Board Charter

BOARD CHARTER

1. Introduction
The Board of Directors (“Board”) of ViTrox Corporation Berhad (“ViTrox” or “the Company”) is committed to ensure that good corporate governance is being practised by the Group in order to safeguard stakeholders’ interests as well as enhancing shareholders’ value.

2. Purpose of Charter
The Board Charter sets out a list of specific functions that are reserved for the Board. The Board Charter addresses, which include amongst others, the Board obligations and liabilities, Directors’ Code of Ethics, role of the Board, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), appointment of new directors, the right balance and composition of the Board, remuneration policy and the establishment of Board Committees together with the required mandate and activities.

3. The Board
Authority
The Board derives its authority to act from the Constitution of the Company and the law and regulations governing companies in Malaysia.

Board Composition
The composition of the Board should comply with:-

- the relevant provisions of the Constitution of the Company; and
- the Main Market Listing Requirements (“LR”) of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (“Bursa Securities”) which requires that independent non-executive directors make up at least 2 members or 1/3 of the membership of the Board, whichever is higher.

Appointment
The Company strives to have Board members with suitable academic and professional qualifications, skills, expertise and wide exposure.

The Code requires a formal and transparent procedure to be established for appointment of new Directors to the Board. The Code also endorses the establishment of a Nomination Committee (“NC”), comprised exclusively of Non-Executive Directors, a majority of whom are Independent to propose new nominees to the Board and to assess directors on an on-going basis.

The NC is responsible for assessing the nominee(s) for directorship and Board Committee membership and thereupon submitting their recommendation to the Board for decision.

Election and re-election
In accordance with the Company’s Constitution, one-third or a number nearest to one-third (1/3) of the Board is subject to retirement by rotation at each annual general meeting. The Directors to retire each year are the Directors who have been longest in office since their appointment or re-election.

The Constitution also provides that all Directors shall retire from their office and be eligible for re-election at least once in every three (3) years. A retiring Director is eligible for re-election. The election of each Director is voted on separately.

The Constitution (further provides that a managing director can be appointed for a fixed term which shall not exceed three (3) years.

Any person appointed by the Board either to fill a casual vacancy or as an addition to the existing Directors, shall hold office only until the next Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) and shall then be eligible for re-election.

The performance of those Directors who are subject to re-appointment and re-election of Directors at the AGM will be assessed by the NC whereupon recommendations are submitted to the Board for decision on the tabling of the proposed re-appointment or re-election of the Director concerned for shareholders’ approval at the next AGM.

Independence of Director
The Independent Non-Executive Directors are not employees and they do not participate in the day-to-day management as well as the daily business of ViTrox. They bring an external perspective, constructively challenge and assist the Company to develop corporate strategy, scrutinize the performance of Management in meeting approved goals and objectives, and monitor the risk profile of the Company’s business.

The Independent Non-Executive Directors are to provide shareholders with an independent voice on the Board and reduce accusations of self-interest in the behaviour of executives.

The NC played an important role to assist the Board in assessing the independence of Independent Non-Executive Directors of the Company on an annual basis.

New Directorship
The Company has in place its procedures and criteria for appointment of new directors. All candidates for appointment are first considered by the NC, taking into account the mix of skills, competencies, experience, professionalism and other relevant qualities required to well manage the business, with the aim to meet the current and future needs of the Board composition. The NC also evaluates the candidates’ character and ability to commit sufficient time to the Group. Other factors considered for appointment of Independent Director will include the level of independence of the candidates.

Role of Board
The Board is responsible for oversight and overall management of the Company. The Board is delegating specific powers of the Board to relevant Board Committees, the CEO and the Senior Management of the Company. All approvals are supported by the Limit of Authority, which clearly sets out relevant matters reserved for the Board’s approval, as well as those which the Board may delegate to the Board Committees, the CEO and the Senior Management.

The Board has direct access to Senior Management and has unrestricted and immediate access to information relating to the Group’s business and affairs in the discharge of their duties. The Board will consider inviting the Senior Management to attend meetings for reporting on major issues relating to their respective responsibility.

The Board Committees are entrusted with specific responsibilities to oversee the Group’s affairs, with authority to act on behalf of the Board in accordance with their respective Terms of Reference (“TOR”). The Chairman of the relevant Board Committees also report to the Board on key issues deliberated by the Board Committees at their respective meetings.

Chairman and CEO
The Company practices a division of responsibilities between the Independent Non-Executive Chairman and the CEO. Their roles are separated and clearly defined to ensure a balance of power and authority, increased accountability and greater capacity of the Board for Independent decision-making.

The Chairman is not related to the CEO. The Chairman is responsible for the Board’s effectiveness and conduct. He also promotes an open environment for debate and ensures effective contributions from Non-Executive Directors. The Chairman also exercises control over the quality, quantity and timeliness of information flow between the Board and Management. At a general meeting, the Chairman plays a role in fostering constructive dialogue between shareholders, Board and Management.

The CEO, also an Executive Director is in charge of the day-to-day operations of the business, making strategic business decision and implementing Board policies.

Board Committees
The Board, in discharging its fiduciary duties, may from time to time establish Committees as it considers necessary to assist it in carrying out its responsibilities.

The Board has established the following Board Committees, namely:-
  • Audit Committee;
  • Nomination Committee (“NC”);
  • Remuneration Committee (“RC”);
  • Risk Management Committee;
  • Anti-Bribery Compliance Committee;
  • Environmental, Social and Governance Steering Committee; and
  • Share Grant Scheme Committee.
Each Board Committee would be entrusted with specific tasks and operates within clearly defined TOR approved by the Board. The Chairman of the respective Committees reports to the Board on the outcome of the Committee meetings and such reports or minutes will be included in the Board papers.

The Chairman of the of the respective Committees would inform the Directors at Board meeting, of any salient findings deliberated at the respective Committee meetings and which require the Board’s notice or direction.

The respective committees' terms of reference are available for reference at the Company's website.

Board Meetings
The Board governs the operations of the Group. The Board meets regularly, at least once in a quarter, with additional meetings held as necessary to formulate and adopt strategic business plan for the Group, to evaluate the impact of risks affecting the operations of the Group and to formulate appropriate risk management system.

To facilitate the Directors’ time planning, an annual meeting calendar is prepared and circulated to them before the beginning of every year.

Agenda and documents relevant to the Board meetings are circulated at least seven (7) days in advance to the Directors for their review before the meetings to ensure the effectiveness of the Board meetings. Any additional information requested by the Directors will be provided in timely manner.

All proceedings of the Board meetings are minuted.

Access to Information and Independent Professional Advice
The Chairman ensures that all Directors have full and timely access to information with an agenda on matters requiring Board’s consideration issued with appropriate notice and in advance of each meeting to enable Directors to obtain further explanations during the meeting, where necessary.
The Directors meet to review and approve all corporate announcements, including the announcement of the quarterly interim financial reports, before releasing them to the Bursa Securities.

All Directors will have full access to the information of the Company and are entitled to obtain full disclosure by the management and advice or services from the Company Secretary or independent professionals on matters that will be put forward to the Board for decision to ensure that they are being discussed and examined in an impartial manner that takes into account the long term interests of shareholders, employees, suppliers, customers and other stakeholders with which the Group conduct its business.

Individual Directors may also obtain independent professional or other advice in furtherance of their duties, subject to the approval of the Chairman or the Board, depending on the quantum of the fees involved.

In leading and controlling the operations of the Group, the Board is assisted by the Board of Directors of each individual subsidiary that is primarily responsible to carry out decisions made by the Board. The Executive Directors of the Company also participate in management meeting of active subsidiaries to ensure that decisions made by the Board are disseminated and delegated effectively to the management of the subsidiaries.

Directors' Remuneration
It is the Company’s policy to remunerate Directors adequately to attract and retain the Directors of the necessary calibre to manage its business. The Constitution provides that the remuneration of Directors shall not include a commission or percentage of turnover.
The determination of the remuneration of each Independent Non-Executive Director is decided by the Board as a whole. The Board reimburses any reasonable expense incurred by these Directors in the course of their duties as Directors.

The RC is responsible for recommending to the Board on the remuneration framework as well as the remuneration package of Executive Directors to ensure that rewards commensurate with their contributions to the Group’s growth and profitability in order to align the interest of the Directors with those of the shareholders. The Committee also ensures the level of remuneration for Non-Executive Directors and Executive Directors are linked to their level of responsibilities undertaken and contributions to the effective functioning of the Board.

The RC will meet at least once in a financial year to formulate and review the remunerating policies and remuneration of members of the Board, Board Committee and the CEO and recommend the same to the Board for approval.

The current remuneration policy of the Group is summarised as follows:-
  • The Directors’ salary for Executive Directors are set at a competitive level for similar roles within comparable markets, reflect the performance of the director, skills and experience as well as responsibility undertaken.
  • Directors’ Fees are based on a standard fixed fee and are subject to approval by its shareholders at the AGM.
  • Meeting Allowance – All the Directorsare entitled to a fixed amount of allowance paid in accordance with the number of meeting attended during the year.
  • Benefits-in-kind (excluding Employees’ Share Option Scheme, if any) – only Executive Directors of the Group are entitled to benefits-in-kind provided by the Group.
  • The RC may obtain independent professional advice in formulating the remuneration package of its Directors.
Board Evaluation and Performance
The NC evaluates the performance of the Board as a whole on an annual basis. The NC ensures that all assessments and evaluations carried out are properly documented. The Board may engage independent experts periodically to facilitate objective and candid board evaluations.

The Board Committees shall also regularly be reviewed by the Board to ascertain their performance and effectiveness.

Directors' Training & Continuing Education
In addition to the mandatory programmes as required by Bursa Securities, the Directors are mindful that they should continue to attend training programmes to enhance their skills and knowledge where relevant, as well as to keep abreast with the changing regulatory and corporate governance developments. Therefore, the members of the Board shall attend the training, from time to time, on areas relevant to their duties and responsibilities as Directors by attending external seminars/talks and internally facilitated sessions and through reading materials.

4. Company Secretaries
The Company Secretaries play an advisory role to the Board in relation to the Company’s Constitution, Board’s policies and procedures and compliance with the relevant regulatory requirements, codes or guidance and legislations. The Company Secretaries also ensure that deliberations at the Board and certain Board Committee meetings are well captured and minuted, and subsequently communicated to the relevant management for necessary action. The Company Secretaries also keep the Board update on new statutes and directives issued by the regulatory authorities, and the resultant implications to the Company and the Directors in relation to their duties and responsibilities.

The Company Secretaries keep abreast of the evolving capital market environment, regulatory changes and developments in Corporate Governance through continuous training.

5. Investor Relations And Shareholder Communication
The Company dispatches its notice of AGM to shareholders at least 21 days before the AGM, a requirement under the Companies Act 2016 and LR. The additional time given to shareholders allows them to make necessary arrangements to attend and participate either in person, by corporate representative, by proxy or by attorney.

In addition to the above, time will be allocated during AGM for dialogue with shareholders to address issues concerning the Group.

In line with the requirement of the LR and the Code, material information is disseminated to shareholders and investors on a timely basis. The Group maintains a corporate website at www.vitrox.com which provides information, include:
  • Quarterly results
  • Annual reports
  • Announcements
  • Circular to shareholders
  • Other important announcements
The above information also could be accessed through Bursa Securities website at www.bursamalaysia.com

The Constitution of the Company further accord proxies the same rights as members to speak at the general meeting. Essentially, a corporate representative, proxy or attorney is entitled to attend, speak and vote both on a show of hands and on a poll as if they were a member of the Company. In addition to the above, time will be allocated during AGM for dialogue with shareholders to address issues concerning the Group.

6. Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethics for Directors includes principles relating to their duties, conflict of interest and dealings in securities are available at the Company’s website.

7. Review of the Board Charter
This Board Charter will be reviewed periodically to ensure the needs of the Company are met as well as to encompass any development in rules and regulations that may have an impact on the discharge of the Board’s duties and responsibilities.

The Board will make any necessary amendments to ensure they remain consistent with the Board’s objectives, current laws and governance practices. Any updates to the principles and practices set out in this Charter will be made available on the Company’s corporate website.

The Board charter has been adopted and subsequently revised by the Board on 22 February 2024.