SG companies score higher for corporate governance and transparency in index

Companies who are listed on the Singapore Exchange have improved in their corporate governance practices and transparency, according to Singapore's Governance and Transparency Index’s (SGTI) list of most well-governed and transparent brands in the country. The list was curated by CPA Australia, NUS Business School's Centre for governance and sustainability, and the Singapore Institute of Directors. 

According to NUS Business School, companies were assessed on board responsibilities, rights of shareholders, engagement of stakeholders, accountability and audit, and disclosure and transparency.

Don't miss: Singtel releases touching National Day documentary charting Singapore's history

The scores revealed that companies had the best performance rate this year as the index score rose to 74.8 out of the maximum score of 143 points, which is the highest it has been in nearly 15 years. The 74.8 score also surpassed the 70.6 score from the year before, making it the biggest jump since 2020.

In the index, Singtel topped a total of 474 SGX-listed companies on the annual index with a score of 120 points for its improved corporate governance and sustainability disclosures, moving up from third position last year.

Yuen Kuan Moon, Singtel Group’s CEO, said that Singtel is honoured to be named Singapore’s most well-governed and transparent company. “A strong ESG culture and practices are fundamental to our long-term growth and value creation for our shareholders in a rapidly changing business environment. Since our strategic reset in 2021, we have strengthened our ESG commitments and taken steps to integrate sustainability more widely and deeply across our organisation as we reposition for growth. This recognition inspires us to keep on raising the bar and do even better for our stakeholders,” he added.

Coming under then is DBS Grup followed by SATS and United Overseas Bank who all scored high base scores of 90,92 and 86 respectively. 

Earlier this month, Singtel released a short film in honour of Singapore's 58th birthday as well as to commemorate founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew's 100th birth anniversary.

Titled 'From Mudflats to Smart Nation', the film aims to reference Lee’s famous quote from Singapore’s first year of independence in 1965 when he spoke of turning Singapore from mudflats into a metropolis.

Besides delving into his vision for Singapore, the 23-minute documentary charts the nation's rise from fledgling nation to global economic hub through a telecoms and technology lens, exploring how Singapore leveraged connectivity, communication and digital content to get ahead economically and become today’s Smart Nation.

The story is captured through rarely seen footage and photos of Singapore and Lee that will transport viewers through time from rural Singapore to thriving urban powerhouse. The Singtel Group’s leaders also share their unique perspectives on the Singapore growth story, having themselves been part of this remarkable journey of survival and reinvention, said Singtel. 

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