“SID”);
2. update on IT Risk and Security Issues Faced by Wilmar Group by Wilmar’s Chief Information Officer (“CIO”); and
3. Directors’ Virtual Conference 2020 organised by SID.

The Board is briefed on the strategic and business development of the Group at each Board meeting by the CEO. The Board is also briefed on changes to the accounting standards and regulatory updates by the external auditors, Management and the Company Secretary. The Company also organises on-site visits to the Group’s key operating facilities overseas for Directors from time to time so as to enable them to gain a better understanding of the Group’s businesses.

As part of the Company’s continuing efforts to share relevant business updates with the Directors, the Company’s Corporate Communications Department circulates to the Board a daily Media Monitoring featuring news articles and reports relevant to the Group’s businesses to keep Directors updated on current industry trends and issues. News releases and newsletters issued by the SGX-ST, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, ACRA, the Company’s external auditors and professional advisors, which are relevant to Directors, are also circulated to the Board. The Chairman and the NC Chairman may jointly and regularly review and agree with each Director his or her training and professional development needs.

Access to complete, adequate and timely information

The Board receives complete and adequate reports and discussion papers about a week before scheduled Board and Board Committee meetings, enabling them to make timely and informed decisions to discharge their duties and responsibilities effectively. Amongst other reports, the Board is also provided with reports from the internal and external auditors and the Risk Management teams. These reports include key findings arising from interim and completed financial, operations, compliance and IT audits and risk assessment reports on key businesses of the Group for review and evaluation.

In addition to members of the Board being briefed by the CEO at every Board meeting, relevant Management personnel are required to attend meetings of the Board and Board Committees to provide insight into matters being discussed at these meetings and to respond to any questions that the Directors may have.

The Board has direct, independent and unrestricted access to the Key Management Team (“KMT”) of the Group, including the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), Group Financial Controller, Group Treasurer, Chief Sustainability Officer, Group Head, Human Resources (“HR Head”), CIO and Company Secretary at all times. The Board is kept updated on changes to the Management organisation structure and contact details of all KMP are furnished to the Directors to ensure direct access to Management to promote and facilitate good information flow between the Board and Management. Requests for information from the Board are dealt with promptly by Management. To enable Directors to discharge their duties effectively, they are free to seek independent professional advice, if necessary, at the Group’s expense.

The Company Secretary supervises and advises the Board on all governance issues, corporate and administrative matters, as well as facilitating orientation of new Directors and assisting with professional development of existing Directors as required. She is also responsible for, among other things, ensuring that Board procedures are observed and that the Company’s Constitution and applicable laws and regulations are complied with. The Company Secretary assists the Chairman of the Company in ensuring good information flows within the Board and its Board Committees and between Management and Non-Executive Directors. The approval of the Board is required in respect of the appointment and removal of the Company Secretary.

Board Size and Board Composition

The Board, through regular reviews by the NC, seeks to ensure an appropriate balance of experience, competencies and knowledge among the Directors to provide effective entrepreneurial leadership to the Company.

The Company has in place a Board Diversity Policy (a copy of which is posted on the Company’s website), which advocates meritocracy and endorses the principle of having a Board with the appropriate and right balance of skills, knowledge, experience and diversity of perspectives which can contribute effectively to the strategy and growth of the Company. In reviewing Board composition and succession planning, the NC considers the benefits of all aspects of diversity, including diversity of skills, age, experience, gender, independence, cultural ethnicity and industry knowledge of the Company. A key requirement is that only individuals with broad based experiences and right skills set will be appointed to the Board. The NC reviews the Company’s progress towards achieving these objectives.

As at the date of this report, the Board comprises 13 Directors – one female and 12 male Directors and a male Alternate Director. Taking into account the complex nature and wide scope of the Group’s business and operations, the Board considers a Board size of 13 members as appropriate.

The Board is made up of Directors of different nationalities and races, with a wide range in age and skills, experience and qualifications, ranging from banking, finance, insurance, corporate restructuring, strategy and analytics, accounting, legal, IT and risk management expertise to industry knowledge, entrepreneurial and management experience relevant to the Group’s business. Reflecting the global reach of the Group’s business, most of Wilmar’s Directors have extensive experience in jurisdictions outside Singapore such as China, South East Asia, Australia, India and USA. Their collective diverse experience and in-depth knowledge of the Group’s business operations enable Wilmar to continue to meet the challenges and demands of the global markets in which it operates.

Key information on Directors is presented in the section entitled “Board of Directors” in the Company’s Annual Report 2020.

The following charts set out the diversity and balance in the composition of the Wilmar Board as at the end of FY2020:

Note: The above charts do not include the Alternate Director.

Non-Executive Directors make up a majority of the Board. With their knowledge and competency in their respective fields, Non-Executive Directors provided constructive advice and good governance guidance for the Board to discharge its principal functions effectively. Non-Executive and Independent Directors provided independent and constructive check on Management. EDs provided insights on the Company’s day-to-day operations, as appropriate, and also provided Management’s views without undermining management accountability to the Board and collaborate closely with Non-Executive Directors for the long term success of the Company. The Independent Directors led by the Lead Independent Director (the “Lead ID”) are free to discuss company matters without Management being present. The Lead ID may provide feedback to the Board Chairman after such discussions.

Board Independence

The NC evaluates the independence of all Independent Directors annually based on the requirements of the Listing Manual of the SGX-ST, the Code and where relevant, the recommendations set out in the Corporate Governance Practice Guidance 2018 (“CGPG”). Under the Code, an Independent Director is one who is independent in conduct, character and judgement, and has no relationship with the Company, its related corporations, its substantial shareholders or its officers, that could interfere, or be reasonably perceived to interfere, with the exercise of the Director’s independent business judgement in the best interests of the Company.

For the year under review, all seven Independent Directors, namely Mr Lim Siong Guan, Mr Tay Kah Chye, Mr Kwah Thiam Hock, Mr Kishore Mahbubani, Mr Weijian Shan, Mr Teo Siong Seng and Mr Soh Gim Teik completed a declaration of independence form (“Declaration Form”), whereby they were required to assess their independence and submit it to the NC for review. The Independent Directors are required to disclose to the Board their relationships with the Company, its related corporations, its substantial shareholders or its officers, if any, which may affect their independence. If the Board, having taken into consideration the views of the NC, determines that such Directors are still independent, notwithstanding the existence of such relationships, it will disclose the reasons for maintaining its view.

Pursuant to Rule 210(5)(d)(iii) of the Listing Manual of the SGX-ST which will take effect on 1 January 2022, the continued appointment as an Independent Director in respect of the two long serving Independent Directors, namely Mr Kwah Thiam Hock and Mr Tay Kah Chye, who have served on the Board since 14 July 2006 was approved in separate resolutions by shareholders at the Company’s annual general meeting (“AGM”) held on 12 June 2020. Their re-appointment will be until their retirement or resignation, or the conclusion of the third AGM following the passing of the resolution, whichever is the earliest. Based on the assessment of their performance for FY2020, the NC is satisfied that Mr Kwah and Mr Tay have continued to maintain independence in their oversight role. They have demonstrated strong independence in judgement and professionalism, as well as displayed objectivity in their conduct over the years in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities as Independent Directors of the Company.

In the case of Mr Teo Siong Seng who is the Executive Chairman and Managing Director of Pacific International Lines (Private) Limited (“PIL”), a container shipping company offering container liner service, Mr Teo together with his immediate family members held a controlling stake in PIL during FY2020. In his annual Declaration Form, he declared that PIL had offered shipping services to Raffles Shipping International Pte. Ltd. (“RSI”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Wilmar and that all contracts were negotiated independently. For FY2019 and FY2020, PIL received freight charges amounting to US$4.2 million and US$675,000 respectively from RSI.

In assessing Mr Teo’s independence, the NC took into account the fact that:

1. there is an adequate internal control process in place to appoint the most suitable container liner for the business of RSI in particular and Wilmar in general and all liner services booked by RSI (including PIL) are transacted on arm’s length terms and at market price; and
2. Mr Teo was not involved in any way in the decisions by RSI or Wilmar to use PIL or for that matter, any container liner company for the shipping of the Wilmar Group’s products.

The NC is of the view that Mr Teo should be considered independent, notwithstanding that the value of the transactions between RSI and PIL exceeds the S$200,000 threshold for any financial year set out in the CGPG. Mr Teo has demonstrated strong independence in judgement and professionalism, as well as displayed objectivity in his conduct in the discharge of his duties and responsibilities as an Independent Director of the Company. The existing business relationship between RSI and PIL does not interfere with the exercise of Mr Teo’s independent business judgement in the best interest of Wilmar.

The NC is of the view that Mr Teo should be considered independent, notwithstanding that the value of the transactions between RSI and PIL exceeds the S$200,000 threshold for any financial year set out in the CGPG. Mr Teo has demonstrated strong independence in judgement and professionalism, as well as displayed objectivity in his conduct in the discharge of his duties and responsibilities as an Independent Director of the Company. The existing business relationship between RSI and PIL does not interfere with the exercise of Mr Teo’s independent business judgement in the best interest of Wilmar.

Based on their respective annual Declaration Forms, Mr Lim Siong Guan, Mr Kishore Mahbubani, Mr Weijian Shan and Mr Soh Gim Teik do not have any relationships identified in the Listing Manual of the SGX-ST, the Code and CGPG which may affect their independent judgement. The NC is satisfied that the abovementioned Directors have continued to maintain independence in their oversight role. They have demonstrated strong independence in judgement and professionalism, as well as displayed objectivity in their conduct in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities as Independent Directors of the Company.

Taking into account the above, the Board concurred with the NC that Mr Lim Siong Guan, Mr Tay Kah Chye, Mr Kwah Thiam Hock, Mr Kishore Mahbubani, Mr Weijian Shan, Mr Teo Siong Seng and Mr Soh Gim Teik are considered as Independent Directors. Each of the Directors has recused himself in the assessment of his own independence in this review.

As the number of Independent Directors of the Company made up more than half of the Board composition, this provides a strong and independent element on the Board which facilitates the exercise of independent and objective judgement on its corporate affairs. This is in line with the Code which prescribes that, where the Chairman of the Board is also the CEO, the Independent Directors should make up a majority of the Board.

The Board is also satisfied that in FY2020, all Directors exercised independent judgement and made decisions objectively in the best interests of the Group.

Wilmar’s Chairman and CEO positions are filled by the same person, Mr Kuok Khoon Hong. In Wilmar’s case, combining the roles of Chairman and CEO brings about exceptional leadership and clear accountability and unequalled depth of knowledge to deal with the Group’s strategic challenges and growth opportunities.

As the Chairman of the Board, Mr Kuok is responsible for leading the Board in an effective, strategic manner and ensuring high standards of corporate governance. As CEO, Mr Kuok delivers the execution of the Company’s strategic plans and running the day-to-day management of the Company. Mr Kuok is assisted by Mr Pua Seck Guan, the COO to oversee and manage the business divisions of the Group and in the development of new businesses. Mr Kuok and Mr Pua are not related to each other.

In his dual role, Mr Kuok is responsible for the management of the Wilmar Group, including risk management of its operations as well as business development. Because of the enormous opportunities available to the Group coupled with Mr Kuok’s long years of experience in the business, the dual role that he holds, enables him to tap the maximum potential for the Group and grow the business more effectively. The effectiveness of this arrangement is proven by the fact that Wilmar became a Fortune 500 company in 2009 and is one of Asia’s largest agribusiness groups, less than 20 years after its inception and has continued to grow its operations with consistent profit, even during difficult times.

As the Chairman of the Board, Mr Kuok Khoon Hong leads all Board meetings and sets the agenda. He ensures that Board members receive accurate and timely information to enable them to be fully cognizant of the affairs of the Group. He also promotes a culture of openness and debate at the Board and solicits contributions from the Board members to facilitate constructive discussions.

All strategic and major decisions relating to the business and management of the Group are jointly and collectively made by the Board. As such, there is a balance of power and authority and no one individual controls or dominates the decision-making process of the Company.

The role of the Chairman and CEO is not separate as there is adequate accountability and transparency reflected by internal controls established within the Group as well as the fact that the majority of the Board and full or majority of the Board Committees comprise Independent Directors, which add a greater element of independence to Board and Board Committees decisions to prevent an uneven concentration of power and authority in a single individual.

Mr Lim Siong Guan, the Lead ID plays an additional facilitative role within the Board, and where necessary, he may also facilitate communication between the Board and shareholders or other stakeholders of the Company. He avails himself to address stakeholders’ concerns through his email address siongguan.lim@sg.wilmar-intl.com for circumstances in which contact through the normal channels of communication with the Chairman and Management are inappropriate or inadequate. Mr Lim also acts as a counter-balance on management issues in the decision-making process. The role of Mr Lim as the Lead ID may include chairing Board meetings in the absence of the Chairman, working with the Chairman in leading the Board, and providing a channel to Non-Executive Directors for confidential discussions on any concerns and to resolve conflicts of interest, as and when necessary. In addition, Mr Lim may also help the NC conduct annual performance evaluation and develop succession plans for the Chairman and CEO and help the RC design and assess the Chairman and CEO’s remuneration.

The Board is of the opinion that there is sufficient independence in its exercise of objective judgement on business affairs of the Group and no one individual has unfettered powers of decision-making, notwithstanding that the roles of Chairman and CEO are not separate.

The members of the NC are:

1. Mr Kwah Thiam Hock (NC Chairman) – Non-Executive and Independent Director;
2. Mr Kuok Khoon Hong – Executive and Non-Independent Director;
3. Mr Tay Kah Chye – Non-Executive and Independent Director; and
4. Mr Lim Siong Guan – Non-Executive and Lead ID.

The NC met once in 2020. The NC’s role is set out in its written terms of reference. The functions of the NC include the following:

1. review and recommend to the Board, all appointments, re-appointments and retirement of Directors (including Alternate Directors, if applicable);
2. determine annually, and as and when circumstances require, the independence of its Independent Directors;
3. review the balance and mix of relevant experience, knowledge, skills as well as attributes of the Directors as well as the size and composition of the Board to meet the business and governance needs of the Group;
4. evaluate whether or not a Director is able to and has been adequately carrying out his or her duties as a Director of the Company when he or she holds multiple listed company board representations and other principal commitments;
5. develop a process to conduct formal assessments of the effectiveness of the Board, the Board Committees and Directors;
6. review and recommend training needs (including professional development programmes) for the Board and its Directors;
7. review the succession plans for the Board and KMP; and
8. review and recommend to the Board, the appropriate performance benchmarks for monitoring the share performance of Wilmar, relative to its peers in the same industry and movements in the Singapore Straits Times Index (“SSTI“).

Directors’ time commitment and multiple directorships

In determining annually whether Directors who hold other non-Group Board appointments are able to carry and have adequately carried out their duties as Directors of the Company, the NC takes into account each Director’s commitments, attendance record at meetings of Board and Board Committees, as well as conduct and contributions (including preparedness, participation and candour) at the Board and Board Committees meetings, the results of the assessment of the competencies, commitment and contributions of the individual Director.

While the Board acknowledges that setting a prescriptive limit on listed company board representations may help to address the issue of competing time commitments of Directors, no limit has been set as the Board is of the opinion that a more meaningful measure is the quality of time spent on the Company’s matters and the ability to contribute effectively to the Board.

The NC and the Board are satisfied that in FY2020, each of the Directors was able to give sufficient time and attention to the affairs of the Company and has diligently discharged his or her duties as a Director of the Company.

Succession Planning

The Board embraces the philosophy that a good Board needs the support of a strong and effective KMT. As part of the process of succession planning, the Company, which is supportive of gender and workforce diversity, will continually train and groom capable staff to fill key positions to bolster the overall strength and depth of the KMT for the Group’s global operations.

Process for Selection and Nomination of New Directors

In line with the NC’s guiding principle of selecting the most suitable persons for Director appointments, the NC taps on its network of contacts and recommendations from Directors and/or may engage external professionals to assist with identifying and short-listing the most competent individuals who are capable of contributing to the success of the Group. In the selection process for the appointment of new Directors, the NC also takes into consideration, the diversity in skills, experience, gender, age and industry knowledge as well as the desired competencies of the potential candidate. The objective is to boost the Board’s competency in its leadership strength and to add diversity of skills to the existing attributes of the Board. The NC then submits its recommendations to the Board for approval.

Rotation and Re-election of Directors

The NC reviews and recommends to the Board the rotation and re-election of Directors at the AGM taking into consideration the composition and the need for progressive renewal of the Board. One-third (or the number nearest one-third) of the Directors (including EDs) who have been longest in office since their last re-election, are required to retire by rotation at each AGM at least once every three years. These Directors are eligible for re-election, subject to approval by shareholders at the AGM. New Directors appointed by the Board during the financial year will hold office only until the next AGM following their appointments and they will be eligible for re-election. Newly appointed Directors are not taken into account in determining the number of Directors who are to retire by rotation.

The NC has, in its deliberations on the re-election of existing Directors, taken into consideration the relevant Director’s contribution and performance. The assessment parameters include attendance record and degree of participation at meetings of the Board and Board Committees as well as the quality of participation and contributions. The Directors who are retiring and wish to be re-elected, have provided their consent to seek re-election at the AGM.

The NC conducts formal assessments of the effectiveness of the Board, Board Committees and the contributions of Directors on an annual basis. The Board, with the assistance of the NC, approves the objective performance criteria and process, which includes comparison of key performance indicators of the Company with its peers and the Company’s share price performance vis-à-vis the SSTI. This collective process has also provided an opportunity to obtain insightful feedback from each Director on suggestions to enhance the effectiveness of the Board.

Board assessment is done on a collective basis by requiring each Director to complete an electronic evaluation form which covers areas such as Board processes, Board accountability, Board knowledge of key risk management and internal control issues as well as guidance to Management. The assessment of the effectiveness of Board Committees is done by the respective Board Committee members. As for the appraisal of the contributions of Directors, the evaluation is done collectively based on several factors including Directors’ effective contributions and their knowledge of the Group’s business operations and regulatory requirements. The reason for adopting a collective evaluation instead of peer evaluation by each Director is to maintain and promote unity amongst Board members through constructive communication within the Board. The assessment of the Board Chairman is done through assessment of him in his concurrent role as CEO. The purpose of the annual evaluation is to seek the respective views of the Directors on various aspects of the Board’s performance and effectiveness of the contributions of Directors. The responses to the assessment factors are discussed at the NC and Board meetings and the summarised results are presented to the NC and the Board for review and decision to implement appropriate actions to enhance key areas (if any) that have been identified for improvement.

The NC, having assessed the performance of the Board and Board Committees and the contributions of Directors for FY2020, is pleased to report that there were no significant issues that warrant the Board’s attention. The results of the assessments were satisfactory and accepted by the Board.

The Remuneration Committee (“RC”) assists the Board to ensure competitive compensation policies and packages are put in place. The scope of the RC covers review of all aspects of remuneration packages for individual Directors and KMP (including Directors’ fees, salaries, allowances, bonuses, share options, benefit in kind and termination payments) which aim to be fair. The RC is chaired by Mr Kwah Thiam Hock and its members comprise Mr Tay Kah Chye and Mr Lim Siong Guan. All RC members are Non-Executive and Independent Directors and no Director is involved in deciding his own remuneration.

In accordance with the RC’s terms of reference, the RC’s responsibilities are to:

1. review and recommend to the Board, a framework of remuneration for the Board and KMP. The framework covers all aspects of remuneration, including but not limited to Directors’ fees, salaries, allowances, bonuses, grant of shares and share options and benefits-in-kind;
2. review and determine the specific remuneration packages for each Director as well as for the KMP;
3. implement and administer the Company’s share options plan;
4. review the Group’s obligations arising in the event of termination of the EDs and KMP’s contracts of service, to ensure that such contracts of service contain fair and reasonable termination clauses; and
5. review the development of senior staff and assess their strengths and development needs based on the Group’s leadership competencies framework, with the aim of building talent and maintaining strong and sound leadership for the Group.

RC members are assisted by the Company’s HR Head, who provides useful inputs on surveys conducted by independent HR consultants on market expectation of salary increments and bonuses for senior executives. The HR Head also provides benchmarks of remuneration packages paid by comparable companies in various industries so as to ensure that Wilmar’s remuneration packages remain competitive and are in line with market rates.

The Group’s remuneration philosophy is aimed at attracting, retaining and motivating EDs and KMP of the highest calibre through a framework which aligns rewards with the performance and the achievement of strategic objectives.

The framework consists of a fixed and a variable component. The variable component includes an annual bonus tied to the performance of the individual and the Company, as well as short and long term incentives in the form of share options designed to strengthen the pay-for-performance framework which serves to reward and recognise Key Executives’ contributions to the growth of the Company. The RC seeks to ensure that key criteria, namely, company profitability, competitiveness, reasonableness linkage to performance and value creation are satisfied when determining the executives’ remuneration packages.

The fixed component is determined by benchmarking against similar industries, taking into consideration the individual’s responsibilities, performance, qualification and experience. This fixed base may be presented in a combination of cash and non-cash benefits, at the Group’s discretion. With greater stabilisation in the Group’s business, the RC will consider in future some tweaking of the ratio between fixed and variable components of the remuneration package.These benefits aim to directly align the interests of Directors, Senior Management and Key Executives with the interests of shareholders, to improve performance and achieve sustainable growth and long term success for the Company and to strengthen the ownership culture among its Senior Management and Key Executives in times of rapid globalisation.

Non-Executive Directors of the Company do not receive any salary. They receive annual Directors’ fees, which are subject to the approval of shareholders at the Company’s AGM. The RC seeks to ensure that the Directors’ fees of Non-Executive Directors are appropriate to the level of contribution, taking into account factors such as effort, time spent and responsibilities, and to attract, retain and motivate the Non-Executive Directors to provide good stewardship of the Company. To align the interests of Non-Executive Directors with the interests of shareholders, they also participate in the Company’s share option scheme. The RC ensures that the Non-Executive Directors are not over-compensated to the extent that their independence may be compromised.

The structure of Directors’ fees for FY2020 is as follows:

1. a single base fee of S$80,000 for serving as Non-Executive Director;
2. additional fee of S$20,000 for serving as Lead ID; and
3. additional fee for serving as Chairman/Member on the following Board Committees:

Chairman’s Fee

Member’s Fee

To drive management behaviour and performance as well as to reflect the Company’s commitment to protecting shareholder value and to ensure accountability for actions, the remuneration of the KMT and selected senior executives is subject to a clawback scheme which was implemented in May 2014. The clawback scheme allows the Company to reclaim, in exceptional circumstances, the incentive components of the remuneration from these key employees, where negligence, misconduct or fraud, has resulted in financial or reputational loss to the Company. The list of Key Executives subject to the clawback scheme is reviewed from time to time.

The breakdown of the remuneration of the Directors and the top five Key Executives of the Company for FY2020 is as follows:

Top 5 Key Executives

The aggregate remuneration of the top five Key Executives is S$16,016,072. The remuneration of the Company’s top five Key Executives takes into account the pay and employment conditions within the industry and is performance-related. The Company is of the opinion that it is not in the best interest of the Company to disclose the details of the remuneration of its top five Key Executives due to the competitiveness of the industry for key talent.

Remuneration of Immediate Family Member(s) of Director(s)

Ms Kuok Yit Li, a sister of Mr Kuok Khoon Hong, Wilmar’s Chairman and CEO, is employed as an Executive in the Finance Department and Mr Kuok Meng Yuan, a son of Mr Kuok Khoon Hong, Wilmar’s Chairman and CEO, is employed as an Executive in the Trading Department. Both of their remuneration for FY2020 are in the range of S$50,000 to S$100,000.

Save as disclosed, there were no other immediate family members of the Directors employed by the Company.

The Board, with the assistance from the RMC and AC, is responsible for the governance of risk by ensuring that Management maintains a sound system of risk management and internal controls to safeguard shareholders’ interests and the Group’s assets, and determines the nature and extent of the significant risks which the Board is willing to take in achieving strategic objectives.

The RMC is chaired by Mr Lim Siong Guan, the Lead ID. It comprises two other Board members, namely Mr Kuok Khoon Hong (Chairman and CEO) and Mr Tay Kah Chye (Non-Executive and Independent Director). The RMC met three times during FY2020.

The RMC assists the Board in overseeing the market, credit and operational risk governance in the Company to ensure that Management maintains a sound system of risk management to safeguard shareholders’ interests and the Group’s assets. It proposes to the Board for determination, the nature and extent of the significant risks which the Company is willing to take to achieve its strategic objectives and value creation. Details of Wilmar Group’s risk governance processes are set out in the Risk Management Report on Page 48 of the Company’s Annual Report 2020.

The objectives of the RMC include the following:

1. review the overall risk management policies and framework including sustainability issues;
2. Review and recommend risk limits;
3. Determine risk tolerance level for the Group; and
4. Review major non-compliance with risk policies.

In carrying out its duties, the RMC is currently assisted by the Executive Risk Committee (“ERC”). The ERC comprises, Mr Kuok Khoon Hong (Chairman and CEO), Mr Pua Seck Guan (COO), Mr Charles Loo Cheau Leong (CFO) and Mr Thomas Lim Kim Guan (Group Head, Edible Oils). The principal duties of the ERC are as follows:

1. responsible for the monitoring and improvement of the overall effectiveness of the Group’s risk management policies and systems;
2. review and oversee the implementation of trade positions and limits to manage the Group’s overall market, credit and operational risk exposures;
3. provide risk management oversight on market risk exposures on commodities and currencies; and
4. establish the principal considerations in relation to the type of trading partners/customers of the Group and other merchandising policies (with due consideration given to the prevailing sustainability policies mandated by the Company) to ensure that business activities are within the risk tolerance thresholds approved by the Board.

The AC comprises three Independent Directors, namely Mr Tay Kah Chye (Chairman), Mr Kwah Thiam Hock and Mr Lim Siong Guan, all of whom have accounting or financial management qualifications, expertise and experience. None of the AC members were former partners or Directors of Ernst & Young LLP (“EY”), the Company’s external auditing firm and they do not hold any financial interest in EY.

The Board is of the view that members of the AC have the appropriate qualifications and the relevant accounting, finance, business management and risk management expertise and experience to collectively discharge the AC functions competently.

During FY2020, the AC was briefed regularly by the external auditor on changes in Financial Reporting Standards which are relevant to the Group’s businesses.

The main responsibilities of the AC are to assist the Board in discharging its statutory and other responsibilities in overseeing four main areas, namely financial reporting, internal control and risk management systems, internal and external audit processes and interested person transactions (“IPTs”).

The AC’s role is set out in its written terms of reference. The duties of the AC include the following:

1. Review significant financial reporting issues and judgments so as to ensure the integrity of the financial statements of the Group and any formal announcements relating to the Group’s financial performance before their submission to the Board;
2. Review and report to the Board at least annually on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Group’s risk management systems and internal controls to address financial, operations, IT and compliance risks which are relevant to the Group’s operations;
3. Review the adequacy, effectiveness and independence of the Group’s IA function at least annually, including the adequacy of IA resources and its appropriate standing within the Group, as well as the scope and the results of the IA procedures;
4. Review terms of engagement, the scope and results of the external audit work, the cost-effectiveness of the audit, and the independence and objectivity of the external auditor;
5. Recommend to the Board the appointment, re-appointment, remuneration and removal of the external auditor to be approved by the shareholders of the Company;
6. Review the Whistleblowing Policy and arrangements by which staff of the Group and any other persons may, in confidence, raise concerns about possible improprieties in matters of financial reporting or other matters and ensure that arrangements are in place for such concerns to be raised and independently investigated and for appropriate follow up actions to be taken; and
7. Review IPTs in accordance with the requirements of the SGX-ST Listing Manual and the mandate for IPTs approved by the shareholders of the Company (“IPT Mandate”).

The AC has the explicit authority to investigate any matter within its terms of reference and is at liberty to obtain independent professional advice. It has full access to and has the co-operation of Management, as well as reasonable resources to enable it to discharge its duties properly. It also has full discretion to invite any Director or executive officer or any other person to attend its meetings.

The principal activities of the AC during FY2020 are summarised below.

Financial reporting

All Directors (who are not AC members) and the external auditor are invited to attend AC meetings. Various members of the Management team are required to attend AC meetings, as appropriate, to present reports or answer queries.

The AC met three times during FY2020 to review, inter alia, the following:

1. the financial results and statements of the Company and the Group before each of the announcements of the Company’s third quarter’s Executive Financial Summary and half and full year’s financial results and statements as well as the auditor’s report on the annual financial statements. Due to constraints posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Executive Financial Summary for the first quarter of 2020 were approved by way of circular board resolutions, taking into consideration comments made by the AC members. During the process, the AC reviewed, among other things, the key areas of management judgement applied for adequate provision and disclosure, critical accounting policies and any significant changes made that would have an impact on the financial statements; and
2. the external auditor’s plans for the purpose of discussing the scope of the audit and reporting obligations before the audit commences. All significant audit findings and recommendations made by the external auditor were discussed, and where appropriate, implementation of such recommendations was followed up with Management.

In the review of the financial statements for FY2020, the AC has discussed with Management, the accounting principles that were applied and their judgement of items that might affect the integrity of the financial statements. The following key audit matters impacting the financial statements were discussed with Management and the external auditor and were reviewed by the AC:

Following the review and discussions on the financial statements, the AC recommended to the Board to approve the full year financial statements for FY2020.

During FY2020, the AC had one meeting with the external auditor and internal auditor separately, without the presence of Management. Such meetings enable the external auditor and Group Head, Internal Audit (“IA Head”) to raise issues encountered in the course of their work directly with the AC, in a free and frank manner.

Assurance from the CEO and CFO in respect of FY2020 Financial Statements and Records

The AC reviews the significant financial reporting issues and judgements so as to ensure the integrity of the financial statements of the Company. In addition, the AC has received and reviewed a formal assurance from the CEO and CFO that the financial records of the Group have been properly maintained and the financial statements in respect of FY2020 give a true and fair view of the Group’s operations and finances.

Opinion on the Adequacy and Effectiveness of Internal Control and Risk Management Systems

The Board has also received assurance from the CEO and CFO that the system of risk management and internal controls in place within the Group is adequate and effective in addressing the material risks faced by the Group in its current business and operating environment, including material financial, operations, compliance and IT risks.

Internal control processes are regularly strengthened to take into account changes to the business needs of the Group. Audit checks are performed by the internal and external auditors, while regular reviews are done by Management, the Board and relevant Board Committees. On these bases, the Board, with the concurrence of the AC, is of the opinion that the Group’s internal control and risk management systems were adequate and effective as at 31 December 2020 to address financial, operations, IT and compliance risks which are relevant and material to the Group’s operations.

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

External audit processes

The AC manages the relationship with the Group’s external auditor, on behalf of the Board. During FY2020, the AC carried out its annual assessment of the cost-effectiveness of the audit process, together with external auditor’s approach to audit quality and transparency. The AC concluded that the external auditor demonstrated appropriate qualifications and expertise and that the audit process was effective.

The AC has recommended to the Board, the re-appointment of EY, a firm registered with ACRA, as the Company’s external auditor at the forthcoming AGM, taking into consideration the Audit Quality Indicators Disclosure Framework published by ACRA.

The Board and AC have reviewed and are satisfied that the appointment of different audit firms for certain subsidiaries and associated companies would not compromise the standard and effectiveness of the audit of the Group. Accordingly, the Company has complied with Rule 712 and Rule 715 (read with Rule 716) of the Listing Manual of the SGX-ST.

Auditor independence

In order to maintain the independence of the external auditor, the Group has a specific policy which governs the conduct of non-audit work by the external auditor. This policy prohibits the external auditor from:

1. Performing services which would result in the auditing of their own work;
2. Participating in activities normally undertaken by Management; and
3. Acting as advocate for the Group.

The AC undertook a review of the independence and objectivity of the external auditor through discussions with the external auditor as well as reviewing the non-audit fees paid to the external auditor. An analysis of fees paid in respect of audit and non-audit services provided, by breakdown for the past two years, is disclosed in note 10 of the notes to the financial statements found on page 122 of the Company’s Annual Report 2020.

Having undertaken a review of the non-audit services provided during the year, the AC remains confident that the objectivity and independence of the external auditor are not in any way impaired by reason of the non-audit services which they provide to the Group. The AC is also satisfied that these services were provided efficiently by the external auditor as a result of their existing knowledge of the business.

Internal audit

The IA Department conducts audit of companies within the Wilmar Group and oversees the work being carried out in the respective key operational jurisdictions by the local IA department. The IA is an independent function within the Group. The IA Head reports directly to the AC functionally.

The IA function adopts the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (the IIA Standards) issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors.

The AC approves the appointment, termination, evaluation and compensation of the IA Head. The scope of authority and responsibility of the IA function is defined in the AC Terms of Reference.

The primary role of IA function is to assist the Board and Management to meet the strategic and operational objectives of the Group, by providing an independent and objective evaluation of the adequacy and effectiveness of risk management, controls and governance processes. The Group’s IA approach is aligned with its risk management objectives by focusing on key financial, operations, compliance and IT risks. The annual IA plan is established in consultation with, but independent of, Management. The annual IA plan is reviewed and approved by the AC. Significant IA findings, recommendations and status of remediation, are circulated to the AC, the Board, the external auditor and relevant Management members.

The IA Head presents the IA findings to the AC and the Board at the AC and Board meetings on a half yearly basis. The AC meets with the IA Head once a year, without the presence of Management, to allow the internal and external auditors to speak freely with the AC on matters that may be difficult or sensitive to raise or to discuss in the presence of Management. The internal auditors have unfettered access to all the Group’s documents, records, properties and personnel, including the AC and has appropriate standing within the Company.

The AC reviewed and is satisfied that the IA function is independent, effective and adequately resourced.

Interested person transactions

The AC reviewed the Group’s IPTs for FY2020 to ensure that the transactions were carried out on normal commercial terms and are not prejudicial to the interests of the Company or its non-controlling shareholders. On a quarterly basis, Management reports to the AC, the Group’s IPTs in accordance with the IPT Mandate.

The IA Head informed the AC that the internal control procedures for determining the transaction prices of IPTs have not changed since the date of the 2020 AGM, at which the IPT Mandate was last renewed.

The AC is satisfied that the internal controls in respect of the identification, evaluation, review, approval and reporting of IPTs are effective.

The aggregate value of transactions entered into by the Group with interested persons as defined in the Listing Manual of the SGX-ST for FY2020 is as follows:

Whistleblowing policy

The Company has in place a Whistleblowing Policy which covers employees and external parties including customers, suppliers, contractors and anyone who is a stakeholder of the Group. The objective of the Whistleblowing Policy is to provide an avenue for employees and external parties to raise concerns about dishonesty, fraudulent acts, corruption and improper conduct that may cause financial or non-financial loss to the Group, with the assurance that they will be protected from reprisals or victimisation for whistleblowing in good faith. Where whistleblowing results in prevention or recovery of what would otherwise have been monetary damage to the Company, the whistle-blower may be given a reward.

Whistleblowing cases reported were objectively assessed and investigation and appropriate remedial measures were taken where warranted, and if substantiated, they were reported to the AC in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Company’s Whistleblowing Policy.

The implementation of the Whistleblowing Policy has been communicated to employees of the Group. The Whistleblowing Policy is also posted on the Company’s website. On an ongoing basis, the Whistleblowing Policy is covered during staff training as part of the Group’s efforts to promote awareness of possible corporate improprieties.

Dealings in Securities

The Company has in place a written Securities Trading Policy approved by the Board setting out procedures and best practices to advise on the prohibition of dealings in securities by the Company and all Directors and employees of the Group, which include the following:

1. All Directors and employees of the Group are prohibited from dealing in the Company’s securities during the period commencing two weeks prior to the announcement of the Group’s first and third quarters’ Executive Financial Summary, and one month prior to the announcement of the Group’s half and full years’ financial results.
2. The Company is prohibited from dealing in the Company’s securities such as share buyback pursuant to its Share Purchase Mandate approved by the shareholders during the abovementioned trade blackout periods.
3. To further prevent insider trading of Wilmar securities, the trade blackout periods will be extended by two weeks for certain Management staff including CEO, COO and EDs, who by virtue of their positions or job functions, may have access to confidential, unpublished information on the Group’s financial results and statements. This group of Management staff are prohibited from dealing in Wilmar securities during the period commencing four weeks (instead of two weeks) prior to the announcement of the Group’s first and third quarters’ Executive Financial Summary and one month plus two weeks (instead of one month) prior to the announcement of the Group’s half and full years’ financial results.
4. The prohibition against dealings in securities by Directors and employees of the Group extends not only to the securities of the Company and its listed subsidiaries but also to the securities of any other companies, whether listed in Singapore or elsewhere, while they are in possession of price or trade sensitive information or have access to unpublished price or trade sensitive information relating to such securities, including information which is acquired in the course of work with the Company.

A copy of the Company’s Securities Trading Policy is posted on the Company’s intranet portal accessible by all staff.

Directors and employees of the Group are reminded on a quarterly basis to refrain from dealing in the Company’s securities on short term considerations and to observe insider trading laws at all times, even when dealing in securities during the permitted trading period. A set of guidance notes on laws against insider trading is made available to employees of the Group through various communication channels, including dissemination by internal circulars and posting on the Company’s intranet portal. These procedures and best practices are reviewed and updated from time to time and further strengthened for good corporate governance.

Compliance-Related Policies

In addition to the Whistleblowing Policy and the Securities Trading Policy, the Company has in place other compliance-related policies including Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics and Anti-Fraud Policy, which set out the principles and standards of behaviour that are expected of employees of the Group when dealing with customers, suppliers, business associates and colleagues as well as how the Company deals with fraud incidents. These compliance-related policies also cover the Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption policies of the Company.

These policies have been communicated to employees of the Group and are also available on the Company’s website. To ensure compliance with these policies, compulsory refresher sessions on compliance-related topics are organised for employees on a regular basis via an e-learning application developed by the Company’s HR Department.

Shareholder Rights

The Company is committed to treating all shareholders fairly and equitably to enable them to exercise their ownership rights and to provide them with adequate, timely and sufficient information pertaining to changes in the Group’s business which could have a material impact on the Company’s share price.

The Company’s annual report which gives shareholders a balanced and understandable assessment of its performance, position and prospects, is available on Wilmar’s corporate website. Printed copies of the annual report will be sent to shareholders only upon request, which is in line with Wilmar’s commitment to environmental conservation. Notice of AGM and notice(s) of extraordinary general meeting(s) (“EGMs”) (where applicable) are made available on Wilmar’s corporate website within the prescribed notice periods set out in the Company’s Constitution and the prevailing laws and regulations together with their respective circular(s) and letter(s) to sharheolders. The notices are also released via SGXNet and published in local newspapers.

Besides exercising their voting rights at the general meetings convened by the Company, shareholders are encouraged to participate actively and also communicate their views on any matters relating to the Company and the Group.

Conduct of General Meetings

The Board supports and encourages effective shareholder participation at general meetings. Shareholders are informed of the general meetings of the Company through notices of general meetings, news releases via SGXNet, publication in local newspapers, as well as postings on the Company’s website.

In compliance with the Act, all resolutions tabled at the Company’s general meetings are separate and voted on individually.

The Company’s 2020 AGM was held by electronic means pursuant to the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Alternative Arrangement for Meetings for Companies, Variable Capital Companies, Business Trusts, Unit Trusts and Debenture Holders) Order 2020 (the “Order”). Attendance at the 2020 AGM was via electronic means accessed via live audio-visual webcast or live audio-only stream. Questions were submitted to the Chairman of the Meeting in advance of the 2020 AGM. The Company endeavoured to address substantial and relevant questions at the 2020 AGM. Voting was conducted by appointing the Chairman of the Meeting as proxy at the 2020 AGM. Pursuant to the Order, only the Chairman, COO, Company Secretary and CFO were present at the 2020 AGM. The non-executive Directors (except for Mr Kuok Khoon Hua), other Senior Management, external legal advisors and external auditors attended the 2020 AGM via electronic means. In line with past years’ practice, at the start of the 2020 AGM, Wilmar’s CFO presented an update on the Group’s progress and financial highlights. The presentation is available on the websites of SGX and the Company for the benefit of shareholders who were unable to attend the 2020 AGM electronically. The results of the proxy voting were published at the meeting and announced via the SGXNet after the conclusion of the 2020 AGM. Minutes of the 2020 AGM, which include relevant and substantial comments from shareholders relating to matters on the agenda of the meeting and responses from Directors and Senior Management, are also available on the websites of the Company and SGX.

The Company’s 2021 AGM will also be held by electronic means pursuant to the Order. Attendance at the 2021 AGM will be via electronic means accessed via live audio-visual webcast or live audio-only stream. Questions are to be submitted to the Chairman of the Meeting ahead of the 2021 AGM. The Company will endeavour to address substantial and relevant questions at the 2021 AGM. Voting will be conducted by appointing the Chairman of the Meeting as proxy at the 2021 AGM. The results of the proxy voting will be published at the meeting and announced via the SGXNet after the conclusion of the 2021 AGM. Minutes of the 2021 AGM which will include relevant and substantial comments from shareholders relating to matters on the agenda of the meeting and responses from Directors and Senior Management, will also be available on the websites of the Company and SGX. However, to improve interaction with shareholders during the 2021 AGM, the Company will make available a “chat function” for shareholders to type and submit their questions during the AGM. The Chairman of the Meeting will endeavour to address those questions which are related to the resolutions to be tabled for approval at the 2021 AGM, live during the 2021 AGM. Details of the arrangements will be provided in the Notice of 2021 AGM which will be disseminated by electronic means via publication on the websites of the Company and SGX.

Dividend policy

The Company has been declaring dividends twice a year to its shareholders at half-year and year-end since 2008. In considering the level of dividend payments, the Board takes into account various factors including but not limited to the projected levels of capital expenditure and other investment plans, as well as the Group’s working capital requirements and general financial condition. For FY2020, the Board has recommended a final dividend of S$0.09 per ordinary share and a special dividend of S$0.065 per ordinary share. Including the interim dividend of S$0.04 per ordinary share paid in August 2020, the total dividend for the year of S$0.195 per ordinary share, represents a dividend payout of around 60% of the Group’s net profits. The special dividend was recommended in commemoration of the successful listing of Yihai Kerry Arawana Holdings Co., Ltd, a 89.99%-owned subsidiary of the Company, on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange ChiNext Board on 15 October 2020.

Disclosure of information on a timely basis

The Company maintains a current corporate website www.wilmar-international.com to communicate and engage with shareholders and stakeholders.

The Company is committed to maintaining a high standard of corporate disclosure and transparency. The Company has an Investor Relations Policy (a copy of which is posted on the Company’s website) which allows for an ongoing exchange of views so as to actively engage and promote regular, effective and fair communication with shareholders. It will also ensure that all material information is disclosed in a comprehensive, accurate and timely manner through the release of announcements and news releases posted on the SGX website. Shareholders and the investing public can access the Company’s announcements, news releases, presentation materials disseminated at briefings and other corporate information that have been uploaded on its website. The website provides an effective method of reaching a wide audience and also allows users to sign up for alerts to such disclosures, providing an easy and timely way to stay updated on the Company’s latest corporate developments.

To ensure a level playing field and provide confidence to shareholders, unpublished price and trade sensitive information is not selectively disclosed. In the event that unpublished material information is inadvertently disclosed to a select group in the course of the Group’s interactions with the investing community, a news release or announcement will be released to the public via SGXNet.

Interaction with shareholders

The Group has a dedicated investor relations (“IR”) team which focuses on facilitating communications with shareholders and analysts on a regular basis and attending to their queries or concerns in a timely manner. Investors may submit their view and feedback and raise any questions to the Company via ir@wilmar.com.sg and through which the Company responds to such questions.

The IR team participates in investor seminars and conferences, together with KMP, to keep the market and investors apprised of the Group’s corporate developments and financial performance.

During FY2020, the IR team, together with Senior Management, engaged with over 200 Singapore and foreign investors at conferences, roadshows as well as one-on-one and group meetings. The aim of such engagements is to:

1. provide shareholders and investors with relevant information promptly, to enable them to have a better understanding of the Group’s businesses and performance; and
2. solicit feedback from the investment community, including shareholders, on a range of strategic and topical issues. Such engagements provide invaluable insights to the Board and Management on investors’ views and concerns. It also helps the Group to identify areas of improvement for investor communication.

The Board has adopted an inclusive approach by balancing the needs and interests of material stakeholders, beyond shareholders. This is done through the following methods:

How the engagement with stakeholders is undertaken and executed is described in the following summary table during FY2020. Please also refer to https://www.wilmar-international.com/sustainability/policies/stakeholder-engagement for specific stakeholder engagement with regards to sustainability matters and issues.