annual report 2016 - Bursa Malaysia Stock
Transcription
annual report 2016 - Bursa Malaysia Stock
ANNUAL REPORT 2016 One Hundred & Nine years TO THE NINES Forging ahead to the nines, TAHPS commitment to excellence stays strong and focussed as the organisation enters its 109th year. Whereas many would have faltered through the decades or weakened in years of economic adversity, TAHPS displays strength and resilience to not only shoulder hardships but also break new grounds of opportunity through utterly sound leadership and financial clout. Working towards perfection and ultimately empowering number 9, TAHPS proudly shares another year of solid progress. EPIC Residence Artist Impression EPIC Residence 2 TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Artist Impression VISION To bring the best value for its stakeholders as a leading player in land-based businesses and activities. MISSION To go beyond benchmarks - to have sustainable shareholders value from its investment choices and exceed customers’ expectations through innovation in products and services; and from hand-to-heart, committing to our core values, we are a responsible corporate citizen; a preferred employer; and choice partner for business. CORE VALUES Integrity in all we do / Passion to realise / Commitment to deliver / Balanced in work TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 3 Foreston Artist Impression Foreston is a flagship development for Bukit Hitam Development that won the Best Interior Design Show Home Malaysia - by Asia Pacific Property Awards Interior Design 2015 - 2016. In 2016, yet another award for Best Hill-top Development by Property Insight was won in the form of the Prestigious Developer Awards 2016. This speaks volumes for the excellence and expertise of our consultant partners and our management teams. Both awards are testament to the fact that the level of quality, luxury and innovative design ideas as well as commitment towards providing lavish living right in the bosom of nature not only meets but exceeds the expectations of the authorising bodies and industry standards. Showcasing generous built-ups starting from 4,250 sq.ft. that offer 6 bedrooms, all superbly equipped with en-suite baths set among lush and exquisitely landscaped gardens and park, Foreston heralds award-winning excellence that shall follow in the many other ventures lined up in the planning of TAHPS' overall scheme for success. 4 TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 CONTENTS 6 9 10 12 13 14 16 Notice of the 105th Annual General Meeting Corporate Information Board of Directors’ and Group Chief Executive Officer’s Profile Group Structure Five-Year Financial Highlights Statement By The Executive Management Committee Group Chief Executive Officer’s Review Of Operations 18 20 32 34 37 112 Analysis of Shareholdings 114 Properties Held by The Group Corporate Social Responsibility Statement on Corporate Governance Statement on Risk Management and Internal Control Audit Committee Report Financial Statements Proxy Form TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 5 Notice of the 105th Annual General Meeting NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 105th Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) of the Company will be held at Eugenia Room, Sime Darby Convention Centre, 1A Jalan Bukit Kiara 1, 60000 Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, 21 July 2016 at 9.00 a.m. for the purpose of considering the following businesses:- ORDINARY BUSINESS 1. To receive the Audited Financial Statements for the financial year ended 31 March 2016 together with the Reports of the Directors and the Auditors thereon. (Please refer to Explanatory Note 1) 2. To approve the payment of a first and final dividend of 10 sen per share single tier tax exempt for the financial year ended 31 March 2016. Ordinary Resolution 1 3. To approve the payment of Directors’ Fees of RM495,000 in respect of the financial year ended 31 March 2016. Ordinary Resolution 2 4. To re-elect Mr. Yap Koon who is retiring pursuant to Article 98 of the Company’s Articles of Association, who being eligible offers himself for re-election. Ordinary Resolution 3 5. To re-elect Mr. Lim Kai Hee who is retiring pursuant to Article 98 of the Company’s Articles of Association, who being eligible offers himself for re-election. Ordinary Resolution 4 6. To re-appoint Messrs Khoo Wong & Chan as Auditors of the Company and to authorise the Directors to determine their remuneration. Ordinary Resolution 5 SPECIAL BUSINESS To consider and if thought fit, to pass the following Ordinary Resolutions, with or without modifications:7. Re-appointment of Director pursuant to Section 129(6) of the Companies Act, 1965 “THAT Tan Sri Datuk Yong Poh Kon who is over the age of seventy years and retiring in accordance with Section 129(2) of the Companies Act, 1965 be and is hereby re-appointed as a Director of the Company and to hold office until the next Annual General Meeting.” 8. Retention of Independent Director in accordance with Recommendation 3.3 of the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance 2012 Ordinary Resolution 6 Ordinary Resolution 7 “THAT subject to the passing of Ordinary Resolution 6, authority be and is hereby given to Tan Sri Datuk Yong Poh Kon, who has served as an Independent Director of the Company for a cumulative term of more than nine (9) years, to continue to act as an Independent Director of the Company.” 9. To transact any other business of which due notice shall have been given in accordance with the Companies Act, 1965. NOTICE OF DIVIDEND ENTITLEMENT AND PAYMENT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the first and final dividend of 10 sen per share single tier tax exempt for the financial year ended 31 March 2016, if approved, will be paid on 25 August 2016. The entitlement date for the dividend payment is 4 August 2016. A Depositor shall qualify for entitlement to the dividend only in respect of:a. Shares transferred into the depositor’s securities account before 4.00 p.m. on 4 August 2016 in respect of transfer; and b. Shares bought on the Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad on a cum entitlement basis according to the Rules of the Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad. By Order of the Board LIM LEE KUAN (MAICSA 7017753) TEO MEE HUI (MAICSA 7050642) Company Secretaries 29 June 2016 Kuala Lumpur 6 TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Notice of the 105th Annual General Meeting Notes:i) A member of the Company entitled to attend and vote at this Meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy or attorney or other duly authorised representative to attend and vote in his stead. A proxy may, but need not be a member of the Company. A member may appoint any person to be his proxy and the provisions of Section 149(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 1965 shall not apply to the Company. ii) A member of the Company who is an authorised nominee as defined in the Securities Industry (Central Depositories) Act, 1991 (“SICDA”) may appoint not more than two (2) proxies in respect of each securities account it holds in ordinary shares of the Company standing to the credit of the said securities account. iii) For a member of the Company who is an exempt authorised nominee which holds ordinary shares in the Company for multiple beneficial owners in one (1) securities account (“omnibus account”), there is no limit to the number of proxies which the exempt authorised nominee may appoint in respect of each omnibus account it holds. An exempt authorised nominee refers to an authorised nominee as defined under SICDA which is exempted from compliance with the provisions of subsection 25A(1) of SICDA. iv) Where a member or the authorised nominee appoints two (2) proxies, or where an exempt authorised nominee appoints two (2) or more proxies, the proportion of shareholdings to be represented by each proxy must be specified in the instrument appointing the proxies. v) The instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing signed by the appointor or his attorney duly authorised in writing, or if the appointor is a corporation, either under its common seal or signed by an officer or attorney duly authorised. vi) The instrument appointing a proxy and the power of attorney or other authority, if any, under which it is signed or a notarially certified copy of that power or authority shall be deposited at the registered office at 10th Floor, Menara Hap Seng, No. 1 & 3, Jalan P. Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, not less than forty-eight (48) hours before the time appointed for holding the meeting or adjourned meeting. vii) For the purpose of determining a member who shall be entitled to attend and vote at the meeting, the Company shall be requesting Bursa Malaysia Depository Sdn. Bhd. to make available to the Company a Record of Depositors as at 14 July 2016 and only a depositor whose name appears on the Record of Depositors shall be entitled to attend the meeting or appoint proxies to attend and vote in his stead. Explanatory Notes : 1. Agenda No. 1 This Agenda item is meant for discussion only. The provision of Section 169 of the Companies Act, 1965 requires that the Audited Financial Statements and the Reports of the Directors and Auditors thereon be laid before the Company at its Annual General Meeting. As such, this Agenda is not a business which requires a resolution to be put to vote by shareholders. 2. Agenda No. 7 - Re-appointment of Directors pursuant to Section 129(6) of the Companies Act, 1965 The proposed Resolution 6 is to seek shareholders’ approval on the re-appointment of Tan Sri Datuk Yong Poh Kon who is over the age of seventy (70) years as a Director of the Company pursuant to Section 129(6) of the Companies Act, 1965. A vote by the majority of not less than three-fourths of members who are entitled to vote and voting in person or by proxy is required to pass this resolution. 3. Agenda No. 8 - Retention of Independent Director pursuant to the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance 2012 The proposed Resolution 7 is to seek shareholders’ approval on the retention of Director who has served as Independent Director in the Company for more than nine (9) years. The Nomination Committee has assessed the independence of Tan Sri Datuk Yong Poh Kon, who has served as Independent Non-Executive Directors of the Company for a cumulative term of more than nine (9) years, and recommended him to continue act as an Independent Non-Executive Director of the Company based on the following justifications:a. He fulfilled the criteria under the definition of Independent Director as stated in the Main Market Listing Requirements of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad, and thus, he would able to provide check and balance and bring an element of objectivity to the Board; b. He is familiar with the Company’s business operations and is able to advise the Board diligently on business legacy matters before the change in controlling interest; c. He was not appointed by the current controlling shareholder and hence the issue on special relationship with or loyalty to the controlling shareholder does not arise; d. He has devoted sufficient time and attention to his professional obligations for informed and balanced decision making by actively participated in board discussion and provided an independent voice to the Board; and e. He has exercised his due care during his tenure as Independent Non-Executive Directors of the Company and carried out his professional duties in the best interest of the Company and shareholders. The Board considers Tan Sri Datuk Yong Poh Kon to be independent based on the above justifications and recommends him to be retained as an Independent Non-Executive Director of the Company. TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 7 The Peanuts Gathering @ Bukit Puchong Gallery Thrills galore for the kids and families of Bukit Puchong from 28 November - 31 December 2015 as 41 life-sized Snoopy sculptures graced this lively and fun PEANUTS character gathering. Comic excitement came alive with the addition of food trucks offering fabulous food while games and freebies filled the day. 8 TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Corporate Information BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Directors (Non-Independent) Mr. Lim Ke Hun Mr. Lim Kee Choon Ms. Lim Wan Yee Non-Executive Directors (Independent) Tan Sri Datuk Yong Poh Kon Mr. Yap Koon Dr. Chin Yoong Kheong Non-Executive Directors (Non-Independent) Mr. Lim Kai Hee Mdm Chang Wee Yon (Alternate Director to Ms. Lim Wan Yee) BOARD COMMITTEES Audit Committee Mr. Yap Koon (Chairman) Tan Sri Datuk Yong Poh Kon Dr. Chin Yoong Kheong Executive Management Committee (EXCO) Mr. Lim Ke Hun Mr. Lim Kee Choon Ms. Lim Wan Yee Nomination Committee Tan Sri Datuk Yong Poh Kon (Chairman) Mr. Yap Koon Dr. Chin Yoong Kheong Remuneration Committee Dr. Chin Yoong Kheong (Chairman) Tan Sri Datuk Yong Poh Kon Mr. Yap Koon Board Risk Committee Dr. Chin Yoong Kheong (Chairman) Mr. Lim Ke Hun Mr. Lim Kee Choon Ms. Lim Wan Yee PRINCIPAL OFFICERS Group Chief Executive Officer Mr. Tan Seng Chye Chief Financial Officer Mr. Leong Chain Hong REGISTERED OFFICE 10th Floor, Menara Hap Seng No. 1 & 3 Jalan P. Ramlee 50250 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Tel: 603-2382 4288 Fax: 603-2382 4170 SHARE REGISTRAR Tricor Investor & Issuing House Services Sdn Bhd Unit 32-01, Level 32, Tower A Vertical Business Suite, Avenue 3, Bangsar South No. 8, Jalan Kerinchi 59200 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Tel: 603-2783 9299 Fax: 603-2783 9222 STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad Main market Stock code: 2305 Website: www.tahps.com.my AUDITORS Khoo Wong & Chan Chartered Accountants 8.06-8.08, 8th Floor Plaza First Nationwide 161, Jalan Tun H.S. Lee 50000 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Tel: 603-2078 3893 COMPANY SECRETARIES Lim Lee Kuan (MAICSA 7017753) Teo Mee Hui (MAICSA 7050642) PRINCIPAL BANKERS Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad CIMB Bank Berhad United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Berhad TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 9 Board of Directors’ and Group Chief Executive Officer’s Profile MR. LIM KE HUN (*) Age 65. Malaysian. Non-Independent Non-Executive Director since 3 May 1994. Redesignated as Executive Director on 1 December 2002. Member of the EXCO and Board Risk Committee. Director of The Ayer Hitam Development Sdn Bhd, Cendana Maju Construction Sdn Bhd, Bukit Hitam Development Sdn Bhd, BBP Management Services Sdn Bhd and Yee Seng Plantations Sdn Bhd. He graduated from The Chartered Institute of Marketing of London, United Kingdom. He is also a Director in several private companies. MR. LIM KEE CHOON (A2) Age 60. Malaysian. Non-Independent Non-Executive Director since 10 August 1994. Redesignated as Executive Director on 1 December 2002. Member of the EXCO and Board Risk Committee. Director of The Ayer Hitam Development Sdn Bhd, Cendana Maju Construction Sdn Bhd, Bukit Hitam Development Sdn Bhd, BBP Management Services Sdn Bhd and Yee Seng Plantations Sdn Bhd. He is a Trustee of both Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia and Yayasan Lim Yee Hoh. He graduated with degrees in Law and Commerce from University of Melbourne, Australia in 1978. He is also a Director in several private companies. MS. LIM WAN YEE (#) (A1) Age 50. Malaysian. Non-Independent Non-Executive Director since 18 May 1994. Redesignated as Executive Director on 1 December 2002. Member of the EXCO and Board Risk Committee. Director of The Ayer Hitam Development Sdn Bhd, Cendana Maju Construction Sdn Bhd, Bukit Hitam Development Sdn Bhd, BBP Management Services Sdn Bhd and Yee Seng Plantations Sdn Bhd. She graduated with a Master’s degree from the London School of Economics, University of London. She was appointed as Director of Bee Guan Sdn Bhd since November 2003 and is also a Director in several private companies. TAN SRI DATUK YONG POH KON Age 71. Malaysian. Independent Non-Executive Director. Appointed as member of the Board on 24 March 2004. Chairman of the Nomination Committee and member of the Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee. Graduated from the University of Adelaide with First Class Honours in Mechanical Engineering in 1968. He is the Chairman of Royal Selangor International Sdn Bhd and is a Director of Nestle (Malaysia) Berhad, RAM Holdings Berhad and Selangor Pewter Holdings Berhad. Tan Sri Datuk Yong is also the Immediate Past President of Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM). He has served in the past as a Board Member of Bank Negara Malaysia, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and Employees Provident Fund. He is also a member of the Economic Council. He is not related to any Director and/or major shareholder of the Company and does not have any interest in the securities of the Company and/or its subsidiaries. MR. YAP KOON Age 64. Malaysian. Independent Non-Executive Director since 16 October 2009 and appointed as Chairman of the Audit Committee on 26 November 2009. Member of the Nomination Committee and Remuneration Committee. He is a Certified Public Accountant and is a Member of The Malaysian Institute of Accountants since 1988. He started his working career in 1975 and since then has worked for two substantial Malaysian conglomerates, firstly involved in the automobile assembly and distribution industry, and secondly, involved in the diversified activities of the conglomerate. He was employed as Financial Control Manager in the first job and as Chief Accountant in the second job where he was later promoted as General Manager – Finance. In the second job he was re-designated to be General Manager – Operations in the employer’s China operations. Currently, he works as a freelance Financial Consultant. He is not related to any Director and/or major shareholder of the Company and does not have any interest in the securities of the Company and/or its subsidiaries. MR. LIM KAI HEE (*) Age 67. Malaysian. Non-Independent Non-Executive Director. He has been a member of the Group since 3 May 1994. Director of The Ayer Hitam Development Sdn Bhd and Cendana Maju Construction Sdn Bhd. He has extensive experience in the areas of property investment, strategic planning, business development and operational management. He is also a Director of several private companies. Graduated from The Chartered Institute of Marketing, London and The Institute of Administrative Management, London, United Kingdom. 10 TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Board of Directors’ and Group Chief Executive Officer’s Profile DR. CHIN YOONG KHEONG Age 58. Malaysian. BA (Hons) Economics, Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, DBA, CPA and CFC. Appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director on 1 January 2014. Chairman of the Remuneration Committee and Board Risk Committee and a member of the Audit Committee and Nomination Committee. Dr. Chin retired as a partner of a Big 4 accounting firm on 31 December 2013, after having served the firm for more than 34 years in the UK, Vietnam and Malaysia. He is also the Independent Non-Executive Director of Otto Marine Ltd, a shipping company listed in the Singapore Stock Exchange, and a Director of RHB Capital Berhad Group. He is not related to any Director and/or major shareholder of the Company and does not have any interest in the securities of the Company and/or its subsidiaries. MADAM CHANG WEE YON (A1) [ALTERNATE DIRECTOR TO MS. LIM WAN YEE] Age 72, Malaysian. Alternate Director to Ms. Lim Wan Yee since 25 July 1994. GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MR. TAN SENG CHYE Age 54. Malaysian. Mr. Tan Seng Chye was appointed as Group Chief Executive Officer (“GCEO”) of TAHPS Group Berhad on 23 February 2015. He started his career in Messrs. Price Waterhouse (currently known as Messrs. PricewaterhouseCoopers) in 1982. He was admitted as a member of the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Malaysian Institute of Accountants in 1987. Mr. Tan has held senior management positions in various public-listed companies both locally and overseas throughout his 33 years of working experience. He is not related to any Director and/or major shareholder of the Company and does not have any interest in the securities of the Company and/or its subsidiaries. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND GCEO Conflict of interest All the Directors and GCEO have no conflict of interest with the Company. Convictions (within the past 10 years, other than traffic offences) None of the Directors and GCEO has any convictions for offences. Interest in securities of the Company and its subsidiaries Directors’/GCEO interests in the securities of the Company and its subsidiaries are disclosed in the Directors’ Report and in the Analysis of Shareholdings. Note: * Brothers – Family relationship # Daughter of Madam Chang Wee Yon (Substantial shareholder – indirect interest) A1 Person associated with Bee Guan Sdn Bhd (Substantial shareholder of the Company) pursuant to Section 6A (4) of the Companies Act 1965 A2 Person associated with Lim Enterprises Sdn Bhd (Substantial shareholder of the Company) pursuant to Section 6A (4) of the Companies Act 1965 TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 11 Group Structure as at 31 March 2016 TAHPS Group Berhad (37-K) Investment Holding Plantation Share Capital 100% : RM74,853,075 Bukit Hitam Development Sdn. Bhd. (203394-W) Property Development Share Capital : RM40,000,002 100% BBP Management Services Sdn. Bhd. (735463-P) Property Management Services Share Capital 100% : RM2 The Ayer Hitam Development Sdn. Bhd. (83880-A) Property Development Share Capital : RM10,000,000 100% Cendana Maju Construction Sdn. Bhd. (507624-A) Dormant Share Capital 100% Yee Seng Plantations Sdn. Bhd. (6587-P) Plantation Share Capital 12 TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) : RM1,000,000 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 : RM1,500,003 Five Year Financial Highlights Year ended 31 March 2012 Artist Impression 2013 as adjusted 2014 2015 2016 as adjusted Revenue RM’000 24,107 51,751 98,445 102,280 86,944 Profit After Taxation RM’000 10,422 14,944 47,103 43,934 20,601 Shareholders’ Funds RM’000 427,867 435,034 469,106 486,995 483,275 RM 5.72 5.81 6.27 6.51 6.46 Profit Before Taxation RM’000 Paid-up Capital RM’000 Earnings Per Share - basic sen Net Assets Per Share Net Dividends Per Share 13,716 74,853 13.92 sen Share Price at 31 March 10 RM Dividend Yield - Net 4.80 % 2.08 16,009 61,843 74,853 74,853 19.63 62.93 20 58,446 74,853 27.52 32 7.00 3.97 74,853 58.69 35 5.04 27,044 10 7.00 5.00 6.60 4.57 1.52 Note: Figures for 2013 and 2014 have been adjusted to reflect the change in accounting policy on the capitalisation of replanting expenditure Revenue (RM’000) 120,000 98,445 102,280 100,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000 0 70,000 86,944 61,843 60,000 50,000 30,000 24,107 20,000 2013 2014 2015 2016 10,000 27,044 13,716 2012 Shareholders’ Funds (RM’000) 500,000 486,995 483,275 480,000 469,106 420,000 16,009 2013 2014 2015 2016 Net Assets Per Share (RM) 6.70 6.50 6.51 6.46 2015 2016 6.27 6.30 460,000 440,000 58,446 40,000 51,751 2012 Profit Before Taxation (RM’000) 6.10 5.90 427,867 2012 435,034 2013 5.70 2014 2015 2016 5.50 5.72 2012 5.81 2013 2014 TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 13 Statement by the Executive Management Committee On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are pleased to present the Annual Report of TAHPS Group Berhad and its subsidiary companies (“the Group”) for the financial year ended 31 March 2016. Industry Trends Beyond the significant sharp decline in commodity prices, the market growth momentum in several major economies are also weaker than expected. As an emerging and developing economy, Malaysia has been affected by these negative on-going developments. The Malaysian economy expanded by 4.5 percent year-on-year in the December quarter of 2015, moderating from a 4.7 percent growth in the previous period. It is the weakest expansion since the second quarter of 2013. The financial year under review has been very challenging for the property industry. The property market has been softened in response to the cooling measures introduced by the Government. In addition, property buyers and aspiring house owners are being further plagued with negative sentiments especially with the falling Ringgit, the implementation of GST and rising costs of living. As for the plantation industry, the major headwinds are the stockpiles issue which affected CPO prices in 2015 and the El Nino weather phenomenon which affected the production. EPIC Residence Artist Impression 14 TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Statement by the Executive Management Committee Link Villas Financial Performance The Group was operating against the backdrop of sluggish property and plantation markets during the financial year under review. The Group recorded a decline in revenue by 15% to 86.9 million and profit before tax by 53.7% to RM27.0 million as compared to the previous year. Dividends In line with the Group’s performance, the Board recommends the payment of a first final dividend of 10 sen per share single tier tax exempt for financial year ended 31 March 2016 amounting to RM7.4 million payout. Business Outlook The ensuing year is expected to remain challenging due to uncertainties in the business environment, particularly in the respective markets where the Group operates. The property market in Malaysia is expected to remain subdued due to cautious consumer sentiment and stricter lending rules. Pressure on the residential and commercial market might continue in the near-to-medium term, attributed to inflationary factors and cooling measures. However, the Property Division continues to enhance on the master planning in Bandar Bukit Puchong with balance of land bank of approximately 500 acres and another freehold land of 111 acres in Puchong. The Division will remain focus on its township developments to ensure that the right product mix will be launched taking into account prevailing demand and market sentiment. The economic outlook for plantation industry in near term is expected to remain bleak on record-high stockpiles, ebbing external demand as well as higher input costs. However, in longer term the demand supply dynamics for palm oil remain strong, driven by a growing world population. Rising affluence and living standards will also serve as a catalyst in the growing demand for healthier palm products, thus increasing global consumption of palm oil. Acknowledgements On behalf of the Board, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to our valued customers, business associates, government authorities, shareholders and staffs for their continuing support and contributions to the Group. EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 24 MAY 2016 TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 15 Group Chief Executive Officer’s Review Of Operations Summary The current financial year under review has been challenging for the Group as both its Property Development and Plantation Divisions were faced with adverse external factors which affected the Group’s performance. Statistics from National Property Information Centre (“NAPIC”) shows that the number and value of property transactions took a dip in 2015. This softening of the property market is due to weak market sentiments arising from various issues from the implementation of GST, rising cost of living, tightening of lending guidelines by banks and the country's political & economic uncertainty. On the plantation side, CPO price has been depressed throughout the current financial year averaging at RM 2,200 per metric tonne compared to the last financial year’s average of RM2,300 per metric tonne. This coupled with the ongoing replanting program has affected the total production and hence the Group’s revenue from this division. The Group had, during this trying period, focussed on efforts to improve on efficiency and effectiveness of its internal processes and recruiting relevant new talents to manage and grow the Group’s businesses going forward. Property Development Division The major focus of the Group’s property development activities remain at Bandar Bukit Puchong. Bandar Bukit Puchong is an established township in a prominent location south of Puchong and is strategically located within close proximity to a wide array of amenities and established neighbouring communities. To-date the Group has completed and delivered more than 6,500 units of freehold properties with Gross Development Value (“GDV”) of approximately RM 1.6 billion in this township development. The Group currently still has a balance land bank of approximately 500 acres at Bandar Bukit Puchong and another 111 acres in Puchong. The Property Development Division recorded a 16.3% decline in revenue to RM78.1 million and a 49.7% decline in profit before tax to RM 29.7 million as compared to the previous financial year. The deterioration was mainly due to the softening of the property market which affected the sales performance and lower margin product mix which were sold during the financial year. Completed Project – Foreston Foreston is a luxurious freehold landed project with lush greenery and spacious landscape in Bandar Bukit Puchong. It comprises of 46 units of bungalows, link bungalows and semi-detached houses with build up ranging from 4,250 sq.ft. to 4,777 sq.ft. and has a GDV of approximately RM 136 million. In April 2016, Foreston was selected and awarded the Best Hill-top Development by Property Insight. This project was completed during the current financial year. Ongoing project - EPIC Residence EPIC Residence is an exclusive low-density service apartment project built on a 2.3-acre freehold land in Bandar Bukit Puchong. It comprises 300 units of service apartment with sizes ranging from 624 sq.ft. to 2,475 sq.ft. and has a GDV of approximately RM180 million. The construction of EPIC Residence is currently on-going. As at 31 March 2016, the project is approximately 85% completed. 16 TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Group Chief Executive Officer’s Review Of Operations Future Project – BP Newtown Shop Offices Phase 3 Following the success of the earlier two phases of BP Newtown Shop Offices, the Group has lined up another 54 units of 3 and 4 storey shop offices ready to be launch depending on market condition. BP Newtown Shop Offices Phase 3 is planned with improved modern and contemporary design features. The built-up area of the units range from 5,243 sq.ft. to 12,495 sq.ft. Future Project – Link Villas The Group is currently in the process of planning for a low-density healthy lifestyle link villas project. This development will be a stratified, gated and guarded community build on 8.3 acres freehold land with ample landscaping concept. It comprises 140 units of 2 and 3 storey link villas - 20’ x 50’. Rejuvenating Bukit Puchong Masterplan The Group is currently taking the opportunity to focus on re-planning Bandar Bukit Puchong in order to rejuvenate the township during this period of market slow down. For this purpose we have engaged international and renowned consultants to work in partnership with our team to introduce innovative products that will cater for the current demand and needs of our customers. Gali Estate Plantation Division Plantation Division recorded a slight decline in revenue by 0.7% to RM 8.6 million and profit before tax by 31.1% to RM1.7 million as compared to the previous financial year. The performance of Plantation Division has been adversely affected by the lower CPO prices coupled with the ongoing replanting programme. Approximately 1,000 hectares has been identified for replanting and to-date approximately 700 hectares has been replanted. The entire replanting program is expected to complete by 3rd quarter of 2017. The first phase of the replanted areas is expected to start production from the 3rd quarter of 2017. Conclusion The Group has withstood a challenging FY2016 and we expect a similar demanding environment in the ensuing year. Nevertheless, the Group will continue to adopt strict financial discipline and vigilant approach in its business undertakings. TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 17 Corporate Social Responsibility GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY In TAHPS, we acknowledge our responsibility to our stakeholders and communities around us. We are committed to operate our businesses in an ethical and socially responsible manner, while promoting diversity and transparency at the same time. Through good corporate governance, prudent financial management and with our dedicated group of employees, we contribute positively to the lives we touched. Blood Donation Campaign @ Bukit Puchong Gallery As part of our commitment to putting social responsibility into practice, a blood donation campaign was organised on 14th November 2015 at the Bukit Puchong Gallery. We believe that such blood donation campaigns will further encourage voluntary action in community service among the staff and residents of Bukit Puchong. During the event, we successfully received 35 pints of blood from 35 donors comprising families and co-workers of different age groups. At the same time, Zell V Wellness conducted a cell check service free of charge for those who wanted to determine the eligibility of their blood. Christmas Workshop @ Bukit Puchong Gallery On 19th December 2015, a Christmas workshop was organised in anticipation of the festive celebration. Held at the Bukit Puchong Gallery, participants were treated to a host of activities such as Coffee Latte Art Workshops, Clay Miniature Workshops and lucky draw sessions. The event also featured special guest appearances from Santa Claus to further heighten the atmosphere for a day of family fun. The event was organised as part of our CSR event to bring cheer to the community and encourage greater family bonding. 18 TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Community Football Clinic @ Taylor’s International School (TIS) Puchong The hugely successful Bukit Hitam Development CSR Football Clinic returned for a second time on 17th January 2016 at Taylor's International School Puchong. We had invited former Liverpool legend Steve McMahon to take the reins as the head coach for the event. Approximately 120 youths ranging from the ages of 13 to 17 participated in the football clinic. Spearheaded by Bukit Hitam Development in partnership with Taylor's International School Puchong, the Football Clinic aimed to invoke the love for football and encourage a healthier lifestyle among the youths of the community. Healthy Living Day @ Bukit Puchong Gallery Yet another brainchild of TAHPS' highly motivated marketing and corporate communication teams, Healthy Living Day featured highly charged Zumba Dance classes to kick off the event on 16 January 2016. A talk on Nutrition concluded the event on a delectable note, as participants walked away with new ideas and tips on healthy eating habits, promoting a healthier and more harmonious community. TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 19 Statement on Corporate Governance The Board of Directors (“Board”) of TAHPS Group Berhad (“TAHPS” or the “Company”) is committed to maintain high standards of corporate governance in conducting the business of TAHPS and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) to protect the interest of the shareholders together with other stakeholders and to enhance shareholders value for the Group’s long term sustainable business success and continuous growth. Pursuant to paragraph 15.25 of the Main Market Listing Requirements of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (“Bursa Securities”) (“MMLR”), the Board is pleased to present the following disclosures on the Group’s application of the principles as set out in the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance 2012 (“Code”):1. ESTABLISH CLEAR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1.1 Functions reserved for the Board and delegated to Management a) Functions of the Board The Board is responsible, amongst others, for charting and communicating strategic direction and corporate values of the Group, and supervising the business affairs to ensure the business success within a framework of acceptable risks and compliance with the relevant laws and regulations. It also reviews the management performance and ensures that necessary financials and resources are available to meet the Group’s objectives. Apart from matters which are expressly required by law to be approved by the Board, the matters specifically reserved for the Board’s approvals, amongst others, are as follows: • • • • • • • • • • • • • Charters for Board Committee; Material acquisitions and disposals of assets not in the ordinary course of business of the Group; Related party transactions; Authorisation levels; Treasury policy; Risk management policy; Dividend policy and recommendation of interim and final dividends; Strategic plan, annual operating and capital expenditure budgets; Financial statements; Material contracts within the Group; Changes in share issuance schemes and the allocation of executive share options; Appointment and removal of auditors based on recommendations from the Audit Committee; and Appointment and removal of Directors of the Group, Group Chief Executive Officer (“GCEO”) and other senior Management positions based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committees. b) Functions delegated to Management The Board has established an Executive Management Committee (the “EXCO”) which comprises the Executive Directors appointed by the Board, to review and monitor the performance of the Group and to approve certain transactions in the ordinary course of business. The EXCO delegates to the GCEO and senior Management, the authority and responsibility to manage the daily affairs of the Group and also to ensure all policies and strategies adopted by the Board and EXCO are properly and effectively implemented. The GCEO is also responsible for developing and recommending to the Board the annual budgets and business plan that support the Group’s long term strategy and vision. The Board has also delegated specific responsibilities to the respective committees of the Board namely, the Audit Committee, Nomination Committee, Remuneration Committee and Board Risk Committee (“BRC”). 20 TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Statement on Corporate Governance 1.2 Directors’ roles and responsibilities The Board assumes the following roles and responsibilities in discharging its fiduciary and leadership function:a) Reviewing and adopting the Company’s strategic plans The Board has put in place a strategy planning process, whereby GCEO and senior Management of the Group will present the business plans and strategies for the Board’s review and approval. The Board will deliberate the recommended strategic plan at length and provide views and opinions to ensure that Management has taken into account all the appropriate considerations in establishing such strategic plan for the Group. b) Overseeing the conduct of the Company’s business The GCEO and senior Management are responsible for the day-to-day management of the business and operations of the Group. The Board together with EXCO will oversee the conduct of the Company’s business by monitoring the achievements of Management under the leadership of the GCEO in delivering the approved targets in accordance with the strategic plan. c) Identifying the principal risks and ensuring the implementation of appropriate internal controls and mitigation measures The Board has established a risk management framework to identify, monitor and manage any form of risks which may occur or have existed within the Group. The BRC led by an Independent Non-Executive Director is formed to establish the framework and approaches on all strategic and policy matters in relation to risk management within the Group. The Management Risk Committee (“MRC”) led by the Chief Risk Officer reports to the BRC on all risk management matters. More information on the Group’s risk management process is outlined on Section 6 of this statement. d) Succession planning As part of the Company’s succession planning, the Company has appointed a Chief Operating Officer in September 2014, a GCEO in February 2015 and a Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) in August 2015. The Nomination Committee and the Remuneration Committee undertake yearly evaluation of the performance of the key management staffs to ensure all such key positions being filled are of sufficient calibre and are remunerated accordingly. e) Overseeing the development and implementation of shareholder communications policy The Board acknowledges the importance of shareholders being informed on all material business and corporate matters affecting the Group. To that end, the Board is committed to provide to the shareholders and investors accurate, useful and timely information about the Company’s businesses and activities via timely release of quarterly announcement of financial results, annual reports, press releases and other relevant announcements. All announcements are made available on the Company’s website at www.tahps.com.my. Whilst the Company endeavours to provide as much information as possible, the Company is aware of the legal and regulatory framework governing the release of material and price sensitive information. The Company’s primary contact with the shareholders is through the Executive Directors, GCEO and Company Secretary. They will provide the feedback and responses to such queries accordingly and in accordance with the regulatory framework set by the governing authorities. f) Reviewing the adequacy and integrity of management information and internal control system The Board acknowledges the importance of having a sound framework of reporting on internal controls and regulatory compliance to be continuingly in place within the Group. Details of the Company’s internal control system and the review of its effectiveness have been outlined in the Statement on Risk Management and Internal Control of this Annual Report. TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 21 Statement on Corporate Governance 1.3 Code of Conduct and Business Ethics The Company has formalised a Code of Conduct and Business Ethics (“Code of Conduct”) for its Directors to create an ethical corporate climate. The Code of Conduct serves as documentation of the Directors' commitment to do business in a manner that is ethical, efficient, effective and fair. A summary of the Code of Conduct is available at our website at www.tahps.com.my and it will be reviewed from time to time by the Board. For all employees, a Group Code of Conduct has been put in place and disseminated to them. As part of its enforcement, all employees are required to declare that they will adhere to the provisions of the code. The Company has in September 2013 implemented a whistleblowing policy whereby all employees are encouraged to report genuine concerns or issues including but not limited to reporting of fraudulent financial information, actual or suspected fraud, misappropriation of monies, misrepresentation, concealment of facts or information with the intention to mislead, violation of laws and regulations, endangerment of employees or public health and safety, violation of Company policies, taking or giving kickbacks, bribes, favours, privileges, criminal offences, blackmailing and etc. Any employee who has reasonable belief that there is serious malpractice relating to the matters disclose at the above paragraph may direct such complaint and report to the Chairman of the Audit Committee in writing. Management will ensure that any of its employee who raise a genuine complain in good faith shall not be penalised for such disclosure and the identity of such complainant shall be kept confidential. 1.4 Sustainability The Board regularly reviews the strategic direction of the Company, taking into account the governance, social and environmental aspects of the Group’s business as part of its broader responsibility to clients, shareholders and the communities in which it operates, and to deliver long term sustainable values to the shareholders of the Company. The Board promotes corporate governance in the application of sustainability practices throughout the Group with the objective of translating these practices into better corporate performance. The Company recognises the value of a diverse and skilled workforce and is committed in creating and maintaining a collaborative workplace culture that will provide sustainability for the Company in the future. The Group will continuously focus on raising the employment standards for the employees in relation to their well-being, a good work-life balance and merit based approach to their career development. The Group will also continue to contribute the social, economic and institutional development of the communities in which the Group operates. At the same time, the Group will place emphasis on the environmental impact of its products and services and will continue to promote an environmentally sustainable and responsible culture across the organisation. 1.5 Supply of Information The Board shall receive the meeting agendas and relevant board papers at least 7 days before the scheduled board meeting in order for the Directors to have sufficient time to peruse, obtain additional information and/or seek further clarifications on matters to be deliberated. The Board papers are presented in a concise manner and contain both quantitative and qualitative information which includes, amongst others, minutes of Board Committees, summaries of EXCO meetings and other related matters that require the Board’s deliberation and due approval. Senior Management and officers of the Group are invited to attend Board meetings to report on matters relating to their areas of responsibility, and to brief and provide explanations and details on recommendations and/or reports to be submitted to the Board. The Board’s deliberations of the issues discussed and conclusions reached are recorded in the minutes of each meeting. 22 TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Statement on Corporate Governance The Directors shall be notified of any corporate announcements released to Bursa Securities and the impending restriction(s) in dealing with the securities of TAHPS prior to the announcement of financial results or corporate proposals. Directors are also expected to observe the insider trading laws at all times when dealing with securities within the permitted trading period. Any Director who wishes to seek independent professional advice in the furtherance of his duties may do so at the Company’s expense. Directors have access to all information and records of the Company and also the advice and services of the Company Secretaries. 1.6 Company Secretaries The Board is supported by suitable, qualified and competent Company Secretaries who are responsible for providing support and guidance to the Board on issues relating to compliance with rules and regulations and relevant laws affecting the Company as well as the best practices on governance matters. The Company Secretaries roles are to organise and attend all Board meetings and Board Committees meetings whereby during such meetings, the Company Secretaries shall ensure that all issues being deliberated with the decision and conclusion reached are accurately and properly recorded and documented. The Company Secretaries shall also record, prepare and circulate the minutes of the meetings of the Board and Board Committees and ensure that the minutes are properly kept at the registered office of the Company and readily available for inspection, if required. In addition, the Company Secretaries shall facilitate the Board in conducting the annual Board Effectiveness Assessment. 1.7 Board Charter The Board is guided by the Board Charter which was adopted on August 2013 whereby the abridged version of the Board Charter is available at the Company’s website at www.tahps.com.my. The Board Charter in summary addresses the following pertinent matters: • The role and key objectives of the Board; • The composition of the Board; • The role and responsibilities of the Board and those delegated to the Board Committees and the Managements; • Investor relations and relationship with other stakeholders. 2. STRENGTHEN COMPOSITION 2.1 Nomination Committee The Nomination Committee comprises exclusively of the following Independent Non-Executive Directors of the Company:• Tan Sri Datuk Yong Poh Kon (Chairman) • Dr. Chin Yoong Kheong • Mr. Yap Koon The Nomination Committee is guided by specific terms of reference and their duties are as follows:• Reviewing, recommending and considering candidates to the Board and its committees; • Assessing the effectiveness of the Board as a whole, the committees of the Board and the contribution of each individual Directors on an on-going basis to the Group; • Assessing the balance of the Board membership and determining the core competencies and skills required for the Board. The Nomination Committee met twice during the financial year. The meetings were attended by all the members of the Committee and the following activities have been carried out during the financial year: • Reviewing the structure of the Board and the Board Committees; • Reviewing the tenure of Independent Non-Executive Directors and their independence; • Evaluating the performance of the Board and Board Committee; • Nominating the directors who are due for retirement by rotation and are eligible to stand for re-election; and • Evaluating and determining the training needs of the Directors. TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 23 Statement on Corporate Governance 2.2 Develop, Maintain, Review the Criteria for the Recruitment Process and the Annual Assessment of Directors a) Board Appointment Process The Nomination Committee is responsible for identifying and recommending suitable candidates for Board membership through a transparent and rigorous process. The Nomination Committee has the liberty to rely on external opinions and services for such recommendations. The Board will have the ultimate responsibility and final decision on such appointment. Notwithstanding the skills and experiences of each candidate, the Nomination Committee takes into consideration the following factors for the purposes of the appointment:• the candidate’s general understanding of the Group’s business; • the candidate’s integrity, professionalism, qualification, time commitment, experience and background; • other factors that promote diversity in age, gender and experience; and • in the case of candidates for the position of Independent Non-Executive Directors, whether such candidate has met the requirements for independence as defined in the MMLR; Upon deciding on their selection(s), the Nomination Committee will contact those identified candidates to ascertain the candidate’s interest in serving the Company. The above process will ensure that prospective Board member(s) have clarity on the nominating process as well as Director/Board profiles, roles and responsibilities, expectations of time commitments and other criteria as required. The recruitment process concludes with an induction programme for a newly appointed director. The induction programme shall allow the newly appointed director to understand the Company’s vision and mission, the nature of the business, the corporate strategy and business plan, current issues affecting the Group and the expectations of the Company concerning input from directors. b) Re-appointment and Re-election of Directors The Articles of Association of the Company (“Articles”) provide that at least one-third of the Directors are subject to retirement by rotation at each Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) and that all Directors shall retire at least once in every three years. A retiring Director is eligible for re-election. The Articles also provide that a Director who is appointed by the Board in the course of the year shall be subject to election at the next AGM to be held following his appointment. Directors over seventy years of age are required to retire and eligible to seek for re-appointment annually in accordance with Section 129(6) of the Companies Act, 1965 (“Act”). The Company does not have any term limit fixed for both Executive Directors and Independent Directors but the Nomination Committee performs evaluation process annually. The tenure of an independent director should not exceed a cumulative term of nine (9) years. Nevertheless, upon completion of the nine (9) years, an Independent Director may continue to serve the Board subject to the approval of shareholders to continue as an Independent Director or be re-designated as a Non-Independent Director. The Company however believes that valuable contribution can be obtained from a Director who has served the Company over a period of time since they would have developed valuable insight of the Group and its businesses. Their continued contributions as independent Directors provide benefit to the Board and the Group as a whole. The Nomination Committee will provide its recommendation to the Board for the Board’s recommendation to the shareholders for the re-election and re-appointment of a Director at the AGM, in accordance with the Articles after evaluating the performance of such individual Director. In determining whether to recommend a Director for re-election, the Director’s past attendance at meetings, participation and contribution to the functioning of the Board and its committee will be duly considered by the Nomination Committee. 24 TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Statement on Corporate Governance c) Annual Assessment During the financial year, the Nomination Committee carried out performance evaluation of the Board as a whole, the Board's Committees and each of the Directors with the assistance of the Company Secretaries. The assessment involves the individual Directors and Board Committee members completing separate evaluation questionnaires regarding the procedures implemented by the Board and the Board Committees and also whether any improvement needs to be considered to enhance the effectiveness of such procedures. They also undertook peer review in which they assessed their fellow Directors’ performance. The results were compiled and analysed by the Company Secretaries and presented and discussed at the Nomination Committee meeting and subsequently at the Board Meeting. d) Board Diversity The Board recognises diversity at the boardroom and in its workforce in terms of gender, ethnicity and age as an essential component of good corporate governance. The Board has a policy of strict adherence to the practice of non-discrimination of any form, whether based on race, age, religion and gender throughout the organisation, including the selection of Board members. The Board Diversity Policy is available on the Company’s website at www.tahps.com.my The Company endeavours to maintain a good balance at the Board level and in its workforce: • Composition by Gender Gender Male Female Total Board Level 6 1 7 % 86 14 100 Workforce 99 86 185 % 53 47 100 % 100 100 Workforce 109 48 24 4 185 % 59 26 13 2 100 % 14 29 57 100 Workforce 28 37 72 46 2 185 % 15 20 39 25 1 100 • Composition by Ethnicity Ethnicity Malay Chinese Indian Others Total Board Level 7 7 • Composition by Age Age < 30 31 – 40 41 – 50 51 – 60 > 60 Total Board Level 1 2 4 7 TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 25 Statement on Corporate Governance 2.3 Remuneration Policies and Procedures The Remuneration Committee comprises exclusively Independent Non-Executive Directors and its members are:• Dr. Chin Yoong Kheong (Chairman) • Tan Sri Datuk Yong Poh Kon • Mr. Yap Koon The Remuneration Committee is guided by specific terms of reference and their duties are as follows:• Reviewing and approving the terms and conditions of employment as well as the remuneration package in all its form for Executive Directors, Non-Executive Directors and senior key management; • Reviewing and approving annual salary increments, bonuses, fees and other emoluments for the Executive Directors, Non-Executive Directors and senior key management; and • Drawing external advice, where necessary, to ascertain and determine the remuneration package for the directors and senior key personnel. The Remuneration Committee met twice during the financial year. The meetings were attended by all the members of the committee. The Remuneration Committee and the Board ensure that the Company’s remuneration policy is in line with the Company’s corporate objectives and aligned with the interest of shareholders of the Company. Further, the remuneration packages of Directors and key senior management officers are sufficiently attractive to attract and retain persons of high calibre. The salient elements of the Directors’ remuneration policy are as follows:• Non-Executives Directors All Non-Executives Directors are paid fixed annual director fees as members of the Board and the Board committees. The fees took into account the experience and level of responsibilities undertaken by the individual Non-Executives Directors as well as the industrial and market practices in determining the level of remuneration to be recommended to shareholders for approval. Non-Executives Directors are also paid meeting attendance allowance of RM700.00 per meeting for Board meetings and shareholders’ general meeting and RM500.00 per meeting for Board committee’s meetings. • Executive Directors and Senior Key Management The Executive Directors and senior key management’s remuneration and rewards link to the corporate and individual performance. The performance is measured against the key performance indices set in accordance with the Company’s annual budget and business plan. Below is a summary of the Directors’ remuneration (including benefits-in-kind) in total during the financial year ended 31 March 2016, proposed by the Remuneration Committee:- Fees Salaries and bonuses Other Emoluments Total Executive Director (RM’000) 1,735 208 1,943 Non-Executive Director (RM’000) 519 29 548 A breakdown of the band for Directors remuneration is tabulated as below:Range of Executive Non-Executive Remuneration Directors Directors (RM) 100,001 – 150,000 600,001 – 650,000 26 TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) 1 3 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 4 - Total (RM’000) 519 1,735 237 2,491 Statement on Corporate Governance 3. REINFORCE INDEPENDENCE 3.1 Independence on the Board The Nomination Committee assesses the independence of the Independent Directors annually. In the process of assessing the independence of an Independent Director, the following criteria, amongst others, have been taken into account: • • how the Independent Director demonstrated his/her effectiveness as an Independent Director as prescribed by the MMLR and the ability of the Independent Directors to think and act independently without the influence of the management; the tenure of the Independent Director whereby if the tenure of the Independent Director exceeds a cumulative of 9 years, the Board shall justify and seek shareholders’ approval at its AGM in the event it retains such Director as an Independent Director. Based on the above assessment, the Board is generally satisfied with the level of independence demonstrated by all the Independent Directors, and their ability to bring independent and objective judgement to board deliberations. 3.2 Tenure of Independent Directors and Shareholders’ Approval for Retention of Independent Director The Code recommends that the tenure of an independent Director shall not exceed a cumulative term of nine (9) years. The Company does not have tenure limits for independent Directors and the Board is of the opinion that the ability of an independent Director to exercise his/her independence and objective judgments in Board deliberations shall not be a function of his/her length of service as an Independent Director. Tan Sri Datuk Yong Poh Kon has served as an Independent Director of the company for a cumulative period exceeding a term of more than 9 years. The Nomination Committee save for Tan Sri Datuk Yong Poh Kon had assessed the independence of Tan Sri Datuk Yong Poh Kon and recommended to retain him as an independent Director as he understands well the nature of businesses within the Group. In addition, he can assist to ensure an effective check and balance in Board proceedings and continues to exercise his independence and objective judgments in Board deliberations and Board committees meetings. In accordance with the Code, a resolution will be tabled in the forthcoming AGM to retain Tan Sri Datuk Yong Poh Kon as an Independent Director of the Company. 3.3 Roles of the Chairman and the Group Chief Executive Officer There is no appointment of Chairman in the Board. Nevertheless, the meetings of the Board are normally chaired by an Independent Non-Executive Director. The GCEO who is not a member of the Board is responsible for the day to day management of the Group’s business with power, discretions and delegations authorised by the Board. 3.4 Board Composition The Board has seven members, comprising three Executive Directors, three Independent Non-Executive Directors and one Non-Independent Non-Executive Director. The Board’s composition complies with MMLR which require one-third of Board members to be independent directors. The Board members have wide ranging experience and diverse backgrounds in various fields. TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 27 Statement on Corporate Governance 4. FOSTER COMMITMENT 4.1 Board Commitment The Board is satisfied with the level of time commitment given by the Directors towards fulfilling their roles and responsibilities as Directors of the Company. This is evidenced by the attendance record of the Directors at Board Meetings during the financial year as set out below: Name of Director(s) Executive Directors Mr. Lim Ke Hun Mr. Lim Kee Choon Mr. Lim Kean Boon Ms. Lim Wan Yee Independent Non–Executive Directors Tan Sri Datuk Yong Poh Kon Dr. Chin Yoong Kheong Mr. Yap Koon Non–Independent Non–Executive Directors Mr. Lim Kai Hee No of Meetings Attended 4/5 5/5 1/5* 5/5 5/5 5/5 5/5 5/5 * Mr. Lim Kean Boon did not seek re-election at the 104th Annual General Meeting. In order to facilitate the Directors’ time planning, an annual meeting calendar with scheduled dates for meetings of the Board and Board Committees as well as the AGM are prepared and circulated to them in advance before the beginning of every financial year. In addition, a Director cannot hold more than five directorships in public listed companies. For any new directorship, the director concerned shall notify the Board before such acceptance. None of the Directors of the Company holds more than five directorships in public listed companies and is in compliance with the MMLR. 4.2 Directors' Training The Board, through the Nomination Committee, will evaluate and determine the specific and continuous training needs for each of the Directors on a regular basis. Continuous education and enrichment programmes are important in keeping the Directors updated on regulatory and corporate governance developments, besides enhancing professionalism and knowledge of the Directors in enabling them to discharge their duties more effectively. All Directors, apart from attending the Mandatory Accreditation Programme which was accredited by Bursa Securities have also, during the financial year attended other relevant training programmes and seminars organised internally and externally: Directors Mr. Lim Ke Hun Mr. Lim Kee Choon Mr. Lim Kean Boon Ms. Lim Wan Yee Tan Sri Datuk Yong Poh Kon 28 TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) Training Programme • Directors in-house training on Strata Management Act 2013 & Strata Titles (Amendment) Act 2013 • Directors in-house training on Strata Management Act 2013 & Strata Titles (Amendment) Act 2013 • Directors in-house training on Strata Management Act 2013 & Strata Titles (Amendment) Act 2013 • Directors in-house training on Strata Management Act 2013 & Strata Titles (Amendment) Act 2013 • Roles of Audit, Nomination and Compensation Committees by Tricor Corporate • Directors in-house training on Strata Management Act 2013 & Strata Titles (Amendment) Act 2013 • Governance of Corporate Sustainability by KPMG ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Date Attended 19.11.15 19.11.15 19.11.15 19.11.15 10.08.15 19.11.15 03.12.15 Statement on Corporate Governance Directors Dr. Chin Yoong Kheong Mr. Yap Koon Mr. Lim Kai Hee Mdm Chang Wee Yon 5. Training Programme • Board Strategic Leadership – Innovation & Growth in Uncertain Times by FIDE Forum • FIDE Advanced Corporate Governance by ICLIF • Ethics Red Flags For Board of Directors by Bursa • BDO Tax Forum on Adapting to Change, Building Towards Sustainable Growth by BDO • Malaysian Property Summit by Property Insight • Directors in-house training on Strata Management Act 2013 & Strata Titles (Amendment) Act 2013 • Directors in-house training on Strata Management Act 2013 & Strata Titles (Amendment) Act 2013 • Directors in-house training on Strata Management Act 2013 & Strata Titles (Amendment) Act 2013 • Directors in-house training on Strata Management Act 2013 & Strata Titles (Amendment) Act 2013 Date Attended 21.5.15 21-22.09.15 03.11.15 03.11.15 14.11.15 19.11.15 19.11.15 19.11.15 19.11.15 UPHOLD INTEGRITY IN FINANCIAL REPORTING 5.1 Compliance with applicable financial reporting standards The role of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board to oversee the process and quality of the financial reporting which includes reviewing and monitoring the integrity of the financial statements and the appropriateness of the Company’s accounting policies to ensure the accuracy, adequacy and completeness of the report, as well as the compliance with the applicable financial reporting standards. A full Audit Committee Report detailing its composition, terms of reference and a summary of activities during the year is set out on pages 34 to 36 of this Annual Report. The CFO updates the Audit Committee regularly on the Group’s financial performance and highlights key issues in connection with the preparation of the financial results, including adoption of new accounting standard/policies. The CFO is the primary officer responsible for ensuring that the Group is aware of impending changes to the accounting standards and other relevant regulatory requirements and its compliance. The Group is determined to maintain a pool of experienced, skilled and knowledgeable accounting and finance staffs. The accounting team is required to attend both internal and external training to keep abreast of the development in the accounting standards and the changes in the regulatory requirements. 5.2 Evaluating the Suitability and Independence of External Auditors The Audit Committee and the Board have established a transparent and professional relationship with the External Auditors. The Audit Committee has explicitly accorded the authority to communicate directly with both Internal and External Auditors. The Audit Committee meets the External Auditors at least once a year to discuss their audit plan, audit findings and the Group’s financial statements. Such meetings are held without the presence of the Executive Directors and Management of the Group. This encourages greater exchange of independence and open dialogue between both parties. Further, the Audit Committee procures a written confirmation from the External Auditor that the auditors are, and have been independent throughout the conduct of the audit engagement in accordance with relevant professional and regulatory requirements. The Audit Committee has considered the non-audit services provided by the External Auditors during the financial year in accordance with the non-audit services policy approved by the Board. The Audit Committee had concluded that these services did not compromise the External Auditors’ independence and objectivity as the amount of non-audit fees paid were not significant as compared to the total fees paid. The amount of fees for such non-audit services amounted to RM43,160 up to the financial year ended 31 March 2016. In addition, the Audit Committee also annually reviews the suitability and effectiveness of the External Auditors, by assessing its audit plan, proposed fees and the feedback from financial personnel of their dealings with the External Auditors during the financial year. TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 29 Statement on Corporate Governance 6. RECOGNISE AND MANAGE RISKS 6.1 Sound Framework to Manage Risks The Board, during the financial year, has restructured the risk management framework by setting up the BRC in place of the Risk Management Committee. The BRC is led by an Independent Non-Executive Director with three Executive Directors being its members. The BRC is responsible in setting the direction and approach on all strategic and policy matters in relation to risk management. On another layer, the MRC comprising the senior Management of the Group i.e. the Chief Risk Officer, GCEO, Chief Operating Officer ("COO") and CFO will report to the BRC in identifying, monitoring and managing the risks. 6.2 Internal Audit Functions The Group has outsourced its internal audit function to Columbus Advisory Sdn Bhd. The internal auditor reports to the Audit Committee periodically on its assessment of reviews covering the financial, operational and compliance controls as well as risk management process. The Statement on Risk Management and Internal Control as set out on pages 32 to 33 of this Annual Report provides an overview of the state of internal controls within the Group. 7. ENSURE TIMELY AND HIGH QUALITY DISCLOSURE 7.1 Corporate Disclosure Policies and Procedures The Group has a policy in place on corporate communications and disclosure stipulating the authorised channels and personnel through which/whom certain information of the Group can be disclosed to the external stakeholders. The Company has also put in place an internal policy on confidentiality to ensure that confidential information is handled properly by Directors, employees and relevant parties to avoid leakages and improper use of such information. Nevertheless, the Board is mindful that information which is material is required to be disseminated to the shareholders timely and accurately and will be communicated through the following channel: • • • • • Announcement of quarterly results; Annual report; Press releases and announcement to media; Dialogues and presentations at general meetings; and All announcements made by the Company to Bursa will be made available on the Company’s website at www.tahps.com.my 7.2 Leverage on Information Technology for Dissemination of Information The Company’s website at www.tahps.com.my provides all relevant corporate information and is easily accessible by the public. The Company’s website has also incorporated a section for ‘Investor Relation’ which provides all announcements made by the Company, annual reports and corporate social responsibility events. 8. STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COMPANY AND SHAREHOLDERS 8.1 Shareholder Participation at General Meeting The shareholders of the Company are encouraged and given the opportunity during the AGM to raise questions regarding the operations of the Group. This is the main forum for dialogue between the Company and its shareholders where shareholders’ concerns may be conveyed to the Board. The Company will endeavour to ensure that all Board members, senior Management and the Group’s External Auditors are available to respond to shareholders' questions during the AGM / EGM as the case may be. 8.2 Encouragement of Poll Voting At the AGM, the Chairman of the meeting will inform shareholders of their right to demand a poll vote on substantive resolutions. With effect from 1 July 2016, all resolutions put forth at the AGM for a vote shall be decided by poll. 8.3 Communication and Proactive Engagement with Shareholders The Company’s primary contact with shareholders is through the Executive Directors, GCEO and Company Secretaries. They will provide feedbacks and responses to queries. Any undisclosed material information about the Company will not be made available to a shareholder unless it is already disclosed in the public domain. 30 TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Statement on Corporate Governance 9. STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITY The Directors are required under the Act to prepare financial statements for each financial year which will give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and the Company at the end of the financial year and the results of the Group and the Company for the financial year. As required by the Act and the MMLR, the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Act and approved accounting standards in Malaysia. The Directors consider that in preparing the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2016 as set out in this Annual Report, the Group has used appropriate accounting policies that were consistently applied and supported by reasonable and prudent judgments and estimates. The Directors have the responsibility for ensuring that the Group and the Company keep accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the Group and the Company and enabled them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Act. ADDITIONAL COMPLIANCE INFORMATION The following is presented in compliance with the MMLR:1. Utilisation of Proceeds The Company did not raise funds through any corporate proposals during the financial year. 2. Share Buy-back The Company did not carry out any share buy-back during the financial year. 3. Options, Warrants or Convertible Securities The Company did not issue any options, warrants or convertible securities during the financial year. 4. Depository Receipt Programme The Company did not participate in any Depository Receipt Programme. 5. Sanctions/ Penalties Imposed There were no sanctions/penalties imposed during the financial year on the Company and its subsidiaries, Directors or management by the relevant regulatory bodies. 6. Non-Audit Fees The amount of non-audit fees incurred for services rendered by the external auditors, and firms affiliated to them, during the financial year amounted to RM43,160. 7. Variation in Results There is no material variance between the results for the financial year and the unaudited results previously announced. The Company did not make or release any profit estimate, forecast or projection for the financial year which ended 31 March 2016. 8. Profit Guarantees There were no profit guarantees given by the Company during the financial year. 9. Material Contracts There were no material contracts entered into by the Company and its subsidiaries which involve Directors’ and major shareholders’ interest subsisting at the end of the previous financial year or entered into during the financial year. There were no contracts relating to a loan by the Company and its subsidiaries in respect of material contracts. 10. Revaluation Policy The Company did not revalue its landed properties. TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 31 Statement on Risk Management and Internal Control Board's Responsibility The Board in discharging its responsibilities is fully committed to maintain a sound system of risk management and internal controls that supports the achievement of the organization's objectives. The system of internal controls cover not only financial controls but also operational and compliance controls, as well as risk management. The Board has established an on-going process to identify, evaluate and manage significant risks faced by the Group. This is embedded in the risk management framework and internal control system. Such systems are designed to manage rather than to eliminate the risk of failure in achieving the Group’s business objectives and further to such aims, the systems only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss. Periodic reviews are carried out to assess the effectiveness, adequacy and integrity of such systems. Risk Management Framework The Board has formalised a risk management framework that prescribes a structured and integrated approach in managing the key business risks with the aim of safeguarding the shareholders’ interests and the Group’s assets. The Board has delegated the oversight of the risk management to the BRC although the Board retains the overall accountability for the Group’s risk profile. The BRC is led by an Independent Non-Executive Director with the Executive Directors as the members. The BRC is responsible in setting the directions and approaches on all strategic and policy matters in relation to risk management within the Group. Furthermore, the BRC shall also provide guidance in the development of appropriate and effective risk response strategies and contingency plans as well as monitoring the overall risk profile and risk tolerance within the Group. At the senior Management level, a Management Risk Committee (“MRC”) is established and led by the Chief Risk Officer (“CRO”) with the CEO, COO and the CFO as the members. The MRC is responsible in identifying, monitoring and managing any such potential and existing risks within the Group. The CRO will facilitate a continual risk management process to identify, evaluate, monitor and manage significant risks that the Group faces in its businesses and operations. The respective risk owners will update the key risk registers at specific interval i.e. half yearly and submit to the MRC. The MRC will deliberate the key risks and the planned action with the risk owners to ascertain if those risks are mitigated and managed appropriately before tabled to the BRC and the Board. Key Risk Management and Internal Control Processes The Board has established a number of key processes in reviewing the adequacy and integrity of the Group's risk management and internal control systems which include the following: 1. Organisation structure and delegation of authority An organizational structure with clearly defined lines of responsibility and authority has been established. The discretionary authority limits delegated to the EXCO and to the senior Management are reviewed from time to time. 2. Policies and Procedures Operational policies and procedures are formalised to serve as a guiding principle to all employees within the Group for their day-day activities. It shall be periodically reviewed and updated to cater for the changing business environment. 3. Internal audit function The Group outsourced its internal audit function to Columbus Advisory Sdn Bhd. The internal auditor shall carry out regular internal audit visits, which involve independent evaluation of the effectiveness of internal controls and highlighting risk areas impacting the Group to the Audit Committee. The annual internal audit plan is reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee. 32 TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Statement on Risk Management and Internal Control 4. Board and Board Committee meetings Periodic Board and Board Committee meetings are held where important matters are highlighted, discussed and decided upon, thereby ensuring that the Board maintains full and effective supervision over key issues. The Audit Committee reviews the quarterly results and the year end financial statements of the Group before presenting to the Board for approval prior to providing the reports to Bursa Securities for public release. 5. Planning, monitoring and reporting • An annual budget and business plan is prepared and submitted by all business divisions for the forthcoming year. These business plans and budgets are deliberated upon and approved by the Board before implementation. • The updates on the Group’s performance against budget are provided to the EXCO on monthly basis. 6. Management Meetings The Working Committee (“WC”) of each business division meets on a monthly basis to review, deliberate and resolve various operational issues, financial performance against budget, legal and regulatory matters. EXCO will also meet the WC on monthly basis to deliberate on similar matters mentioned above. The minutes of EXCO’s meetings are included in the papers for quarterly Board meetings and the minutes of the WC meetings are made available to the Board via a network storage media. Conclusion The Board is satisfied that the risk management and internal control system are operating adequately and effectively for the year under review, and up to the date of approval of this Statement to safeguard shareholders’ interest and Group’s assets. The Board has received assurance from the senior Management that the risk management and internal control system was operating satisfactorily during the financial year under review and has not resulted in any material losses, contingencies or uncertainties that would require disclosure in the Annual Report. Review of the Statement by External Auditors As required by Paragraph 15.23 of the MMLR, the External Auditors have reviewed this Statement on Risk Management and Internal Control. Their limited assurance review was performed in accordance with Recommended Practice Guide (“RPG”) 5 (Revised) issued by the Malaysian Institute of Accountants. RPG 5 (Revised) does not require the External Auditors to form an opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of the risk management and internal control systems of the Group. TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 33 Audit Committee Report 1. COMPOSITION The Audit Committee during the financial year comprised the following: Mr. Yap Koon - Independent Non-Executive Director, Chairman Dr. Chin Yoong Kheong - Independent Non-Executive Director Tan Sri Datuk Yong Poh Kon - Independent Non-Executive Director 2. TERM OF REFERENCE a) Members The Committee shall be appointed by the Board from amongst the Directors of the Company and shall fulfill the following: • not fewer than three members; • all members must be Non-Executive Directors with a majority of them being independent directors; • at least one member of the Audit Committee must be a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants or if he is not a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants, must have at least three years’ working experience and: o he must have passed the examinations specified in Part I of the 1st Schedule of the Accountants Act 1967; o he must be a member of one of the associations of accountants specified in Part II of the 1st Schedule of the Accountants Act 1967; o fulfills such other requirements as prescribed or approved by Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad. • no alternate director shall be appointed as an Audit Committee member; and • one of the Audit Committee members who is an independent director shall be appointed as Audit Committee Chairman by the members of the Audit Committee. b) Quorum The majority of the members who must be independent directors present shall form a quorum. The minimum quorum for the Audit Committee’s meeting is two members present, and in such case, both of them must be independent directors to constitute a quorum. c) Authority The Audit Committee is granted the authority to investigate any activity, within its terms of reference, and have the resources which are required to perform its duties as well as full and unrestricted access to any information pertaining to the Company and its subsidiaries. The Audit Committee is empowered to obtain independent professional advice as necessary to assist the Audit Committee in fulfilling its responsibility. The Audit Committee shall also have direct communication channels with the external auditors and person(s) carrying out the internal audit function or activity. The Audit Committee may regulate its own procedures, in particular: • the calling of meetings which shall include the convening of such meetings with external auditors, the internal auditors or both, excluding the attendance of other Directors and employees of the Company. The other Directors and employees can only attend such meetings upon Audit Committee’s invitation. • the notice to be given of such meetings • the voting and proceedings of such meetings • the keeping of minutes; and • the custody, production and inspection of such minutes. d) Functions and duties The duties and functions of the Committee shall be: • To recommend the nomination of a person and persons as external auditors and to review the re-appointment and or resignation of the external auditor, the scope and general extent of the external auditors’ audit examination and ensure co-ordination between internal and external auditors. The external auditors’ fee is arranged and reviewed by the Committee. • 34 To review the quarterly results and annual financial statements before submission to the Board, to consider on matters such as: o going concern assumption; o any changes in accounting policies and practices; o significant adjustments resulting from the audit and unusual events; o compliance with accounting standards; o compliance with stock exchange and legal requirements; o major judgemental areas. TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Audit Committee Report • To review the following and report the same to the Board: o Review of the audit plan, the evaluation of the internal controls system and the audit report with the external auditors; o The assistance given by the employees of the Group to the external auditors; o The adequacy of the scope, functions, competency and resources of the internal audit functions and that it has the necessary authority to carry out its work; o The internal audit programme, processes, the results of the internal audit programme, processes or investigation undertaken and whether or not appropriate actions have been taken on the recommendations from the internal audit report; o Any related party transaction and conflict of interest situation that may arise within the Company or Group including any transaction, procedures or course of conduct that raises questions of management’s integrity. 3. MEETINGS OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE The Audit Committee convened four meetings during the financial year. Other members of senior Management, upon invitation by the Audit Committee, were also present at the meetings. The attendance of each member of the Audit Committee is as follows: Member Mr. Yap Koon (Chairman) Dr. Chin Yoong Kheong Tan Sri Datuk Yong Poh Kon No. of meetings attended 4/4 4/4 4/4 GCEO, CFO, Heads of Divisions, Internal Auditors and External Auditors were in attendance at the meetings, where necessary. 4. ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE During the financial year under review, the Audit Committee carried out the following activities and in discharging its duties as outlined in the term of reference: a) Financial Reporting • Reviewed the quarterly unaudited financial results before submission to the Board for consideration, approval and release to Bursa Securities; • Reviewed the Company’s annual audited financial statements and issues arising from the statutory audit; • Reviewed and recommended the Audit Committee Report, Statement on Corporate Governance and Statement of Risk Management and Internal Control for inclusion in the Company’s Annual Report. b) External Audit • Reviewed the audit planning memorandum before commencement of annual audit; • Reviewed the findings of the external auditors arising from the annual audit, if any; • Reviewed the independence of the external auditors and had received written assurance that the external auditors are independent throughout the conduct of the audit. • Evaluated the performance and effectiveness of the external auditors and recommended to the Board for reappointment. c) Internal Audit • Reviewed and approved internal audit plans; • Reviewed the internal audit reports, its audit findings, the management responses to the audit findings and the appropriate actions to be taken. d) Related Party Transactions • Reviewed the related party transactions entered into by the Group. TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 35 Audit Committee Report 5. INTERNAL AUDIT FUNCTION The internal audit function is outsourced to Columbus Advisory Sdn Bhd (“Internal Auditor), a professional internal audit services firm with the objective of assisting the Audit Committee in the discharge of its duties and responsibilities. The Internal Auditor reports directly to the Audit Committee and its roles are to independently review the internal controls system established by the management, its adequacy and effectiveness vis-à-vis the objectives set and to make appropriate recommendations for further improvement. The Internal Auditor will present its yearly Internal Audit Plan, which includes the scope and functions of the internal audit for consideration and approval by the Audit Committee. During the financial under review, the following areas were audited: a) Property Divisions • Sales and marketing; • Project management; • Contractor management; • Product quality control; • Financial management b) Plantation Division • Estate management • Workers management • Assets management • Sub-contractor management The audit report issued by the Internal Auditor has highlighted the findings of its audit together with recommendation for improvements. Management has responded to the audit findings and recommendations and has committed a timeframe to implement the corrective and preventive measures. The costs incurred for maintaining the internal audit function for the financial year under review was RM38,000. 6. SHARE SCHEME FOR EMPLOYEES The Company does not have a share scheme for employees and as such, no options were allocated during the financial year. Kretay Estate 36 TAHPS GROUP BERHAD (37-K) ANNUAL REPORT 2016 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49