(f) reviews and approves processes to regulate transactions involving an Interested Person (as
defined in Chapter 9 of the Listing Manual) and/or Interested Party (as defined in the Property
Funds Appendix) (each, an Interested Person) and Ascott Reit and/or its subsidiaries (Interested
Person Transactions), in particular, ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Listing
Manual and the Property Funds Appendix relating to Interested Person Transactions; and
(g) reviews the policy and arrangements by which employees of the Manager and any other persons
may, in confidence, report suspected fraud or irregularity or suspected infringement of any laws
or regulations or rules or, raise concerns about possible improprieties in matters of financial
reporting or other matters with a view to ensuring that arrangements are in place for such
concerns to be raised and independently investigated, and for appropriate follow-up action to
be taken.
The AC has reviewed the nature and extent of non-audit services provided by the external auditors
during FY 2014 and the fees paid for such services. The AC is satisfied that the independence of the
external auditors has not been impaired by the provision of those services. The external auditors
have also provided confirmation of their independence to the AC. The aggregate amount of fees paid
and payable to the external auditors for FY 2014 was approximately S$2,489,000, of which audit fees
amounted to approximately S$2,211,000 and non-audit fees amounted to approximately S$278,000.
In FY 2014, the AC also met with the internal auditors and external auditors, without Management’s
presence, to discuss the reasonableness of the financial reporting process, the system of internal
controls, and the significant comments and recommendations by the auditors. Where relevant, the
AC makes reference to the best practices and guidance in the Guidebook for Audit Committees in
Singapore and the practice directions issued from time to time in relation to Financial Reporting
Surveillance Programme administered by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority of
Singapore.
The Manager confirms, on behalf of Ascott Reit, that Ascott Reit complies with Rule 712 and Rule 715
of the Listing Manual.
Internal Audit
Principle 13:
The company should establish an effective internal audit function that is adequately resourced
and independent of the activities it audits.
The Manager has in place an internal audit function supported by CL’s Internal Audit Department (CL
IA) which reports directly to the AC and administratively to the CEO. CL IA plans its internal audit
schedules in consultation with, but independently of, Management and its plan is submitted to the AC
for approval prior to the beginning of each year. The AC also meets with CL IA at least once a year
without the presence of Management. CL IA has unfettered access to the Manager’s documents,
records, properties and employees, including access to the AC.
CL IA is a corporate member of the Singapore branch of the Institute of Internal Auditors Inc. (IIA),
which has its headquarters in the USA. CL IA subscribes to, and is guided by, the International
Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (Standards) developed by the IIA and has
incorporated these Standards into its audit practices.
To ensure that internal audits are performed by competent professionals, CL IA recruits and employs
suitably qualified professional staff with the requisite skill set and experience.
Corporate Governance
38 | Ascott Residence Trust Annual Report 2014
