1. |
INTRODUCTION |
|
1.1
|
| Corporate ethos, key values & principles
The YTL ethos is about “Building The Right Thing“. Our mission is to turn the right opportunities into the right thing, and the right thing into lasting value. We rely on the core values of ‘honesty, hard work, moral responsibility,
togetherness and vitality’ to build value that is not simply lasting, but worthy of lasting. |
2. |
PURPOSE |
|
2.1
|
| Purpose of the Board of Directors of Pintar Projek Sdn Bhd (“Manager“), as manager of YTL Hospitality REIT (“YTL REIT“) (collectively, “Board“) (individually, “Directors“)
The purpose of the Board is to provide strong and confident strategic leadership which leads to robust accountability, oversight and assurance for the financial performance, sustainability and enduring value of YTL REIT. |
|
2.2
|
| Purpose of the Board Charter
The Board Charter serves several important functions, including as a primary reference to the Board of its role, fiduciary duties and responsibilities, its governance processes and legal framework within which it operates and as an induction tool for
new Directors.
This Charter is available on YTL REIT’s website at: www.ytlhospitalityreit.com, Investor Relations-Corporate Governance.
|
3. |
AUTHORITY |
|
3.1
|
| The conduct of the Board is governed by the Constitution of the Manager, and the laws, rules and regulations governing companies in Malaysia. |
|
3.2
|
| Save for specific corporate decisions that require approval of regulatory authorities, the trustee or unitholders of YTL REIT as stipulated in the deed dated 18 November 2005 (as amended and restated) entered into between the Manager
and Maybank Trustees Berhad (“Trustee“), as the trustee of YTL REIT, Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (“Bursa Securities“) Main Market Listing Requirements (“Main LR“), Guidelines
on Listed Real Estate Investment Trusts issued by the Securities Commission Malaysia and other applicable rules and laws as well as the approval of shareholders of the Manager and Companies Act, 2016, the Board shall have full
authority to make all decisions. |
|
3.3
|
| The Board shall also have the power to delegate specific functions and authority to its Committee(s), individual Directors, or the management. |
4. |
PRINCIPAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD |
|
4.1
|
| The Board charts the strategic direction, development and control of YTL REIT and its subsidiaries (“Group“). Key elements of the Board’s stewardship responsibilities include the following: |
|
|
|
(a) |
Ensuring that the strategic plans for the Group supports long-term value creation and includes strategies on economic, environmental and social considerations underpinning sustainability; |
(b) |
Promoting good corporate governance culture within the Group which reinforces ethical, prudent and professional behaviour; |
(c) |
Overseeing the conduct of the Group’s businesses to evaluate and assess management performance to determine whether the businesses are being properly managed; |
(d) |
Ensuring there is a framework of prudent and effective internal control and risk management systems which enable risks to be identified, assessed and managed; |
(e) |
Succession planning for the Board and senior management; |
(f) |
Overseeing the development and implementation of a unitholder/stakeholder communications policy; |
(g) |
Reviewing the adequacy and integrity of the Group’s management information and internal control systems; |
(h) |
Ensuring the integrity of the Group’s financial and non-financial reporting. |
|
|
4.2
|
| Code of Conduct and Ethics for Directors |
|
|
| Directors are to observe and adhere to the standards of ethical and professional conduct set out in the Code of Ethics for Company Directors established by the Companies Commission of Malaysia (available from the SSM website at:
www.ssm.com.my, Publication-Booklet). |
|
4.3
|
| Anti-Bribery & Corruption Policy (“ABC Policy“) |
|
|
| The ABC Policy was established to further enforce the Group’s Code of Conduct & Business Ethics referred to in paragraph 16.1(b) of this Charter. The ABC Policy, which applies to Directors, managers and employees of the Group, ensures
that everyone understands his/her responsibilities in compliance with the Group’s zero tolerance for bribery and corruption within the organisation. The policy is published on YTL REIT’s website at: www.ytlhospitalityreit.com, The Manager. |
|
4.4
|
| Conflict of Interests |
|
|
| Directors are to determine and disclose potential or actual conflicts of interest which may arise in relation to transactions or matters which come before the Board. In accordance with applicable laws and regulations, a Director should
formally disclose any direct or indirect interests or conflicts of interests in such transactions or matters as and when they arise and abstain from deliberations and voting at Board meetings as required. |
|
4.5
|
| Dealings in securities |
|
|
| Directors are to be mindful of their obligation to not deal in the securities of YTL REIT or other listed securities as long as they are in possession of price-sensitive information relating to such listed securities. Prior to every
‘Closed Period’ for dealing in securities, the Board will be sent reminders via email (comprising a write-up of the relevant requirements under the Main LR, the Act and the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007 (“CMSA“),
including the procedures that need to be complied with for dealings during and outside ‘Closed Period’ and sample notices that the Directors would need to provide the Manager if they do deal in the securities) to ensure no lapse
in compliance. |
5. |
MATTERS RESERVED FOR THE BOARD |
|
Key matters reserved for the Board’s approval include overall strategic direction, business expansion and restructuring plans, material acquisitions and disposals, expenditure over certain limits, issuance of new securities, change in income
distribution policy and capital alteration plans. |
6. |
COMPOSITION AND BOARD BALANCE |
|
6.1
|
| To maintain a strong and effective Board to address and manage the complexity and scale of the Group’s operations, the Board seeks to ensure that all appointments are made on merit, taking into account an appropriate mix of skills,
experience, expertise and diversity in age, gender, ethnicity, background, perspective and insight. |
|
6.2
|
| The Constitution of the Manager provides for a minimum of 2 Directors. The Board must comprise at least 2 Independent Directors while maintaining a minimum ratio of at least 1/3 independent members at all times. |
|
6.3
|
| Executive Directors have a direct responsibility for business operations whereas Non-Executive Directors have the necessary skills and experience to bring an independent judgment to bear on issues of strategy, performance and resources
brought before the Board. The Executive Directors are collectively accountable for the running and management of the Group’s operations and for ensuring that strategies are fully discussed and examined, and take account of the
long-term interests of unitholders, employees, customers, suppliers and the many communities in which the Group conducts its business. |
|
6.4
|
| The Independent Directors provide independent judgment, experience and objectivity without being subordinated to operational considerations. They help to ensure that the interests of all unitholders, and not only the interests of a
particular fraction or group, are taken into account by the Board and that the relevant issues are subjected to objective and impartial consideration by the Board. |
|
6.5
|
| Appointment, Re-appointment or Re-election of Directors |
|
|
|
6.5.1 |
To promote the exercise of objective and independent judgment in line with global best practices, no person shall be appointed, re-appointed, elected or re-elected as a Director of the Board or continue to serve as a Director
if the person is or becomes an active politician. A person is considered an “active politician” if he/she is a Member of Parliament, State Assemblyman or holds a position at the Supreme Council or division level in
a political party. |
6.5.2 |
Fit and Proper Policy
(1) |
Members of the Board must have the necessary qualities, competencies and experience that allows them to perform the duties and carry out the responsibilities required of the position in the most effective manner. |
(2) |
Any person to be appointed as Director or to continue to hold office as Director of the Manager and/or its subsidiaries must not be disqualified or deemed to be disqualified or vacated his/her office under the
relevant laws, rules and regulations governing the respective corporations, and have been assessed to have met the fit and proper criteria based on, at minimum, the factors set out in 6.5.2(4) below relating
to-
- character and integrity
- experience and competence
- time and commitment
|
(3) |
The fit and proper assessment shall be conducted-
- before the initial appointment, or
- prior to the proposed re-election/re-appointment as Director,
and
- may also be conducted when the Manager/subsidiary becomes aware of information that may materially compromise a Director’s fitness and propriety.
|
(4) |
The considerations underpinning the fit and proper criteria include but are not limited to the following:
|
|
|
|
(a) |
Character and integrity |
|
|
|
|
(i) |
Probity |
• |
is compliant with legal obligations, regulatory requirements and professional standards, where applicable; |
|
|
• |
has been constructive and not misleading or untruthful in dealings with regulatory bodies or a court of law; |
(ii) |
Personal integrity |
• |
has not perpetrated or participated in any business practices which are deceitful, oppressive, improper (whether unlawful or not), or which otherwise reflect discredit on his professional conduct; |
|
|
• |
service contract (i.e. in the capacity of management or Director) had not been terminated in the past due to concerns on personal integrity; |
|
|
• |
has not abused other positions (that he/she has held) in a manner that contravenes the principles of good governance; |
(iii) |
Financial integrity |
• |
manages personal debts or financial affairs satisfactorily; |
|
|
• |
demonstrates ability to fulfil personal financial obligations as and when they fall due; |
(iv) |
Reputation |
• |
is of good repute in the financial and business community; |
|
|
• |
has not been the subject of civil or criminal proceedings or enforcement action, in managing or governing an entity for the past 10 years; |
|
|
• |
has not been substantially involved in the management of a business or company which has failed, where that failure has been occasioned in part by deficiencies in that management; |
|
|
|
|
(b) |
Experience and competence |
|
|
|
|
(i) |
Qualifications, training and skills |
• |
possesses educational or other qualification or training that is relevant to the skill set that such Director is earmarked to bring to the Boardroom; |
|
|
• |
has a considerable understanding on the workings of a corporation; |
|
|
• |
possesses general management skills as well as understanding of corporate governance and sustainability issues; |
|
|
• |
keeps knowledge current based on continuous professional development; |
|
|
• |
possesses leadership capabilities and a high level of emotional intelligence; |
(ii) |
Relevant experience and expertise |
• |
possesses relevant experience and expertise with due consideration given to past length of service, nature and size of business, responsibilities held and delegated authorities; |
(iii) |
Relevant past performance or track record |
• |
had a career of occupying a high-level position in a relevant/comparable organisation, and was accountable for driving or leading the organisation’s governance, business performance or operations; |
|
|
• |
possesses commendable past performance record as gathered from the results of the Board effectiveness evaluation; |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i) |
Ability to discharge role having regard to other commitments |
• |
able to devote time as a Board member, having factored other outside obligations including concurrent board positions held by the Director across listed issuers and non-listed entities (including
not-for-profit organisations); |
(ii) |
Participation and contribution in the Board or track record |
• |
demonstrates willingness to participate actively in Board activities; |
|
|
• |
demonstrates willingness to devote time and effort to understand the businesses and exemplifies readiness to participate in events outside the Boardroom; |
|
|
• |
manifests passion in the vocation of a director; |
|
|
• |
exhibits ability to articulate views independently, objectively and constructively; |
|
|
• |
exhibits open mindedness to the views of others and ability to make considered judgment after hearing the views of others. |
|
|
|
|
The factors described above are to be assessed individually as well as collectively, taking into account their relative importance. |
|
|
(5) |
Failure to meet one factor on its own does not necessarily mean failure to meet the fit and proper criteria. The specific circumstances surrounding a person’s failure to meet specific factors, including the
lapse of time since the occurrence of events, other contributing factors, and the significance of the event from the perspective of potential risks posed to the Manager/subsidiary should also be considered. |
|
|
(6) |
The fitness and propriety assessment of Directors is undertaken through due diligence verification procedures and/or declarations. |
|
|
(7) |
All documentation on fit and proper assessments and supporting information shall be kept confidential, solely for the use of the Manager/subsidiary. |
|
|
(8) |
The fit and proper policy shall be in addition to and not in derogation of the fit and proper requirements of the CMSA which are applicable to Directors who are licensed representative holders. |
|
|
7. |
CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (“CEO“) |
|
7.1
|
| There is a balance of power and authority between the Executive Chairman and CEO with a clear division of responsibility between the running of the Board and YTL REIT’s business respectively. The positions of Executive Chairman and
CEO are separated and clearly defined and are held by separate members of the Board. |
|
7.2
|
| Role of the Chairman |
|
|
| The Chairman is responsible for leadership of the Board in ensuring the effectiveness of all aspects of its role. The Chairman is primarily responsible for: |
|
|
|
(a) |
leading the Board in setting the values and standards of YTL REIT; |
(b) |
the orderly and effective conduct of the meetings of the Board and unitholders; |
(c) |
maintaining a relationship of trust with and between the Executive and Non-Executive Directors; |
(d) |
managing the interface and encouraging constructive relations between Board and management; |
(e) |
ensuring the provision of accurate, timely and clear information to Directors and effective communication with stakeholders; |
(f) |
facilitating the effective contribution of Non-Executive Directors. |
|
|
7.3
|
| Role of the CEO |
|
|
| All Board authorities conferred on the management are delegated through the CEO and this is considered as the CEO’s authority and accountability as far as the Board is concerned. The CEO is responsible for, amongst others: |
|
|
|
(a) |
Overseeing the day-to-day running of the business, developing and implementing Board policies and strategies, and making operational decisions; |
(b) |
Serving as the conduit between the Board and the management in ensuring the success of the Manager’s governance and management functions; |
(c) |
Ensuring effective communication with unitholders and relevant stakeholders; |
(d) |
Providing strong leadership i.e. effectively communicating a vision, management philosophy and business strategy to employees; |
(e) |
Keeping the Board informed of salient aspects and issues concerning the Group’s operations. |
|
8. |
BOARD COMMITTEES |
|
8.1
|
| The Board may establish committees of the Board as it considers necessary or appropriate. The committees will focus on specific responsibilities in greater detail and make the necessary reports or recommendations to the Board for its
consideration and decision.
|
|
|
| The Board has standing Audit Committee with specific Terms of Reference.
Independent Non-Executive Directors (“INED“) play a leading role in this committee. Details of the membership and a summary of its Terms of Reference is available on YTL REIT’s website at: www.ytlhospitalityreit.com, Investor Relations-Corporate Governance-Audit Committee Report.
|
9. |
EXPECTATIONS ON TIME COMMITMENT/OTHER BOARD APPOINTMENTS |
|
Board members are expected to devote sufficient time to fulfil their responsibilities effectively. Any Director is, while holding office, at liberty to accept other board appointments so long as the appointment does not detrimentally affect
the Director’s performance as a Board member of the Manager. Directors must also be mindful of the requirement of the Main LR that they do not sit on the boards of more than 5 listed issuers. |
10. |
INDUCTION, TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT OF DIRECTORS |
|
Newly appointed Directors will be inducted into the Board through a process that will best fit the Director, allowing him/her to be properly informed, supported and productive in his/her role. An induction pack which contains key documents
required by Board members will be given to the Director upon appointment. Visits to the Group’s operational sites and meetings with senior management may also be arranged as practicable and appropriate. |
|
In addition to the Mandatory Accreditation Programme required by Bursa Securities for newly appointed Directors, Board members are required to attend such training or professional development programmes as the Board members have collectively
or individually considered as helpful in enhancing their skills and knowledge and keeping up-to-date with relevant issues. |
11. |
BOARD MEETINGS AND SUPPLY OF INFORMATION |
|
11.1
|
| The Board meets at least once every quarter to facilitate the discharge of their responsibilities. |
|
11.2
|
| To facilitate Directors’ time planning, an annual meeting calendar, which provides the scheduled dates for meetings of the Board, Board Committee(s) and annual general meeting, is prepared and circulated to the Directors before the
beginning of each year. |
|
11.3
|
| A Director must attend at least 50% of the total Board meetings held during a financial year. A Director may participate in a Board meeting or Committee meeting by way of audio or audio-visual or other instantaneous telecommunication
device as provided in the Constitution of the Manager. |
|
11.4
|
| Members of management who are not Directors may be invited to attend and speak at the meetings on matters relating to their sphere of responsibility. |
|
11.5
|
| A full agenda and Board papers incorporating such information as may be relevant to the business of the meeting are circulated to all Directors at least one-week prior to each Board meeting. |
|
11.6
|
| In the event matters requiring Board decision arise between Board meetings and if deemed appropriate, such matters shall be resolved by way of circulation of a Board resolution in writing, signed or approved in accordance with the
provisions set out in the Constitution of the Manager. |
12. |
ACCESS TO MANAGEMENT AND INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL ADVICE |
|
Directors have unrestricted access to management and information pertaining to the Group. Whenever necessary and reasonable, Directors may seek independent professional advice with the Chairman’s prior consent, which will not be unreasonably
withheld, as they individually or collectively consider necessary to fulfil their responsibilities and permit independent judgment in decision making, at the expense of YTL REIT. |
13. |
FINANCIAL REPORTING |
|
13.1
|
| Transparency |
|
|
|
(a) |
The Board aims to present a clear and balanced assessment of the financial position and future prospects of the Group that extends to the interim and price-sensitive information and other relevant reports submitted to regulators. |
(b) |
The Board ensures that the financial statements are prepared so as to give a true and fair view of the financial position of the Group in accordance with the approved accounting standards. The Board is assisted by the Audit
Committee in overseeing the Group’s financial reporting processes and quality of its financial reporting. |
|
|
13.2
|
| External Auditors |
|
|
|
(a) |
The Board has transparent arrangements for considering how financial reporting and internal control principles will be applied and for maintaining an appropriate relationship with the external auditors through its Audit
Committee. |
(b) |
The Audit Committee also keeps under review the scope and results of the audit and its cost effectiveness as well as the independence and objectivity of the external auditors in line with the Manager’s Policy on Auditor
Independence. |
(c) |
External auditors, who may be nominated by the Manager, are appointed by the Trustee. |
|
|
13.3
|
| Internal Controls and Risk Management |
|
|
|
(a) |
The Board ensures that the Group has an internal audit function which critically reviews all aspects of the Group’s activities and its internal controls. Comprehensive audits of the practices, procedures, expenditure and
internal controls of all business units and subsidiaries are undertaken on a regular basis. The Head of Internal Audit has direct access to the Board through the chairman of the Audit Committee. |
(b) |
The Audit Committee receives reports regarding the outcome of such reviews on a regular basis. |
|
14. |
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (“AGM“) |
|
14.1
|
| The Board regards the AGM as the principal forum for dialogue with unitholders and aims to ensure that the AGM provides an important opportunity for effective communication with, and constructive feedback from, YTL REIT’s unitholders. |
|
14.2
|
| The Chairman encourages active participation by the unitholders during the AGM. |
|
14.3
|
| The Chairman and where appropriate, the CEO, respond to unitholders’ queries during the AGM. |
15. |
INVESTOR RELATIONS AND UNITHOLDER COMMUNICATION |
|
15.1
|
| The Board acknowledges the need for unitholders to be informed of all material business matters affecting YTL REIT and as such adopts an open and transparent policy in respect of its relationship with its unitholders and investors. |
|
15.2
|
| The Board communicates information to unitholders and the investing community through announcements that are released to Bursa Securities. Such announcements include the quarterly financial results, material transactions and other
developments relating to the Group requiring disclosure under the Main LR. |
|
15.3
|
| In addition to the published annual report sent to all unitholders and the quarterly financial results announced to Bursa Securities, unitholders and investors can access information pertaining to YTL REIT and its activities from YTL
REIT’s website. |
|
15.4
|
| While the Board endeavours to provide as much information as possible to its unitholders and stakeholders, it is mindful of the legal and regulatory framework governing the release of material and price-sensitive information. |
16. |
RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER STAKEHOLDERS |
|
The Board recognises that no company can exist by maximising unitholders value alone. In this regard, the needs and interests of other stakeholders are also taken into consideration. |
|
16.1
|
| Employees |
|
|
|
(a) |
The Board acknowledges that employees are invaluable assets and play a vital role in achieving the vision and mission of the Group. |
(b) |
Code of Conduct & Business Ethics, Whistleblowing
To ensure that core values of the Group are embedded at every level and ethical culture is part of the Group’s DNA, the Manager has in place a Code of Conduct & Business Ethics which is published on YTL REIT’s website at:
www.ytlhospitalityreit.com. The code includes the whistleblowing policy and procedures.
|
|
|
16.2
|
| Environment |
|
|
| In acknowledging the need to safeguard and minimise the impact to the environment in the course of achieving YTL REIT’s vision and mission, the Group adopts policies that help protect the environment and contribute towards sustainable
development as well as supports initiatives on environmental issues. |
|
16.3
|
| Corporate and Social Responsibility |
|
|
|
(a) |
The Board acknowledges that the Group should play a vital role in contributing towards the welfare of the community in which it operates. |
(b) |
The Board ensures that the Group adopts policies and procedures that contribute towards responsible marketing and advertising of its products and services. |
(c) |
The Group supports charitable causes and initiatives on community development projects. |
|
17. |
COMPANY SECRETARY |
|
17.1
|
| The Board appoints the Company Secretary, who plays an important advisory role, and ensures that the Company Secretary fulfils the functions for which he/she has been appointed. |
|
17.2
|
| The Company Secretary is accountable to the Board through the Chairman of the Board and Committee(s) on all governance matters. |
|
17.3
|
| The Company Secretary is a central source of information and advice to the Board and its Committee(s) on issues relating to compliance with laws, rules, procedures and regulations affecting YTL REIT and/or the Manager. |
|
17.4
|
| The Company Secretary should advise Directors of their obligations to adhere to matters relating to: |
|
|
|
(a) |
disclosure of interests in securities. |
(b) |
disclosure of any conflict of interest in a transaction involving YTL REIT and/or the Manager. |
(c) |
prohibition of dealing in securities. |
(d) |
restrictions on disclosure of price-sensitive information. |
|
|
17.5
|
| The Company Secretary must keep abreast of, and inform the Board of current governance practices. |
|
17.6
|
| The Board members have unlimited access to the professional advice and services of the Company Secretary. |
18. |
REVIEW OF THE BOARD CHARTER |
|
The Board Charter will be reviewed as and when changes arise and updated in accordance with the needs of YTL REIT and/or the Manager and any new regulations that may have an impact on the discharge of the Board’s responsibilities. |
This Charter was updated and adopted by the Board on 27 June 2022 |