2023
SSC Annual Seminar 26 Oct 2023 – Beyond the Words: Communicating Charity Governance and Transparency
SSC successfully conducted its Annual Seminar on the 26th of October at the NTUC Business Center. It was heartening to welcome over 100 attendees, a testament to the event’s relevance and the commitment within our community. This year’s seminar cast the spotlight on the crucial balance and significance of transparency and communication in the nonprofit sector. Participants delved into these vital issues and contributed to an enriching discourse through an engaging Q&A session.
The interaction was dynamic and the response overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the shared passion for advancing the principles of good governance and ethical practice among charities.
Event Background
SSC’s 2023 Annual Seminar, the gathering was a vital touchstone for those dedicated to upholding exemplary charity governance and transparency. With a theme that centered on “Beyond the Words,” the event delved into the practical aspects of implementing the Charities Code of Governance and refining internal controls, providing a granular look at fostering trust through action.
Throughout the seminar, participants engaged with thought leaders and delved into discussions that demystified governance as a concept, illustrating its direct impact on operational integrity and donor confidence. The interactive sessions aimed to equip charities with actionable insights to navigate the complexities of governance, ensuring a clear, authentic connection between their work and the community they serve. The core message was unequivocal: establishing and maintaining trust is pivotal, not only as a moral imperative but as a strategic cornerstone for securing ongoing support.
As we move forward, the insights and strategies shared during SSC’s 2023 Annual Seminar will undoubtedly serve as a guiding light for charities committed to transparency, accountability, and the profound responsibility of stewarding resources and goodwill.
Programme
Venue: NTUC Business Center, Room 801, Level 8, One Marina Boulevard, S018989.
| 9.00 a.m | Registration and Check-In |
| 9.30 a.m. | Welcome and Chairman’s Speech Mr Gan Seow Ann, SSC Chair |
| 9.40 a.m | 1st Keynote Address Prof Tan Cheng Han |
| 10.10 a.m. | 2nd Keynote Address Ms Koh Juat Muay |
| 10.40 a.m. | Panel Discussion Closing Address |
| 11.55 a.m. | Ms Yeo Lian Sim, SSC Executive Director |
| 12.00 a.m. | Networking and Refreshments |
Speakers
Prof. Tan Cheng Han
Chairman, Singapore Exchange Regulation
Professor Tan Cheng Han is chairman of the board of SGX RegCo. Professor Tan is also the Chief Strategy Officer of the NUS Faculty of Law and a former Dean. He was previously the Dean of the School of Law of the City University of Hong Kong. He is a Senior Consultant at Wong Partnership LLP. He was appointed Senior Counsel in 2004 and his practice focuses mainly on complex commercial disputes. Professor Tan holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree from the National University of Singapore and a Master of Laws degree from University of Cambridge.
Koh Juat Muay
President of the Institute of Public Relations of Singapore
Juat Muay has more than 30 years of management experience in the public, private and non-profit sectors. Her passion is in organisational well-being where people and process are in harmony. Her expertise is in positive communications, people development and performance coaching. She believes in a solutions approach to work and life’s challenges.
She developed “8lueprint (2019)” – a concise approach to corporate and communications planning and published a tool-book titled “One Dish Wonder: A Simple Recipe To Manage Communications Risks (2011)”. She is an Accredited Member of the Institute of Public Relations Singapore. Juat holds a Masters in Organisational Leadership (Monash University) and a Bachelor of Arts in Literature & Language (National University of Singapore). She is a Master Solutions Focused Practitioner and holds a Specialist Diploma in Counselling Psychology.
Kenneth Lim
Deputy Editor, Business Times
Kenneth Lim is a deputy news editor at BT who oversees coverage of environmental, social and governance issues. Over his career, he has covered Singapore public capital markets and regulations, South-east Asian private capital markets and US debt markets, as well as non-journalism work related to sustainable finance.
Kristy Ho
Deputy Commissioner of Charities
Ms Kristy Ho was appointed as the Deputy Commissioner of Charities on 23 July 2021. She was previously the Registrar of Cooperative Societies and Mutual Benefit Organisations. She loves the rewarding work in the non-profit sector.
June Sim
Managing Director, Head of Listing Compliance,Singapore Exchange Regulation
Ms June Sim is the Managing Director and Head of Listing Compliance in SGX RegCo, and oversees the compliance of all SGX-listed companies with the Listing Manual. She leads the function that monitors listed issuers’ compliance with continuing listing obligations, including regulatory oversight of Catalist sponsors. As a senior management member of SGX RegCo, her views are valued in discharging SGX’s responsibilities as the frontline regulator in the review of submissions to SGX RegCo for corporate action. She is a frequent speaker on various corporate governance seminars, and contributes to raising standards of the professionals in our capital market.
Uantchern Loh
CEO, Asia-Pacific Black Sun, Chairperson of KDF Communications and IT
Uantchern helps businesses drive positive change. He was the founding CEO of the Singapore Accountancy Commission, a statutory body that was established to promote the development of the accountancy profession. Uantchern serves on the Sustainability Reporting Advisory Committee, a national initiative established by SGX Regco and ACRA, supported by the Ministry of Finance. Uantchern contributes on the boards of Shared Services for Charities, Kidney Dialysis Foundation and Securities Investors Association Singapore. He is also a district councillor for the Central Singapore CDC. A Fellow Chartered Accountant, he holds the International Certificate in Investor Relations.