Home Knowledge Singapore Singapore Company Registration private limited company Singapore Private Company Registration Guide (8) - Roles of Company Secretary
1. |
Appointment of Company Secretary
As per Section 171 of the Singapore Companies Act, every company must appoint a qualified company secretary within 6 months of its incorporation. It has to be noted that in case of a sole director/shareholder, the same person cannot act as the company secretary. The company secretary must be a natural person who is ordinarily resident in Singapore. A person who is ordinarily resident in Singapore means a person is a Singapore citizen or permanent resident, Singapore Employment Pass / EntrePass / Dependant Pass holder. |
2. |
Roles of Company Secretary The roles of the company secretary for a Singapore company are as follows: Board Meetings Co-ordinating the operation of the companys formal decision making and reporting machinery; formulating meeting agendas with the chairman and /or the chief executive; attending and minuting of the meetings; maintaining minute books; certifying copies of minutes; and ensuring that correct procedures are followed. General Meetings Originating and obtaining internal and external agreement to all documentation for circulation to shareholders; co-ordinating the administration and minuting of meetings; and ensuring that correct procedures are followed. Company Constitution Ensuring that the company complies with its constitution; drafting and incorporating amendments in accordance with correct procedures. General Compliance Monitoring and ensuring compliance with relevant legal requirements, particularly under the Companies Act. Statutory Registers and Books
Statutory Returns Filing information with the Registrar of Companies to report certain changes regarding the company or to comply with requirements for periodic filing. Of particular importance in this regards are:
Report and Accounts Co-ordinating the publication and distribution of the companys annual report and accounts and interim statement in consultation with the companys internal and external advisers and, in particular preparing the directors?report. Share Registration Maintaining the companys register of members; dealing with transfers and other matters affecting shareholdings; and dealing with queries and requests from shareholders. Shareholder Communication Communicating with the shareholders (i.e. through circulars); payment of dividends and interest; issuing documentation regarding rights issues and capitalisation issues; general shareholder relations; and relations with institutional shareholders and their investment protection committees. Shareholder Monitoring Monitoring movements on the register of members to identify an apparent ¡¥stake-building?in the companys shares by potential takeover bidders; and making inquiries of members as to beneficial ownership of holdings. Share and Capital Issues and Restructuring Implementation of changes in the structure of the companys share and loan capital and devising; implementing and administering directors?and employees?share participation schemes. Acquisitions and Disposals Participating as a key member of the company team established to implement corporate acquisitions and disposals; protecting the companys interests by ensuring the effectiveness of all documentation and that due diligence disclosures enable proper commercial evaluation prior to completion of the transaction. Corporate Governance Reviewing developments in corporate governance and advising and assisting the directors with respect to their duties and responsibilities and compliance with their personal obligations under company law and, if applicable Stock Exchange requirements. Non-Executive Directors Acting as a channel of communication and information for non-executive directors. Company Seal Ensuring the safe custody and proper use of the company seal if provided for in the company constitution. Registered Office The establishment and administration of the registered office; the receipt, co-ordination and distribution of official correspondence received by the company at its registered office; and ensuring the provision of facilities for the public inspection of company documents. |
Disclaimer All information in this article is only for the purpose of information sharing, instead of professional suggestion. Kaizen will not assume any responsibility for loss or damage. |