GOVERNMENT-LINKED COMPANIES

Dr Jennifer Lee asked the Prime Minister (a) how is the search for members of statutory boards and boards of Government-linked Companies (GLCs) conducted; (b) what are the criteria and guidelines for the selection of these board members; and (c) what are the numbers of men and of women on these boards.

Mr Goh Chok Tong: A statutory board or GLC, in consultation with their respective parent Ministry or holding company, first identifies their requirements and the broad selection criteria for Board members. Based upon this, potential candidates from both the private and public sectors are then identified and approached. For public officers, inputs of the Public Service Division (PSD) are sought.

The criteria used for searching for members of statutory boards and GLCs are determined by the vision of the organisation, the nature of business, and the leadership role demanded from the Board. Potential nominees are selected based upon their relevant knowledge and skills, and their ability to contribute. In addition, we take into account other factors, for example, ensuring that there is no conflict of interest.

The Ministry concerned, or the GLC or its holding company, as the case may be, also seeks to achieve a fair representation of candidates from the public and private sectors, as well as ensure that the interests of major shareholder are adequately represented.

As of 15th February 2001, there are a total of 2,175 directorship positions on GLCs (including statutory board companies), of which 176 (8%) positions are held by females while 1999 (92%) positions are held by males. As for statutory boards, there are 666 board positions, of which 54 (8%) are held by females while 612 (92%) are held by males.