Corporate Secretaries: Guardians of Ethical Business Practices

15 August 2025

Editor: ET

In Singapore’s fast-paced corporate environment, where trust is currency and compliance is non-negotiable, the role of the corporate secretary as the guardian of ethical business practices has never been more critical.

In Singapore’s competitive and highly regulated business environment, maintaining ethical business practices is not only a legal requirement but also a strategic advantage. As businesses grow and expand across industries, the role of the Corporate Secretary has evolved from a purely administrative function to a critical governance position — one that safeguards compliance, transparency, and integrity.

Further Reading: The Importance of Succession Planning for Family-Owned Companies

At Expede Tech Pte Ltd, we have seen firsthand how effective corporate secretaries serve as the guardians of ethical business conduct, ensuring that organisations operate with accountability and in accordance with Singapore’s strict regulatory framework.

The Evolving Role of Corporate Secretaries in Singapore

Traditionally, corporate secretaries were perceived as the record-keepers — handling meeting minutes, managing statutory registers, and filing annual returns with ACRA.

However, in today’s complex business environment, the scope of their work has expanded significantly.

In Singapore, corporate secretaries now act as:

• Governance Advisors – Guiding boards of directors on their legal responsibilities.

• Compliance Officers – Ensuring adherence to the Companies Act, ACRA regulations, and other statutory obligations.

• Ethics Guardians – Promoting integrity and transparency in business operations.

Their work goes far beyond paperwork. They are central to protecting a company’s reputation and building stakeholder trust — both of which are essential for long-term success.

Why Ethics Matter in Business

Ethical business practices form the foundation of sustainable growth. In Singapore, where investor confidence and international reputation are highly valued, any breach of ethical conduct can have significant consequences. These include financial penalties, reputational damage, and even legal action against directors and officers.

Corporate secretaries help businesses avoid these risks by:

• Monitoring regulatory updates and ensuring timely compliance.

• Advising the board on ethical decision-making.

• Acting as a communication bridge between the company, regulators, and stakeholders.

Key Ethical Responsibilities of Corporate Secretaries

1. Ensuring Transparency in Corporate Governance

A corporate secretary ensures that the company’s decision-making processes are transparent. This includes preparing accurate board meeting minutes, keeping statutory records updated, and making required disclosures to shareholders.

2. Safeguarding Compliance with Regulations

Singapore’s corporate regulatory framework is robust, and non-compliance can be costly. Corporate secretaries stay on top of the latest requirements from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and other relevant bodies.

3. Promoting Fairness in Stakeholder Engagement

Corporate secretaries ensure that all shareholders are treated equally and fairly, regardless of their shareholding size. This involves proper dissemination of information and facilitating shareholder rights.

4. Supporting Whistleblowing and Ethical Reporting

An effective corporate secretary may help set up frameworks for whistleblowing and ethical reporting. This reinforces a company’s commitment to integrity and accountability.

The Singapore Context: A High Standard for Governance

Singapore ranks among the top countries globally for ease of doing business, but this efficiency is coupled with high governance standards. The Companies Act mandates that every company incorporated in Singapore must appoint at least one qualified corporate secretary within six months of incorporation.

This requirement reflects the importance placed on governance and compliance in the country’s business ecosystem. At Expede Tech Pte Ltd, we see this as an opportunity for companies to strengthen their ethical foundations right from the start.

How Expede Tech Pte Ltd Supports Ethical Corporate Governance

Our team at Expede Tech goes beyond fulfilling statutory requirements — we provide governance and compliance advisory services that align with Singapore’s best practices. We help businesses by:

• Implementing Compliance Frameworks – Streamlining regulatory filings and monitoring deadlines.

• Training Directors – Educating board members on their legal and ethical responsibilities.

• Integrating Technology – Using secure digital platforms to manage corporate records and ensure data integrity.

By combining governance expertise with technology, we empower businesses to not only meet compliance standards but also embed ethical conduct into their daily operations.

Corporate Secretaries as Strategic Partners

In forward-thinking companies, the corporate secretary is considered part of the executive team, working alongside the CEO and CFO to ensure that governance principles are integrated into corporate strategy.

This strategic role involves:

• Advising on risk management policies.

• Supporting mergers and acquisitions with due diligence.

• Coordinating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting initiatives.

In essence, they are both watchdogs and enablers — ensuring compliance while enabling business growth.

Case in Point: Why Ethics Equals Longevity

Many businesses fail not because of market conditions, but because of governance and ethical lapses. In Singapore, we have seen high-profile cases where a lack of oversight led to fraud, legal penalties, and eventual closure.

A diligent corporate secretary helps prevent such outcomes by:

• Creating a culture of accountability.

• Encouraging proactive compliance rather than reactive crisis management.

• Maintaining clear documentation that can stand up to regulatory scrutiny.

At Expede Tech, we believe that good governance is good business. Ethical practices are not just moral obligations — they are competitive advantages.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Corporate Secretaries in Singapore

With increasing emphasis on ESG and sustainability reporting, the role of the corporate secretary will continue to expand. We anticipate future responsibilities to include:

• Overseeing non-financial reporting such as sustainability metrics.

• Advising on cybersecurity governance for data protection.

• Facilitating cross-border compliance for companies expanding internationally.

These shifts further highlight the need for highly skilled, adaptable, and ethically grounded corporate secretaries.

In Singapore’s fast-paced corporate environment, where trust is currency and compliance is non-negotiable, the role of the corporate secretary as the guardian of ethical business practices has never been more critical.

Further Reading: How Good Accounting Supports Business Longevity in Singapore

At Expede Tech Pte Ltd, we are committed to equipping businesses with the governance tools and expertise they need to uphold the highest ethical standards. By partnering with us, companies can confidently navigate regulatory requirements while building a corporate culture rooted in integrity, transparency, and accountability.

As the business world becomes more complex, one truth remains: ethical companies last longer, perform better, and earn greater respect — and behind many of them stands a capable corporate secretary ensuring they stay on the right path.