Whistleblowing Policy
1. INTRODUCTION
Jason Marine Group Limited and its subsidiaries (“the Group”) are committed to a high standard of compliance with accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, corporate governance and auditing requirements and any legislation relating thereto. In line with this commitment, the Whistleblowing Policy (“Policy”) aims to provide an avenue for employees and external parties to raise concerns and offer reassurance that they will be protected from reprisals or victimisation for whistleblowing in good faith.
The Policy is intended to conform to the guidance set out in the Code of Corporate Governance which encourages employees to raise concerns, in confidence, about possible irregularities.
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2. WHO IS COVERED BY THIS POLICY
This Policy applies to all employees of the Group.
New employees will be issued a copy of this Policy upon commencement of employment.
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3. OBJECTIVES OF THIS POLICY
Deter wrongdoing and to promote standards of good corporate practices.
Provision of proper avenues for employees to raise concerns about actual or suspected improprieties in matters of financial reporting or other matters and receive feedback on any action taken.
Give employees the assurance that they will be protected from reprisals or victimisation for whistleblowing in good faith.
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4. REPORTABLE INCIDENTS
Some examples of concerns covered by this Policy include (this list is not exhaustive):
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Concerns about the Group’s accounting, internal control or auditing matters.
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Breach of or failures to implement or comply with the Group’s policies or code of conduct.
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Impropriety, corruption, acts of fraud, theft and/misuse of the Group’s properties, assets or resources.
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Conduct which is an offence or breach of law.
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Abuse of power or authority.
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Serious conflict of interest without disclosure.
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Intentional provision of incorrect information to public bodies.
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Any other serious improper matters which may cause financial or nonfinancial loss to the Group, or damage to the Group’s reputation.
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Fraud against investors, or the making of fraudulent statements to the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited, members of the investing public and regulatory authorities.
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Acts to mislead, deceive, manipulate, coerce or fraudulently influence any internal or external accountant or auditor in connection with the preparation, examination, audit or review of any financial statements or records of the Group.
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Concealing information about any malpractice or misconduct.
The above list is intended to give an indication of the kind of conduct which might be considered as “wrong-doing”. In cases of doubt, the whistleblower should seek to speak to his or her immediate superior or follow the procedure for reporting under this Policy.
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5. PROTECTION AGAINST REPRISALS
If an employee raises a genuine concern under this Policy, he or she will not be at risk of losing his or her job or suffering from retribution or harrassment as a result. Provided that the employee is acting in good faith, it does not matter if he or she is mistaken.
However, the Group does not condone frivolous, mischievous or malicious allegations. Employee(s) making such allegations will face disciplinary action in accordance with the Group’s Disciplinary Procedures.
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6. CONFIDENTIALITY
The Group encourages the whistleblower to identify himself / herself when raising a concern or providing information. All concerns will be treated with strict confidentiality.
Exceptional circumstances under which information provided by the whistleblower could or would not be treated with strictest confidentiality include:
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Where the Group is under a legal obligation to disclose information provided.
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Where the information is already in public domain.
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Where the information is given on a strictly confidential basis to legal or auditing professionals for the purpose of obtaining professional advice.
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Where the information is given to the Police or other authorities for criminal investigation.
In the event the Group is faced with a circumstance not covered by the above, and where the whistleblower’s identity is to be revealed, we will endeavour to discuss this with the whistleblower first.
7. CONCERNS AND INFORMATION PROVIDED ANONYMOUSLY
Concerns expressed anonymously are much less persuasive and may hinder investigation work as it is more difficult to look into the matter or to protect the whistleblower’s position. Accordingly, the Group will consider anonymous reports, but concerns expressed or information provided anonymously will be investigated on the basis of their merits.
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8. HOW TO RAISE A CONCERN OR PROVIDE INFORMATION
Acts of misconduct may be disclosed in writing, telephonically or in person. However, all reports are encouraged to be made in writing, so as to assume a clear understanding of the issues raised. The format provided in Appendix 1 may be used for reporting purpose. All reports should be sent directly to any of the persons below. Contact information are as follows:
Mr. Joseph Foo
Executive Chairman
c/o Jason Marine Group Limited
194, Pandan Loop #06-05
Pantech Business Hub
Singapore 128383
Tel: +65-6477 7700
Fax: +65-6872 1500
Email: jmg@jason.com.sg
Mrs Constance Koh
Audit Committee Chairperson
c/o 194, Pandan Loop #06-05
Pantech Business Hub
Singapore 128383
Email: conskkoh@gmail.com
Copy: jmg@jason.com.sg
In case of reports sent through e-mail, it is recommended to mark the subject as “Whistleblower” for ease of identification.
Although the whistleblower is not expected to prove the truth of an allegation, he / she needs to demonstrate to the person contacted that there are sufficient grounds for concern.
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9. IMPORTANT POINTS TO NOTE WHEN RAISING A CONCERN OR PROVIDING INFORMATION
The earlier the concern is raised the easier it is for the Group to take action.
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The Group expects the whistleblower to provide his / her concern in good faith and to show to the appropriate officer that there are sufficient grounds for his / her concern.
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10. HOW THE GROUP WILL RESPOND
The Group assures you that any concern raised or information provided will be investigated, but consideration will be given to these factors:
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Severity of the issue raised.
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Credibility of the concern or information.
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Likelihood of confirming the concern or information from attributable sources.
Depending on the nature of the concern raised or information provided, the investigation may be conducted involving one or more of these persons or entities:
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The Audit Committee
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The External or Internal Auditor
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Forensic Professionals
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The Police or Commercial Affairs Department
The amount of contact between the whistleblower and the person(s) investigating the concern raised and information provided will be determined by the nature and clarity of the matter reported. Further information provided may be sought from the whistleblower during the course of the investigation.
The investigating officer(s) will communicate the findings of the investigation(s) to the Audit Committee for their necessary action.
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11. INVESTIGATING ALLEGED MISCONDUCT OR IMPROPER ACTIVITIES
The Committee member who receives a report will notify the sender and acknowledge receipt of the reported violation or suspected violation within ten business days.
The Committee Members shall meet to discuss about the action / investigation on the reports received from whistleblowers. The Committee may also include or exclude from its meetings any person it deem appropriate, depending on the nature of the complaint.
The Committee Members have the responsibility to conduct investigation. In addition, other parties may also be appointed to be involved in the investigation.
The Committee Members will ensure investigations are carried out using appropriate channels, resources and expertise.
Some concerns may be resolved by agreed action without the need for an investigation to be carried out. Concerns about allegation which fall within the scope of specific procedure on will be referred for consideration under those procedures.
The Committee Members will report to the Committee Chairman on a periodic basis about the reports received and action taken.
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The Management reserves the right to make any decision based on the findings by the Committee.
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12. REVIEW OF POLICY
The Audit Committee will conduct annual review of this Policy to ensure its relevance. Where necessary, amendment(s) will be made to the Policy from time to time.
A copy of the updated Policy will be available for reference in the Company’s intranet.