Board Charter

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE OF BOARD CHARTER

This Charter formalises the various roles and responsibilities of the Board, Board Committees and individual Director of Eco World Development Group Berhad with the aim of streamlining and enhancing corporate governance practices towards transparency, accountability, sustainability and integrity in boardroom activities. This Charter was reviewed to reflect the latest amendments made to the MCCG and the Listing Requirements.

This Charter incorporates the Principles, Practices and Guidance of the MCCG, as considered appropriate, the Listing Requirements on corporate governance, certain aspects of the Constitution of the Company and relevant portions of the Act insofar as the duties and responsibilities of Directors are concerned. Whilst this Charter serves as a structured guide, especially for new Directors who are on-board, it shall not be construed as an exhaustive blueprint by Directors on corporate governance matters.

INTERPRETATION

1. In this Charter:-

   • “Act” means the Companies Act 2016;
   • “AGM” means the annual general meeting;
   • “Board” means the board of directors of the Company;
   • “Board Committees” means committees established by the Board from time to time, including the Audit Committee, Nomination Committee and Remuneration Committee;
   • “Bursa Malaysia” means Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad;
   • “Business” means the business of the Company and all its subsidiaries;
   • “CEO” means the President/Chief Executive Officer;
   • “Charter” means the Board charter of the Company;
   • “Chairman” means the Chairman of the Board and is used in a gender-neutral sense;
   • “Company” or “Eco World” means Eco World Development Group Berhad;
   • “Company Secretary(ies)” means the Board secretary(ies) or the person(s) normally exercising the functions of a Board secretary;
   • “Constitution” means the Articles of Association of the Company under the Companies Act 1965 or its equivalent under the Act;
   • “Directors” means members of the Board;
   • “ED” means Executive Directors;
   • “Group” means the Company and all its subsidiaries;
   • “Independent Director” or “ID” is defined in accordance with Paragraph 1.01 of the Listing Requirements;
   • “Listing Requirements” means Main Market Listing Requirements of Bursa Malaysia;
   • “Management” means the management personnel of the Group;
   • “MCCG” means Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance;
   • “NED” means Non-Executive Directors;
   • “Senior Management” means senior management personnel of the Group; and
   • “Shareholders” means the shareholders of the Company.

ROLE OF THE BOARD AND ITS PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. The Board is collectively responsible for the proper stewardship of the business of the Group and the creation of long term success of Company as well as the delivery of sustainable value to its stakeholders.
2. To enable the Board to discharge its responsibilities in meeting the goals and objectives of the Company, the Board should, among others:-
   
   1. set the values, standards and strategic aims of the Company;
   2. together with Senior Management, promote good corporate governance culture within the Company and the Group which reinforces integrity & ethical, prudent and professional behaviour;
   3. review, challenge and decide on Management’s proposals for the Company, and monitor its implementation by Management;
   4. review and adopt a strategic plan, as developed by Management, and to ensure that the strategic plan supports long-term value creation and includes strategies on economic, environmental and social considerations underpinning sustainability;
   5. develop and oversee the conduct of the Company’s business, supervise and assess the Management’s performance to determine whether the business is being properly managed;
   6. review the adequacy and integrity of the Company’s management information and internal control systems, ensuring there is a sound framework for internal controls and risk management;
   7. understand the principal risks of the Group’s businesses and recognise that business decisions involve the taking of appropriate risks;
   8. set the risk appetite within which the Board expects Management to operate and ensure that there is an appropriate risk management framework to identify, analyse, evaluate, manage and monitor significant financial and non-financial risks;
   9. ensure that Senior Management has the necessary skills and experience, and there are measures in place to provide for the orderly succession of Board and Senior Management;
   10. review the leadership needs of the Company, both executive and non-executive, with a view to ensuring the Company’s continued ability to compete effectively in the marketplace;
   11. ensure the Company has appropriate policies and procedures to review performance of the Directors and Senior Management and to set an appropriate level of remuneration to attract and retain them;
   12. ensure that the Company has in place procedures to enable effective communication with stakeholders;
   13. ensure the integrity of the Company’s financial and non-financial reporting;
   14. together with Management, oversee the Group’s adherence to high standards of conduct or ethics and corporate behaviour by establishing and implementing a Code of Conduct and Ethics as well as Whistle Blowing Policy for the Company to guide the behaviour of Directors, Management and employees. The Code of Conduct and Ethics for Directors is set out in Appendix A of this Charter, and
   15. ensure a sustainable anti-corruption compliance programme and assign adequate resources to implement the anti-corruption compliance programme.

3. In discharging the above responsibilities, individual Directors are expected to:

   1. be aware of the environment the Group is operating in;
   2. exercise diligence and avoid undeclared conflict of interest situations;
   3. understand their oversight role, including the exercise of independent and objective judgment in decision making;
   4. commit and devote sufficient time and efforts in discharging their duties responsibly;
   5. contribute actively in Board discussion and deliberation of issues by providing sound advice based on the Directors’ experience and specific expertise they bring to the Board;
   6. attend regular training programmes in order to be apprised of changes in regulatory requirements the Group is subjected to; and
   7. abide by all the fiduciary and statutory duties and responsibilities of a Director as prescribed under Subdivision 3 of Division 2 of Part III of the Act and the Listing Requirements.
4. The Board reserves full decision-making powers to ensure the direction and control of the Group are in the hands of the Board. A formal schedule of matters reserved for the Board’s decision is set out in Appendix B of this Charter.

BOARD STRUCTURE

1. Board balance and composition

   1. The Board should consist of qualified individuals with diverse set of skills, knowledge, experiences, cultural background and gender that ensure sufficient diversity and independence in facilitating the deliberation, review and decision making.

   2. Whilst the Company’s Constitution allows for not less than two (2) or more than fifteen (15) Directors, the Board shall examine and determine its size periodically in relation to the effective running of the Company’s business.

   3. The Board shall be helmed by a Chairman, appointed by the Board, and comprise at least two (2) members or one-third (1/3) of the Board, whichever is higher, who are IDs in accordance with the Listing Requirements.

      The Board, through the Nomination Committee, shall take steps to adhere to the recommendation in the MCCG whereby, the composition of the Board should comprise a majority of IDs and at least 30% of the Board members comprised women directors, for the purpose of effective oversight of management and also to meet the gender diversity requirement.

   4. The Board undertakes to assess the independence of ID upon his proposed appointment, annually and when any new interest or relationship develops.

   5. In the event that even if a person does not fall within any of the disqualifying indicators enumerated out in Paragraph 1.01 of the Listing Requirements, both the Director and the Board must give effect to the spirit, intention and purpose of the definition of an ID. There must be a conscious application of the test of whether the said Director is able to exercise independent judgement and act in the best interests of the Company.

   6. The tenure of ID shall not exceed a consecutive or cumulative term of nine (9) years. An ID may continue to serve on the Board beyond the nine (9)-year tenure provided the ID is re-designated as a Non-ID. Subject to assessment of the Nomination Committee and with valid justification, an ID may remain designated as ID beyond the consecutive or cumulative term of 9 years, provided shareholders’ approval is obtained.

      If the Board wishes to retain an ID after the twelfth (12th) year, the Board must justify and seek annual shareholders’ approval through a two-tier voting process.

   7. The Board shall also identify, from amongst its members, a Senior ID to whom concerns of fellow Directors, shareholders or stakeholders may be conveyed.

   8. The composition of the Board shall be assessed by the Nomination Committee, to ensure the Board is of an appropriate mix of skills, independence, competencies and diversity (including diversity in age, cultural background and gender) to optimise the Board’s performance, as a whole, and align the Board’s capabilities with the Company’s strategic direction.

   9. To enhance Board effectiveness, the Nomination Committee is therefore entrusted by the Board to appraise candidates for directorship, to ensure Directors have the relevant skills, experience, expertise and time commitment, including those who retire and offer themselves for re-election, before recommending to the Board.

2. Appointment

   1. The appointment of a new Director is a matter for consideration and decision by the Board upon appropriate recommendation from the Nomination Committee. In making the recommendations, the Nomination Committee will consider amongst others, the required mix of diversity in skills, experience, age, cultural background and gender.

   2. In identifying candidates for appointment as Director, the Board does not solely rely on recommendation from existing Board members, Management or major shareholders. The Board may utilise independent sources to identify suitably qualified candidates not limited to source from a Directors’ Registry, open advertisements and independent search firms.

3. Re-election

   The Company’s Constitution provides that every newly appointed Director shall be subjected to re-election at the immediate AGM of the Company after the appointment. Further, one third (1/3) of the Board shall retire from office and be eligible for re-election at every AGM, provided all Directors shall retire once at least in each three (3) years.

4. Roles of Chairman

   1. The Chairman assumes a leadership role in the Board so as to ensure effective functioning of the Board in the interest of good corporate governance.

   2. The Chairman is primarily responsible for the following:-

      1. providing leadership for the Board so that the Board can perform its responsibilities effectively;
      2. setting the board agenda and ensuring that board members receive complete and accurate information in a timely manner;
      3. leading Board meetings and effective discussions;
      4. encouraging active participation and allowing dissenting views to be freely expressed;
      5. managing the interface between Board and Management;
      6. ensuring appropriate steps are taken to provide effective, transparent and regular communication with stakeholders and that their views are communicated to the Board as a whole;
      7. leading the Board in establishing and monitoring good corporate governance practices in the Company; and
      8. other responsibilities as assigned by the Board from time to time.

   3. The positions of the Chairman and CEO are held by two (2) different individuals to promote accountability and facilitates division of responsibilities between them. In this regard, no one individual can influence Board’s discussion and decision-making. Generally, the Chairman would lead the Board in its collective oversight of management, while the CEO focuses on the business and day-to-day management of the Company.

5. Roles of President/ Chief Executive Officer and Executive Directors

   1. The CEO, assisted by his fellow EDs, serves as a conduit between Management and the Board and is responsible to spearhead the business through effective implementation of the Company’s strategic plan and policies established by the Board and managing the daily operations of the Company.

   2. Generally, the CEO, assisted by his EDs as the case may be, is responsible to the Board for the following:-

      1. achievement of agreed Company’s goals and observance of Management’s performance and authorities delegated by the Board;
      2. developing and implementing long-term strategic and short-term business plans to enable the Company to achieve growth, profitability and return on capital subject to the Board’s review and adoption;
      3. providing assistance to members of the Board and the Board Committees, as required, in discharging their duties;
      4. assisting the Chairman in organising information necessary for the Board to deal with the agenda and for providing such information to Directors on a timely basis;
      5. assuming full accountability to the Board for all aspects of the Company’s operation and performance;
      6. provide strong leadership and ensure the business objectives, strategies and policies are communicated across all levels in the Company;
      7. assuring that the Group’s corporate identity, products and services are of high standards and reflective of the market environment; and
      8. ensuring organisational structure and systems are in place to develop talent and succession planning for Senior Management.

   3. The Board shall receive the following from or through the CEO at its scheduled meetings:-

      1. reports on the performance and activities of the Group for the period under review, including explanations for significant fluctuations over the period; and
      2. where appropriate, a briefing pertaining to current and future initiatives, risk management issues, challenges faced by the Group, changes to legislations that may affect the Group’s operations, litigations and other salient events or issues affecting the Group.

   4. The CEO and his fellow EDs shall act within all specific authorities delegated to them by the Board.

   5. In discharging the above responsibilities, the CEO can delegate appropriate functions to any member of Senior Management, including EDs, who shall report to the CEO, but remain accountable to the Board.

6. Roles of Non-Executive Directors

   The roles of NEDs largely encompass the monitoring of Company performance and contributing to the development of Company strategy, clarified as follows:-

   1. Strategy: Constructively challenge and contribute to the development of Company strategy;
   2. Performance: Scrutinises the performance of Management in meeting agreed goals and objectives and monitor the reporting of performance; and
   3. Risk: Satisfy themselves that the financial information presented is accurate and that financial controls as well as systems of risk management are robust and defensible.

7. Roles of Independent Directors

   1. ID is an individual who:-
      
      1. declared his independence vide Declaration of Independency to the Bursa Malaysia; and
      2. is approved by Shareholders in a general meeting to be retained as an ID where he has served in that position for more than nine (9) years.
   2. The roles of IDs broadly include the following:-
      
      1. to ensure there is a proper check and balance on the Board by providing unbiased and independent views in Board deliberations and decision making of the Board, taking into consideration the interest of all shareholders, not only the interests of a particular function or group, but also the minority shareholders;
      2. to improve corporate credibility and governance standards, functioning as a watchdog, and make significant contributions to the Company’s decision making by bringing in the quality of detached impartiality; and
      3. to make independent assessment of information, reports or statement when the interests of Management, Company and/or Shareholders diverge, such as executive performance and remuneration, related party transactions and audit matters.

8. Roles of Senior Independent Director

   The Board shall appoint among its members a Senior ID to act as:-

   1. a sounding board for the Chairman;
   2. an intermediary for other Directors when necessary; and
   3. the point of contact for shareholders and other stakeholders.

9. Company Secretary(ies)

   1. The appointment and removal of the Company Secretary(ies) is a matter for the Board, as a whole. The Company Secretary(ies), who is/are accountable to the Board, shall be suitably qualified, competent and capable of carrying out the duties required of the post.

   2. The Company Secretary(ies) is expected to provide unimpeded advice and services to the Directors, as and when the need arises, to enhance the effective functioning of the Board and its Board Committees and to expedite regulatory and governance compliance.

   3. The roles and responsibilities of the Company Secretary(ies) include the following:-

      1. manage the logistic, attend and record minutes of all Board and Board Committee meetings as well as facilitate Board communication;
      2. advise the Board on its roles and responsibilities;
      3. support the Board on adherence to Board policies and procedures;
      4. facilitate the orientation of new Directors and assist in Directors’ training and development;
      5. advise and assist the Board on corporate disclosures and compliance with Company and securities regulations as well as Listing Requirements;
      6. manage processes pertaining to the shareholders’ meetings;
      7. monitor corporate governance developments and assist the Board in applying governance practices to meet the Board’s needs and stakeholders’ expectations;
      8. serve as a focal point for stakeholders’ communication and engagement on corporate governance issues;
      9. assisting the communications between the Board and Management;
      10. together with Chairman, ensure that Directors are provided with sufficient information and time to prepare for Board meetings; and
      11. carrying out other functions as deemed appropriate by the Board from time to time.

10. Board Committees

    1. The Board shall establish Committees delegated with specific authority and operating on the Terms of Reference (“TOR”) as approved by the Board to assist the Board in the discharge of its duties and responsibilities. In so doing, the Board should not abdicate its responsibilities and should at all times exercise collective oversight of the Board Committees and Management.

    2. The roles and responsibilities, structure and composition of the Committee as stated in the TORs will be assessed and reviewed as and when necessary to ensure the TORs are in accordance to the MCCG and Listing Requirements.

    3. The composition of each Board Committees shall comply with the relevant requirements as enumerated in the Listing Requirements and MCCG.

    4. The following standing Committees have been established by the Board:-

       1. Audit Committee

          The Audit Committee assists and supports the Board primarily in the area of governance structure, financial reporting process by liaising with the external auditors, reviewing and monitoring the Group’s system of risk management and internal control by liaising with the internal auditors.

       2. Nomination Committee

          The Nomination Committee assists the Board on matters relating to the selection and assessment of Directors and Board Committees.

       3. Remuneration Committee

          The Remuneration Committee assists the Board on matters relating to the remuneration of Directors and management who are under the C-Suite category.

       4. Whistle Blowing Committee

          The Whistle Blowing Committee assists the Board to ensure investigation on corporate governance practice or misconduct are carried out using the appropriate channels, resources and expertise.

BOARD PROCEDURES

1. Board meetings

   1. Board meeting for each year are scheduled in advance prior to the end of the preceding financial year and circulated to the Directors and Senior Management before the beginning of each financial year. The Board meets regularly at least five times in a year. Additional Board meetings will be held as and when required.

   2. The Chairman of the Board may elect a Director from amongst the Board members to preside as Chairman at all Board meetings.

   3. All Directors must meet the minimum 50% attendance requirement imposed by the Listing Requirements. Senior Management who are not directors may be invited to attend and speak at Board meetings on matters relating to their areas of responsibility. The Board may also invite external parties such as the auditors, solicitors and consultants to attend as and when the need arises.

   4. The Directors may participate at a Board meeting by means of telephone and video conference or by means of other communication equipment. The physical presence of Director(s) is not compulsory and participation at such meeting in the aforesaid manner shall be deemed to constitute presence in person at such meeting. The Directors participating at any such meeting shall be counted in the quorum for such meeting. All resolutions agreed upon by the Directors at such a meeting shall be deemed to be as effective as a resolution passed at a meeting in person of the Directors duly convened and held. All information and documents must be made equally available to all participants prior to, at, or during the Board meeting.

   5. In the event matters requiring Board’s decision arise between Board meetings, such matters shall be resolved through circular resolution which shall be supported by relevant papers setting out details of the subject matter. Such circular resolution in writing, signed or approved by letter, electronic mail or other electronic communication by a majority of the Directors shall be as valid and effectual as if it has been passed at a Board Meeting. Such resolution may consist of several documents in like form, each signed by one or more Board members.

   6. The Board should be informed of the decision and significant issues deliberated by the Board Committees via the reporting by the Chairman of the respective Board Committees and the minutes of the Board Committees tabled at the Board meetings.

2. Notice

   Except in the case of an emergency, notice of every Board meeting will be provided in writing at least seven (7) clear days before each meeting. In addition to notices sent through post or by hand, notices may also be sent via facsimile, electronic mail or by any means of telecommunication in a permanent written form.

3. Agenda

   The Company Secretary(ies) shall work together with the Chairman in developing the meeting agenda. The agenda shall include, amongst others, matters specifically reserved for the Board’s decision.

4. Meeting papers

   1. Meeting papers should be clear and comprehensive in order to provide concise information to the Board to facilitate their deliberation and decision making. All Directors are given sufficient time to review the meeting papers prior to Board meetings.

   2. Board papers on non-financial related matters, including minutes of the previous meeting and agenda items are to be circulated at least five (5) clear days prior to the Board meeting. Materials on financial related matters will be circulated at least four (4) clear days prior to the Board meeting.

5. Voting

   1. Every Board Member shall have a right to speak and vote on any matters tabled at the meeting. All matters that are to be decided upon and approved by the Board shall be put to vote and passed by a majority of vote and in case of any equality of votes, the Chairman of the meeting shall have a casting vote.

   2. Pursuant to regulatory requirements, a Director shall abstain from deliberation and voting on contracts or proposed contracts or arrangements in which the Director has direct and/or indirect interests.

6. Minutes

   1. All Board members shall ensure that the minutes of Board meeting accurately reflect the deliberations and decisions of the Board, including any concerns raised by Directors or dissenting views expressed. Any Directors who abstained from voting or deliberation on a particular matter will be recorded in the minutes.

   2. The minutes of the Board meeting shall be distributed to Board members within 4 weeks after the meeting. The minutes shall be tabled at the following Board meeting for confirmation and thereafter for signing by the Chairman of the meeting at which the proceedings were held or by the Chairman of the next meeting.

RELATIONSHIPS

1. Relationship with Management

   1. The Management is key in collecting, scrutinising and elucidating strategic options to the Board for its review and consideration.

   2. To enable the Board to properly exercise impartial judgement, the Management shall ensure that all information provided by it to the Board is objective, timely, relevant, accurate and complete and the Management will carry out instructions as directed by the Board.

2. Relationship with Shareholders and Stakeholders

   1. The Board is responsible for ensuring the Group’s strategies to promote sustainability and the rights of other stakeholders are not compromised.

   2. The Board is responsible to develop and implement a communication policy that enables both the Board and Management to communicate effectively with the Company’s shareholders, stakeholders and the general public to facilitate understanding of each other’s objectives and expectations.

   3. The Board shall arrange for the general meeting of the Company to be conducted in an efficient manner, including to consider leveraging technology to facilitate electronic voting and remote shareholders’ participation, to enhance shareholder communications for a greater understanding of the Company’s business, governance and performance.

   4. The Board shall also provide timely and relevant information to shareholders and encourage their active participation at the general meetings, taking into account the following measures:-

      1. notice of AGM be given to the Shareholders at least 28 days prior to the meeting;
      2. ensure that clear and concise explanation is included in the notice of general meetings for resolutions proposed to enable shareholders to make an informed decision in exercising their voting rights;
      3. ensure that a brief description, including information such as age, relevant experience, list of directorships, date of appointments to the Board, details of participation at Board Committees and designation of Directors (Independent or Non-Independent), is disclosed in the Annual Report in respect of the Directors standing for re-election or re-appointment;
      4. the chairman shall provide reasonable time for discussion at general meetings. A summary of the key matters discussed at general meeting will be published onto the Company’s website as soon as practicable after the conclusion of the general meeting; and
      5. consider the need for substantive resolutions, including, but not limited to, related party transactions to receive specific Shareholders’ approval and announce the detailed results of the votes cast for and against each resolution.
   5. The Company conducts dialogues with financial analysts from time to time as a means of effective communication that enables the Board and Management to convey information relating to the Company’s performance, corporate strategy and other matters affecting shareholders’ interests.