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Aon and FIDE FORUM Release Report on Directors Remuneration in Malaysia

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  • Findings show increasing attention on directors’ compensation from financial institutions
  • Retainer fees for board chairs are typically 1.3 times to two times higher than board members

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 December 2024 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, announced the findings from the 2024 Director’s Remuneration Report in collaboration with FIDE FORUM, a community of board leaders from the financial industry in Malaysia. The report explores the compensation practices of non-executive directors (NEDs) across financial institutions in Malaysia, delves into key elements such as board structure, composition, tenure and diversity, and analyzes the compensation of NEDs and how it aligns with their roles and responsibilities.

The report revealed the total cost of governance – the amount of compensation made to all board members for financial institutions – varies widely. The cost of governance incurred by participants of the survey ranged from RM 500,000 to RM 3,500,000 and is influenced by factors such as institution type and asset size. Larger organisations, particularly those with assets exceeding RM 100 billion generally incur higher governance costs. On average, the total cost of governance by type of financial institution is:

  • Corporate banks – RM 1.2M
  • Insurance companies – RM 0.9M
  • Investment banks – RM 1.7M
  • Islamic banks – RM 1.3M
  • Retail banks – RM 1.8M
  • Takaful operators – RM 0.8M

The study also found that retainer fees for board chairs are typically 1.3 times to two times higher than those of board members, while meeting allowances are consistent with no distinctions between board chairs and board members. Furthermore, 84 percent of participants do not provide compensation for information meetings, six percent provide compensation for regulatory meetings and 11 percent compensate NEDs for ad-hoc discussions.

In addition, 99 percent of the participants of the survey reported providing insurance to their directors, including directors & officers liability, group term life, group personal accident and travel insurance, while 56 percent provided medical benefits including inpatient, outpatient, dental, optical and wellbeing services. Apart from healthcare, 33 percent of participants reported providing learning and development opportunities that cover conferences and seminar fees, certifications, or online course subscriptions, over and above the training programs facilitated by the institutions.

All participating institutions reported the existence of an audit committee and risk committee, as mandated by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), the central bank of Malaysia. However, only 92 percent of participants reported having a nomination committee and remuneration committee, often combined, despite these also being mandated by the BNM. The study found this is due to subsidiaries having these matters settled at a wider group level rather than at the individual institutional level.

Rahul Chawla, partner and head of Talent Solutions for southeast Asia at Aon, said “There is increasing demand for quality talent in businesses not only at executive levels, but also at the company board level. Companies need directors who are experts in their respective fields and who can significantly impact the company’s growth and overall corporate governance. However, directors often operate in a very complex environment which not only requires them to leverage diverse skills to provide stewardship but also be open to increasing shareholder and public scrutiny. By understanding these trends, organisations can better align their compensation practices to attract and retain the right directors while contributing to the overall growth and sustainability of their organisation.”

Data from the survey confirmed that boards have good diversity across tenure, gender and age. According to the survey, about 70 percent of institutions have their board chair represented on at least one board committee and 87 percent of boards have at least one woman as director, with 33 percent having three or more women directors on their boards. Additionally, 67 percent of directors are over 60 years old with 13 percent of directors being over 80 years of age. With regard to tenure, 59 percent of independent NEDs served the board for one to six years while 48 percent of non-independent NEDs have tenures ranging from one to nine years. This indicates there is a good mix of new and established directors on boards with new directors who may offer fresh perspectives while directors with longer tenures holding institutional knowledge.

Datuk Kamaruddin Taib, Chairman of FIDE FORUM said, “Across jurisdictions, remuneration policies are closely monitored alongside stringent corporate governance regulations. Directors should be compensated in a manner that preserves the effectiveness of board oversight functions. After all, the primary role of a director is to uphold good governance – not only to ensure institutional performance but [to protect] the interest of all stakeholders which is part of ensuring financial stability that [reinforces] confidence in financial institutions and markets.”

More information about Aon in Asia can be found here.
Hashtag: #Aon

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About the NED report

The NED report delves into key elements such as board structure, composition, tenure, diversity and remuneration and provides practical guidance for NEDs to ensure their compensation aligns with their roles and responsibilities. A total of 70 FIDE FORUM member institutions completed the survey, representing approximately 70 percent of financial institutions in Malaysia of which 21 percent are listed in Malaysia.

About Aon

(NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses.

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Disclaimer

The information contained in this document is solely for information purposes, for general guidance only and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although Aon endeavours to provide accurate and timely information and uses sources that it considers reliable, the firm does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any purpose of any content of this document and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way by any person who may rely on it. There can be no guarantee that the information contained in this document will remain accurate as on the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or entity should make decisions or act based solely on the information contained herein without appropriate professional advice and targeted research.

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CKS Spreads Christmas Cheer at Hope Centre Singapore with CSR Activity

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 December 2024 – In the spirit of giving and togetherness, CKS Property Consultants, a property valuation company in Singapore, participated in a heartwarming Christmas celebration at Hope Centre Singapore on 6th December 2024.

A Day of Joy and Bonding

Hope Centre Singapore is a non-profit voluntary welfare organisation established in 1997. Held at the Centre’s location at 806 King George’s Avenue, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) event saw 30 youths and 30 seniors take part in various engaging activities, supported by CKS staff and the Centre’s volunteers. The participants were divided into groups to enjoy customised activities for youths and seniors. Highlights included lively group games, Christmas craft-making sessions, and a spirited round of BINGO. To foster a sense of community and fun, competitions were held to showcase the best craft creations, with prizes awarded to the winners.

Adding a sweet touch to the day, CKS sponsored cupcakes for all attendees, further spreading festive cheer. Seniors also enjoyed a relaxed get-together, sharing conversations and laughter with the volunteers.

Supporting a Worthy Cause

As part of the community engagement programme, CKS pledged $3,000 to sponsor Christmas gifts for 30 children and to support Hope Centre Singapore’s ongoing programmes. The advance Christmas gifts were a memorable highlight for the youths, who received presents of their choice.

“This event was deeply fulfilling for all of us at CKS. It strengthened our team bonds and reminded us of the importance of enhancing the well-being of the community,” said Ednas Wong, Associate Director of the company.

Impact and Reflections

The event was a success, not only in spreading holiday joy but also in reinforcing CKS’s dedication to making a difference in the community. The interactions with seniors highlighted the importance of giving time and attention to those in need, while the youth activities inspired a spirit of creativity and camaraderie.

“By engaging with individuals from all walks of life, we aim to promote inclusivity and kindness, building strong connections within the community. We look forward to organising more meaningful initiatives in the future,” said Ednas Wong, Associate Director of the company.

What’s Next

CKS aims to continue its efforts in giving back to society with future CSR outreach programmes. Plans include involving staff members’ families in upcoming initiatives to further extend the reach of meaningful activities.

How to Support Hope Centre Singapore

For those who missed the event but wish to contribute, Hope Centre Singapore welcomes volunteers and donations to support its programmes. Donations received between 9 November 2024 and 31 January 2025 will directly fund the Bread and Bursary With Love programme for the next 2-3 years.

For more details about supporting the non-profit organisation, visit Hope Centre Singapore’s website.
Hashtag: #Volunteersanddonations #CSR #Christmascelebration #Non-profitvoluntarywelfareorganisation #Community #Well-being

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About CKS Property Consultants

Formerly known as Cheong Koon Seng Auctioneers & Valuers, CKS Property Consultants specialises in and estate agency services in Singapore. The valuation team at CKS Property Consultants consists of licensed valuers accredited by the Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers (SISV). Collectively, the team brings over 100 years of combined experience in property valuation.

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Lexus Drives into Its Fifth Year as The Official Automotive Partner of The HSBC Women’s World Championship 2025

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 December 2024 – Lexus proudly announces its fifth consecutive year as the official automotive partner of the HSBC Women’s World Championship (HWWC) 2025, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability by partnering with organisations that share its vision for a greener future. The 72-hole stroke play tournament, one of Asia’s most anticipated golf events, returns to Singapore for its 17th edition from 27 February to 2 March 2025.

The tournament will once again be held at Tanjong Course at Sentosa Golf Club, which is recognised as one of the world’s most sustainable golf clubs as it was crowned “Asia’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility” at the 2024 World Golf Awards. With a goal of achieving net-zero emission by 2040, the club has fully transitioned to a fleet of environmentally friendly lithium-ion battery-powered golf carts. This commitment aligns with Lexus’ goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 as Lexus shifts towards electrification at scale by providing a range of electrified vehicles suited for the various needs of luxury customers while minimising waste through its recycling efforts.

The championship welcomes back 2024 champion Hannah Green, alongside other world-class female golfers and golf enthusiasts worldwide. Green is set to defend her title this year after edging out France’s Celine Boutier by one stroke to become the second Australian ever to capture this prestigious victory. Green closed with a final-round 67, making three birdies in the last three holes to clinch her fourth LPGA title.

In the spirit of the game and in keeping with Lexus’ commitment to the Takumi craftsmanship, Lexus will bring back the Hole-In-One award for the HWWC’s tournament players to celebrate their pursuit of excellence, which is the same dedication to detail that defines Lexus. Players will stand a chance to win the all-electric Lexus RZ450e Luxury SUV that features cutting-edge DIRECT4 drive-force technology, a newly developed eAxle, and a water-cooled lithium-ion battery, making it a perfect fit with the tournament’s commitment to sustainability.

“We’re proud to be the official automotive partner of the HWWC tournament for the fifth year,” said Preston Tan, Vice President of Lexus Asia. “Golf is a sport that embodies discipline, precision, and the pursuit of excellence, as players continuously strive to refine and elevate their skills. These principles resonate deeply with Lexus’ commitment to constantly improve and our high regard for craftsmanship to deliver amazing experiences. With exciting event highlights every season, we hope to see a rise of younger audiences.”

At the HWWC tournament, attendees can enjoy a range of fun and engaging activities at the Lexus booth over at the tournament fan village. Participants can look forward to winning exciting prizes at the booth.

Lexus, a dedicated supporter of the golfing sport, will continue to build upon the legacy of the HWWC by expanding access to golfing events for its customers across Asia via the Lexus Cup regional competition.

To stay connected for more information and follow the tournament news, please visit http://lexusasia.com/golf/hsbc-womens-world-championship. For more information on the HSBC Women’s World Championship 2025 and how to buy tickets and participate in the event, please visit the official tournament website at https://www.hsbcgolf.com/womens/tickets.

Hashtag: #Lexus

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

ABOUT LEXUS

Lexus launched in 1989 with a flagship sedan and a guest experience that helped define the premium automotive industry. In 1998, Lexus introduced the luxury crossover category with the launch of the Lexus RX. The luxury hybrid sales leader, Lexus delivered the world’s first luxury hybrid and has since sold over 2.66 million hybrid vehicles including HEVs, PHEVs, and BEVs. (as of the end of August 2023)

A global luxury automotive brand with an unwavering commitment to bold, uncompromising design, exceptional craftsmanship, and exhilarating performance, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of the next generation of global luxury guests and is currently available in over 90 countries/regions worldwide.

Lexus associates/team members across the world are dedicated to crafting amazing experiences that are uniquely Lexus, and that excite and change the world.

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Profiting from the crypto boom: Octa broker’s guide to leveraged trading

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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 December 2024 – With Bitcoin going through the roof in 2024 and the entire crypto market showing substantial growth, retail investors’ interest in this asset class also peaked. But how best to profit from the changes occurring in the crypto market and what avenues of investment to choose? The experts at Octa, a broker with globally recognised licences, offer a rundown of leveraged crypto trading, one of the most accessible ways to put the crypto hype train to use.

The expanding cryptocurrency landscape is largely driven by increased adoption, incremental changes in regulation, and ever-growing institutional interest. Given that, the sudden peak in Bitcoin’s price in 2024 was caused by the results of the U.S. presidential elections rather than long-term and well-established trends, experts claim.

Whatever their reason, intense price fluctuations invariably cause increased market activity. Traders use all means at their disposal to use this window of opportunity—and here are two of the most popular ones.

One goal, many paths
Cryptocurrencies are in high demand as a tradable instrument. Of the many crypto trading options on offer, two seem the least challenging and, therefore, most attractive for less experienced traders: trading cryptocurrencies via contracts for difference (CFD) and doing it using a crypto exchange.

Crypto CFDs are typically traded through financial brokers, enabling traders to access larger positions with limited capital. This approach increases trading potential but also amplifies the associated risks. In contrast, trading on crypto exchanges involves the actual ownership of digital assets, which comes with additional requirements for asset management and security.

Crypto exchanges
Crypto exchange users buy and sell digital instruments directly, storing the obtained assets in their e-wallets. When trading via crypto exchanges, gains and losses are based directly on tradable assets’ price fluctuations when trading via crypto exchanges. However, this method has its caveats since it typically involves dealing with various fees depending on the platform’s rules. On top of that, traders expose themselves to additional risks associated with digital asset storage.

While owning cryptocurrencies provides greater flexibility in managing digital assets, it also adds complexity to the process. Additionally, it significantly restricts opportunities to profit from falling markets, potentially impacting long-term strategies and overall returns.

Trading crypto using CFDs
Contracts for difference (CFDs) are financial instruments that allow traders to profit from an asset’s price movements without owning it. Instead, traders enter into an agreement with a broker to exchange the difference between the contract’s opening and closing prices.

With CFDs, traders can avoid any extra efforts related to maintaining personal e-wallets, ensuring the safety of personal data, and managing their transactions. Instead, brokers facilitate trading by minimising risks and offering more accessible pricing.

It is worth noting that digital platforms used for CFD trading are usually straightforward and user-friendly, which makes it easier for retail traders to track and respond to market movements.

Leverage: CFD trading augmented
Brokers with CFD assets on offer usually provide a number of leverage options, allowing to control a more significant position with a smaller sum. Leverage has its pros and cons. It can boost the trading process rather than guarantee gains. While it magnifies the profits, it proportionately increases the losses, so traders should be careful with it and use it with risk management tools.

Trading crypto via CFDs allows to benefit from market ups and downs, fully tapping into the potential of the hottest asset type to date. With time and continuous learning, trading crypto can become a consistent source of supplementary income to cover everyday expenses and progress towards long-term financial goals.
Hashtag: #Octa

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Octa

is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

In the APAC region, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

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