International Anti-Corruption Day, observed annually on December 9th, is a powerful reminder of the global fight against unethical practices and the urgent need for integrity, transparency, and accountability across all sectors of society. The theme for 2024, "Confronting Global Threats: Standing Up for Integrity," underscores the importance of addressing corruption as a significant global threat that undermines governance, disrupts economic growth, and perpetuates social inequalities. This year's theme calls on governments, businesses, and individuals to rise to the challenge, reaffirm their commitment to ethical behaviour, and take a firm stand against corruption.
Unethical behaviour not only erodes democratic institutions but also perpetuates inequality and impedes sustainable economic development. Therefore, observing International Anti-Corruption Day is crucial to reflect on the progress and challenges of pursuing a world free from corruption.
In this context, corporate anti-bribery and anti-fraud policies play a pivotal role. These policies provide a robust framework for preventing, detecting, and addressing corrupt practices within organizations, safeguarding their integrity and long-term sustainability. A notable example of this commitment is the Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy implemented by Ultech Engineering Sdn. Bhd. (UESB). This policy reflects UESB's dedication to maintaining high ethical standards, aligning with global efforts to confront corruption and stand up for integrity.
Corruption distorts markets, undermines fair competition, and erodes public trust in institutions. This year’s theme emphasizes the need for a united stand against corruption, threatening the stability of societies and economies worldwide. In the corporate world, bribery and unethical practices can result in severe legal, financial, and reputational consequences, jeopardizing the long-term sustainability of businesses.
Implementing robust anti-corruption policies is a legal and strategic imperative for companies committed to integrity. These policies ensure compliance with laws and foster a culture of ethical behaviour, helping prevent corruption before it occurs. Moreover, such policies are crucial in the global fight against corruption, contributing to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the broader goal of promoting transparency and accountability.
Ultech Engineering Sdn. Bhd., an ISO 9001:2015 certified company, adheres to stringent best practices and policies to uphold integrity and transparency in its operations. In alignment with the principles of International Anti-Corruption Day, Ultech ensures a robust procurement process where the equipment purchase is overseen only by the senior engineers who are Wang Zhi Xian, Bong Chu Jun, Howard Hu, Anderson Chieng, and Christina Binti Jemat. At the same time, the management, Joanne Yeo, is authorized to sign off on the commercial purchasing. This structured process mitigates potential corruption risks by enforcing accountability at multiple levels, ensuring compliance with ethical standards, and reinforcing the company's commitment to anti-corruption initiatives.
UESB's Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy, crafted and signed by Director Eddie Sim, exemplifies the proactive measures that corporations can take to align with international anti-corruption efforts. The policy, delivered during employee induction, ensures that all employees and associated persons are fully aware of their obligations to uphold ethical standards, disclose unethical practices, and comply with relevant laws, particularly the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009. By establishing clear guidelines and expectations, UESB protects its business interests and contributes to the global fight against corruption, setting a positive example for other companies in the industry.
The Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy implemented by UESB is comprehensive and meticulously crafted, covering various aspects of anti-bribery and anti-corruption measures. The policy outlines the responsibilities of employees and associated persons in preventing, identifying, and reporting corrupt activities. This approach ensures that everyone within the organization knows their role in maintaining the company's integrity and upholding ethical standards. One of the policy's critical components is its alignment with Malaysian laws, the MACC Act, which criminalizes acts such as soliciting or receiving gratification, offering or giving gratification, and abusing one's position for personal gain. This alignment with national legislation ensures that UESB's policy is legally sound and reflects the company's commitment to adhering to the highest standards of integrity.
This year’s International Anti-Corruption Day theme, "Confronting Global Threats: Standing Up for Integrity," resonates with UESB’s emphasis on transparency and accountability. The policy also emphasizes transparency and accountability, two essential elements of any effective anti-corruption strategy. For example, Mr. Eddie is transparent and open about the company's profits, sharing them to highlight its health and progress with the public. UESB requires all personnel to act lawfully, ethically, and in the public interest and prohibits bribery and corruption. This includes prohibiting facilitation payments, commissions, discounts, and secret profits, often used as bribery mechanisms.
For instance, Ultech holds certificates as a trusted partner with renowned brands like Mitsubishi Electric, DEIF, Weidmuller, Siemens, and Rockwell Automation, reflecting the strong trust established between Ultech and these brand partners in promoting their products. Ultech has also completed numerous projects for prominent clients, including Petronas, Shell, Sarawak Energy, Malaysia LNG (MLNG), Shin Yang, and Sime Darby. These collaborations enhance Ultech's reputation and showcase its capability to deliver quality solutions for major industry leaders. By setting clear boundaries on acceptable conduct, UESB reduces the risk of corruption within its operations and reinforces its commitment to ethical business practices.
Conflicts of interest pose a significant risk to corporate integrity, as they can lead to decisions that benefit individuals at the expense of the organization or the public. UESB's policy addresses this issue by requiring employees and associated persons to avoid any situation or activity that could compromise their judgment or ability to act in the company's best interest. For example, at Ultech Engineering, we have various departments such as Automation Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Marketing, Document Control, and more, yet we collaborate effectively. Everyone follows the proper hierarchy, showing respect for roles, which allows us to work together seamlessly. This proactive approach ensures that potential conflicts are identified and addressed before they can lead to unethical behaviour.
In addition to addressing conflicts of interest, UESB's policy underscores the importance of ethical conduct in all interactions within the company and with external parties. This includes a clear stance against soliciting or accepting bribes, engaging in corrupt practices, or allowing others to do so. Such as the involvement of overseeing the equipment purchases process by the senior engineers, who are Wang Zhi Xian, Bong Chu Jun, Howard Hu, Anderson Chieng, and Christina Binti Jemat. At the same time, the management, Joanne Yeo, is authorized to sign off on the commercial purchasing.
By fostering a culture of integrity and ethical behaviour, UESB strengthens its operations and sets a positive example for other organizations in the industry. This commitment to ethical conduct extends beyond mere compliance; it is a core value guiding the company's decision-making processes and stakeholder interactions.
Effective anti-corruption policies must include robust mechanisms for reporting and addressing unethical behaviour. UESB recognizes this by providing a designated whistleblowing channel through which employees, stakeholders, and public members can report any suspected policy violations. For example, each department has a designated superior to report to in case of an emergency. The superior will then escalate the issue to the Director, Mr. Eddie. Additionally, Mr. Eddie has provided his email in the company policy, allowing any employee to contact him directly to ensure prompt action is taken. The company commits to conducting thorough investigations and taking appropriate action in response to reported concerns, ensuring that all allegations are treated with the seriousness they deserve.
Whistleblowing plays a crucial role in the fight against corruption, as it empowers individuals to report misconduct without fear of retaliation. UESB's policy assures that all reports will be treated confidentially and that whistleblowers will be protected from adverse consequences. This commitment to protecting whistleblowers is essential in creating an environment where employees feel safe to speak up about unethical behaviour. By providing this safeguard, UESB deters corrupt practices and reinforces its dedication to transparency and accountability.
Accurate record-keeping is essential for ensuring compliance with anti-bribery and anti-corruption policies. UESB's policy requires detailed and accurate documentation of all financial transactions, gifts, hospitality, donations, and sponsorships. These records are subject to management review, ensuring all actions align with the company's ethical standards and legal obligations. For example, each department has a designated superior to report to in an emergency.
The superior will then escalate the issue to the Director, Eddie Sim. Additionally, Eddie Sim has provided his email in the company policy, allowing any employee to contact him directly to ensure prompt action is taken. This meticulous approach to record-keeping is critical in detecting and preventing corrupt practices, as it provides a clear and traceable record of all business activities.
In addition to maintaining accurate records, UESB emphasizes the importance of ongoing assessments of the policy's effectiveness. Regular evaluations help the company identify emerging risks, adapt to changes in the regulatory environment, and continuously improve its anti-corruption measures. For example, Ultech Engineering will have another round of ISO audits. This proactive approach ensures that UESB remains vigilant and responsive to the evolving challenges of combating corruption. By regularly reviewing and updating its policies, UESB demonstrates its commitment to continuous improvement and its readiness to adapt to new threats and opportunities.
UESB’s Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy reflects the company’s broader commitment to corporate responsibility, aligning with the global theme of "Confronting Global Threats: Standing Up for Integrity." UESB safeguards its operations and contributes to international efforts to create a more just and equitable society by adhering to high ethical standards. This commitment to corporate responsibility is about protecting the company's interests and creating a more just and equitable society.
Ultech’s stringent policies, supported by ISO certification, underline its dedication to maintaining ethical operations. As companies worldwide reaffirm their commitment to ethical conduct in observance of International Anti-Corruption Day, they help foster a corporate culture that resists corruption and promotes integrity. This collective effort is essential in addressing the root causes of corruption and creating an environment where ethical behaviour becomes the norm.
Ultech Engineering Sdn. Bhd. deeply values its relationship with PETRONAS and aspires to partner with them in future projects, recognizing the shared commitment to integrity and ethical business practices. In addition, SPT Maju, a sister company of Ultech, will also be dealing with PETRONAS and is currently working on a partnership with PETRONAS for future projects. Ultech’s corporate governance, sustainability, and anti-corruption policies closely mirror PETRONAS’ frameworks, particularly in areas such as the Anti-Bribery and Corruption (ABC) Manual, adherence to no-gift policies, and stringent due diligence in procurement. This alignment is a testament to Ultech’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of transparency and accountability, reinforced by its ISO 9001:2015 certification.
Ultech’s commitment to upholding integrity and transparency, aligning with PETRONAS' anti-corruption frameworks, strengthens its position as a reliable partner. Like PETRONAS, Ultech’s procurement processes—where the equipment purchased is overseen—reflect structured procedures designed to minimize corruption risks. By adopting similar governance principles, business ethics policies, and whistleblowing mechanisms, Ultech demonstrates its readiness to collaborate with PETRONAS to promote ethical conduct and regulatory compliance, paving the way for a strong partnership in future projects.
In conclusion, International Anti-Corruption Day serves as a crucial reminder of the global challenge of corruption and the pressing need for integrity and ethical leadership. This year's theme, "Confronting Global Threats: Standing Up for Integrity," emphasizes the impact of corruption on governance, economic stability, and social equity, calling for a unified stand against these detrimental practices.
Corporate entities, such as Ultech Engineering Sdn. Bhd., play a vital role in this fight by implementing robust anti-corruption policies. UESB’s comprehensive approach, including alignment with the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, thorough record-keeping, and effective whistleblowing mechanisms, exemplifies how businesses can contribute to a culture of transparency and accountability. UESB safeguards its operations and contributes to the broader global effort to combat corruption by setting high standards and continuously improving its policies.
As we observe International Anti-Corruption Day, governments, businesses, and individuals must reaffirm their commitment to ethical conduct. We can build a more transparent and equitable world through collective action and unwavering dedication to integrity, ensuring that ethical behaviour becomes the standard rather than the exception.