Keep religion above the fray of petty politics

Today Online - Monday • April 27, 2009

Vivian Balakrishnan warns of the danger of mixing the two

ZUL OTHMAN

zul@mediacorp.com.sg

THE Aware spat is not a national problem, and the Government has no intention of intervening in it, said the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Vivian Balakrishnan. This, even as he warns the two warring groups — the new executive committee elected this month and the Old Guard of the Association of Women for Action and Research — to “keep religion above the fray of petty politics”.

Dr Balakrishnan said it is a problem they have to solve themselves and in a democratic manner, while abiding by the constitution of Aware.

The bitter spat between the two groups has been dominating the headlines for several weeks. Members of the new Exco had said they went into Aware to bring it back to its original focus, and that is women issues, when it appeared to them that Aware had veered into supporting homosexuality. As for the Old Guard of Aware, they have questioned what they saw as the stealthy manner in which the new Exco had mounted a “coup” in the 26-year-old organisation. The sage took a sinister twist when members of the new Exco revealed death threats had even been received.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of his community visit to Nee Soon yesterday, Dr Balakrishnan said: “The most I would do at this stage is to give them some advice. Not just (to) Aware but all Singaporeans. Number one, don’t let a single issue hijack the agenda. We live in a diverse society, there will always be some issue we cannot agree on — weneed to be able to learn to live and let live, to agree to disagree and to do so agreeably.”

He also warned that no one should allow single issues to polarise and divide: “If you allow these single issues to dominate and hijack your agenda, I think you are not going succeed and it’s going to be counter productive.” 

Secondly, the minister pointed out that Singapore is a multi-religious society.

As such, he said Singaporeans should “protect and nurture” the place religion has in our society: “We don’t want our religious organisation to be damaged or compromised by the hurly-burly of politicking that happens on the ground.” 

His third piece of advice to Singaporeans out to make meaningful changes in society, is to build what he called a “rainbow coalition.” And this means ensuring representation from all the different streams and segments that constitute Singapore. 

While urging everyone not to be distracted from the long term and more important challenges facing Singapore, Dr Balakrishnan is hopeful good sense will prevail.

http://www.todayonline.com/articles/316302.asp

A defence tinged with regret

Old Guard explains its leadership; refutes pro-lesbian accusations

Today Weekend • April 25, 2009

Teo Xuanwei

xuanwei@mediacorp.com.sg

TEARS welled up as she related how "saddened" she felt that it happened under her watch. Ms Constance Singam, the immediate past-president at the Association of Women for Action and Research, was visibly shaken when she said the "fundamental value of trust" in the women's advocacy group was "gone", following its very public leadership tussle.

And the implications for civil society arising from the dramatic events unfolding within the group, such as the death threats said to have been sent to the new leadership, were keenly felt as well.

"We are saddened and sorry. That's not how we want civil society to operate," said Dr Kanwaljit Soin, a founding member. "We don't know who gave it to her and we don't think such actions should take place in a civilised society."

But the "Old Guard" firmly defended the way they ran Aware. In a heated 90-minute press conference on Friday, 10 members, accompanied by a legal adviser, responded to the newly-elected committee's barbs that the feminist organisation has become pro-gay and pro-lesbian, among other things.

A press statement was issued to account for each activity listed by the current Exco to support their claims.

Responding to allegations that its comprehensive sexuality education programme promotes homosexuality, the Old Guard said information about lesbianism only constituted a "very small percentage of the whole package".

Other elements included risks of unsafe sex and how to deal with peer pressure, for instance. Such activities were a bid to respond to the "changing needs of women".

"Homosexuality exists. We cannot be ostriches and bury our heads and pretend it doesn't exist. We have to address the issue," said Dr Soin.

The common refrain from the 10 on Friday to refute claims that Aware has deviated from its original aims: It was set up as a "secular" and "inclusive" civil society. It does not seek to "impose values", said Dr Soin.

"We are anti-discrimination. We are anti anti-anything," Ms Singam said passionately.

The current crisis at Aware is also not about "women fighting against women", the group noted, but should instead serve as a wake-up call for all civil society actors.

As advocates for issues that would benefit society, civil societies are "responsible for being transparent and accountable", said Dr Soin.

The right way to go about advancing an issue was to work together within the organisation even when there were differing viewpoints, she added, and not "stealthily taking over", as the focus eventually turned on the new Exco.

Dr Soin said: "There seems to be an ideological divide. It would have been more easily bridged if they had come in as members, gave us their viewpoints, see what they feel is objectionable and argue with us."

The new Exco has not stated in exact terms what its agenda is and how it is going to carry it out, she added.

This demand, which had been made since the issue was reported, has now led to an online petition to opposed the new Exco at the upcoming extraordinary general meeting on May 2 — started by one of its founding members, Vivian Wee.

The Old Guard described the petition as "an expression of how civil society works".

That more than 500 Singaporeans and foreigners have signed up is an indication they are "not happy with how things have worked out" since the elections, said Dr Soin.

Declining to speculate on whether the bid to overthrow the Exco would be successful, Ms Margaret Thomas, a founding member and past vice-president, said the Old Guard would have a slate of new candidates ready.

Ms Dana Lam, a past president, also took issue with the current Exco's firing of staff. Noting that Aware has always been run by "dedicated" volunteers, she said: "We are not a corporation. We don't hire and fire."

Behind the barbs against the new Exco, however, there remained that notable a tinge of regret about the current crisis at Aware.

The Old Guard were sideswiped because it has traditionally been "too trusting" and "welcomed all new blood", said Dr Soin.

http://www.todayonline.com/articles/316013.asp

Aware's public education officer quits

Today Weekend • April 25, 2009

ESTHER NG

estherng@mediacorp.com.sg

SHE was barely two months into the job before Aware's centre manager Schutz Lee was sacked.

The reasons, according to Aware vice-president Charlotte Wong: Insubordination, blocking the president's email and poor performance — allegations rebutted by Ms Lee.

"It was mostly performance-based," Ms Wong told Today. She said she was alerted to Ms Lee's performance by volunteer Lilian Wong who had helped out during the transition.

"Let me give you an example: I've been receiving irate calls from people, who, when signing up as ordinary members online, got a `student membership' message," said Ms Wong. "They were not students, but this problem has been ongoing for some time. As vice-president, I am concerned about these things."

The association has student, ordinary, associate and life memberships.

On Friday, Ms Lee refuted the charges. "Firstly, I'm not a techie person. If there's a problem, I'll call the vendor," she said, adding that the problem had existed for almost a year and she had got the vendor to look into it.

As to the charge of locking Aware president Josie Lau out of the organisation's email system, Ms Lee said: "Charlotte comes to the office every day unlike Josie. On April 17, Charlotte asked me for the password to the president's email. I gave her the password, the same one which I had given to (former president) Constance Singam — this was around 4.30pm. She spent around half-an-hour trying to access the email, but couldn't."

So, Ms Lee contacted their webmaster, who "created a password immediately" and gave it to Ms Wong before the vice-president left the premises.

As for insubordination,Ms Wong said Ms Lee corrected the president when she was making a statement to the media on April 15. Ms Lau had told the press that she was "delighted to have been elected", at which point, Ms Lee pointed out that Ms Lau had been "appointed".

Ms Lee, 41, said she had worked with many chief executives as a public relations consultant and marketing director, and it was her job to correct them when they were wrong.

"Is this insubordination?" she asked.

Ms Lee's contract was due to expire on May 31.

The acrimonious exit ofMs Lee saw Aware's public education executive Joanna D'Cruz also throw in the towel on Friday.

Said Ms D'Cruz: "It was the way they fired Schutz so easily. I was scared — this is my first job. I'm quite outspoken and I don't like confrontations ... I don't want to be fired."

Aware has appointed a new manager, Ms Magdalene Teo, a member of Church of Our Saviour.

http://www.todayonline.com/articles/316009.asp

AWARE president says will not step down despite pressure

By Loh Chee Kong, TODAY Posted: 20 April 2009 0954 hrs

SINGAPORE: Even as both factions are reportedly gathering support for the May 2 showdown - in which members will vote on a no-confidence motion in the new Exco - the power tussle at AWARE could require more than just sheer numbers, with its constitution not providing specifically for a no-confidence vote.

Asked whether her committee would step down in the face of a majority vote at the upcoming extraordinary general meeting (EOGM), AWARE president Josie Lau instead questioned the commitment of those pushing for the motion towards “women’s issues”.

Of the 160 signatories for the EOGM, 120 joined only after the annual general meeting (AGM). Only five of the 40 older members actually attended the AGM.

“The other 30 or so members were not even interested enough to show up,” Ms Lau told TODAY.

With membership rising to 600 - up from 440 just three weeks ago, before the saga began - a big turnout at the EOGM is expected.

Ms Corinna Lim, a spokesperson for the Old Guard, pointed out the Constitution states that “management is vested in general meeting” and the Exco “always remains subordinate to the general meetings”.

Should the Exco refuse to budge, the issue could be brought up to the Registry of Societies, said Ms Lim, a corporate counsel.

While the leadership tussle is unlikely to go away anytime soon, Ms Lau remains undeterred - despite the fact she is a reluctant leader. She revealed on Channel NewsAsia’s Talking Point which aired Sunday, that she took the post after everyone else turned it down.

The controversies surrounding her appointment, including the public reprimand from her employer DBS, have strengthened her resolve.

“Once I’m in, I’m in. There’s no such thing as dropping the baton halfway,” she said.

She would not be drawn into taking a stance on homosexuality - a “very controversial topic” - only saying that “the new Exco will have to take a look at this and see what is the direction we want to take”.

Some newspaper reports have claimed that Ms Lau and at least five other members are part of a church that adopts a strong stance against homosexuality. But Ms Lau stressed the Exco “was not there to push our personal religious affiliations”.

Her team had come into power following a controversial AGM on March 28 when they were voted in by a large group of new members.

She denied that the Exco had orchestrated a leadership grab, insisting that several members were previously strangers to one another.

Criticising the ex-leadership for having “lost its focus”, she said: “We have to bring it back to basics and try... to equip our younger women to take on leadership position roles.”

AWARE would be seeking to introduce several “constitutional changes”: Expanding the voting rights to men, expatriate women and teenagers above the age of 15 who could seek parental consent to join the society.

- TODAY/yb

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/423529/1/.html

More than a numbers game

Today Online - Monday • April 20, 2009

Loh Chee Kong

cheekong@mediacorp.com.sg

EVEN as both factions are reportedly gathering support for theMay 2 showdown — in which members will vote on a no-confidence motion in the new Exco — the power tussle at Aware could require more than just sheer numbers, with its constitution not providing specifically for a no-confidence vote.

Asked whether her committee would step down in the face of a majority vote at the upcoming extraordinary general meeting (EOGM), Aware president Josie Lau instead questioned the commitment of those pushing for the motion towards "women's issues".

Of the 160 signatories for the EOGM, 120 joined only after the annual general meeting (AGM). Only five of the 40 older members actually attended the AGM.

"The other 30 or so members were not even interested enough to show up," Ms Lau told Today.

With membership rising to 600 — up from 440 just three weeks ago, before the saga began — a big turnout at the EOGM is expected.

Ms Corinna Lim, a spokesperson for the Old Guard, pointed out the Constitution states that "management is vested in general meeting" and the Exco "always remains subordinate to the general meetings".

Should the Exco refuse to budge, the issue could be brought up to the Registry of Societies, said Ms Lim, a corporate counsel.

While the leadership tussle is unlikely to go away anytime soon, Ms Lau remains undeterred — despite the fact she is a reluctant leader. She revealed on Channel NewsAsia's Talking Point yesterday that she took the post after everyone else turned it down.

The controversies surrounding her appointment, including the public reprimand from her employer DBS, have strengthened her resolve.

"Once I'm in, I'm in. There's no such thing as dropping the baton halfway," she said.

She would not be drawn into taking a stance on homosexuality — a "very controversial topic" — only saying that "the new Exco will have to take a look at this and see what is the direction we want to take".

Some newspaper reports have claimed that Ms Lau and at least five other members are part of a church that adopts a strong stance against homosexuality. But Ms Lau stressed the Exco "was not there to push our personal religious affiliations".

Her team had come into power following a controversial AGM on March 28 when they were voted in by a large group of new members. She denied that the Exco had orchestrated a leadership grab, insisting that several members were previously strangers to one another.

Criticising the ex-leadership for having "lost its focus", she said: "We have to bring it back to basics and try ... to equip our younger women to take on leadership position roles."

Aware would be seeking to introduce several "constitutional changes": Expanding the voting rights to men, expatriate women and teenagers above the age of 15 who could seek parental consent to join the society.

http://www.todayonline.com/articles/314803.asp

The new Exco speaks ...

Today Online - Monday • April 20, 2009

On former Aware president Constance Singam who has quit as adviser of the society:

Acknowledging Ms Singam's concerns listed in her resignation email, Ms Josie Lau said: "Constance has a wealth of ideas and perspectives and her resignation is a loss to Aware and women in Singapore."

On Ms Braema Mathi, two-time Awarepresident, who was told she was no longerin charge of producing a key report ondiscrimination against women in Singapore:

Ms Ong said Ms Mathi had failed to submit a draft report which, according to the latest annual report prepared by the previous Exco, had been due since March last year.

"At the first exco meeting (on April 15), we had asked her for the report. To date, she has not submitted it."

Ms Mathi, who has been on a hectic travelling schedule, could not be reached for comment. When contacted by Today, Ms Singam clarified that it was a misprint — the deadline should have been "March 2009". She said she would communicate the error to the Exco today. "Yes, (the misunderstanding) shouldn't have happened ... but they never asked me about it," she said.

On Ms Claire Nazar, who quit as president less than two weeks after she was elected:

Noting that Ms Nazar's email stated that her resignation was "purely out of personal reasons", Ms Lau said she was surprised at her assertions that she did so because the Exco "were not going to follow in my direction".

"The president is there to provide leadership and guidance but the Exco actually helps to set the direction," said Ms Lau.

Instead of quitting in a huff, Ms Nazar should have tried to iron out the differences she had with the rest of the Exco, said Aware honorary treasurer Maureen Ong.

http://www.todayonline.com/articles/314807.asp

When the employer drops by

Today Online -Weekend • April 18, 2009 

Dharmendra Yadav

By ignoring DBS' advice, is Lau saying Aware presidency is more important?

When the employer drops by

VERY rarely does a private sector employer comment publicly about what its employee does in his or her personal time. It is even rarer for a private sector employer to express disagreement about its employee's voluntary commitments.

DBS did both when it came out to express its view on the personal and voluntary work of its vice-president of credit cards, Josie Lau, who was appointed this week the new president of the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware).

Employers generally restrain themselves not because it may come across as downright unprofessional but for other sound reasons. As indicated by DBS' statement on Wednesday, in which it said the bank requires all employees to obtain approval before running for or taking on an external appointment, most employers have internal policies about such matters.

An internal policy usually allows an employee to do most things with his or her personal time so long as these do not create a real or an apparent conflict of interest by interfering with officially assigned duties.

A 1993 study, `The employer as social arbiter: Considerations in limiting involvement in off-the-job behaviour', by the School of Labour and Industrial Relations at Michigan State University encouraged an employer "to act conservatively in invoking mandatory policies that affect employees' personal lives unless there is a clear individual employee performance problem or the personal behaviour imposes harm on employees or customers".

Such internal policies tend to encourage employees to consult their immediate supervisors when in doubt about their out-of-office activities. Legal advice can be sought from relevant counsel where necessary.

In the financial sector, there are governance requirements that require employees to disclose their activities or sources of income outside work on a regular basis.

Employees are often trusted to act in a manner not prejudicial to the interests and reputation of their employers. For example, some years ago, I was involved in a constitutional matter outside work. I knew that my then employer, a cooperative of the National Trades Union Congress, would not tolerate my participation in opposition party activities, as the NTUC unwaveringly backs the governing party.

But certain individuals alleged that I was helping an opposition party. Questions about such involvement naturally flowed from my bosses. It turned out I had in fact helped a politician from the ruling party.

To the credit of my former employer, I was never questioned about my personal activities again. I would like to think my actions had assured them that I had their interests and reputation at heart.

Similarly, cases such as Ms Lau's are usually privately dealt with by well-oiled internal checks and before they become a public relations nightmare. Thus, when Sylvia Lim of Temasek Polytechnic or Brandon Siow of Singapore Airlines Cargo joined the Workers' Party before the last elections, no equivalent performance concerns were raised by their employers.

What then are the options available to Ms Lau, now that her employer has said its piece? She can prepare for a baptism of fire. Her employer will scrutinise her more closely to ensure her Aware presidency does not affect her performance at work.

By ignoring DBS' advice, she appears to have signalled that her presidency at Aware is more important than her work at DBS.

One of my personal advisers best summarised my position when I was subject to unusual scrutiny as such: "You should ask yourself if the values of your organisation complement your own values. If they don't, the honourable thing for you to do is to resign." Indeed, if Ms Lau is not prepared to rough it out or finds her personal values diverging from that of DBS, she should leave the bank.

The easy way, of course, is for her to conduct herself like nothing has happened. Arguably, some may submit this is a foolish thing to do.

Over time, however, this incident may pass. But it may be opportune for employers to review their guidelines for the personal activities of their employees. It may also be a good time to revisit one's personal closets, just in case the employer drops by. 

WEEKENDVTRA

The writer, a trial lawyer in training, is writing in his personal capacity. He thanks his past, present and future employers for encouraging him to continue writing.

http://www.todayonline.com/articles/314510.asp

Why she quit

Today Online, April 18, 2009

Ms Claire Nazar told Today, it became clear after the exco's first meeting that they "were not going to follow my direction". "The exco and I didn't see eye to eye. It was unfortunate. It was pointless for me to carry on as I didn't want to waste time in politicking."
.
For instance, she wanted the current sub-committee chairs to retain their posts; the others felt differently. And, when she wanted to release a statement saying she would focus on working mothers during her one-year term, the exco "wanted to deliberate another week".
.
Ms Nazar said she wished Ms Josie Lau all the best and remains an Aware member.

http://www.todayonline.com/articles/314556.asp

DBS "reviewing" employee's appointment as AWARE president

Posted: 17 April 2009 1048 hrs

SINGAPORE: As observers reacted with surprise to DBS Bank’s declaration that it did not support employee Josie Lau’s appointment as president of a local women’s advocacy group, the bank on Thursday further revealed that it was “reviewing the matter internally” - after she had "knowingly disregarded" its staff code of conduct twice. 

Said a bank spokesperson: “Such attitude is not one that DBS, or any other organisation, can condone in a leader.” 

Ms Lau, who is the bank’s vice-president of consumer banking group cards and unsecured loans, was on Wednesday night named the new Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) chief. 

Shortly after, DBS issued a statement implying that Ms Lau had gone against its wishes in taking up the post. 

Shedding more light on this on Thursday, DBS revealed that Ms Lau had informed the bank on April 13 that she had been appointed to the AWARE executive committee - more than two weeks after the deed was done on March 28. 

“She had not sought prior approval for this appointment and thereby breached the staff code of conduct. Nevertheless, DBS made a concession and agreed to support her involvement as exco member,” said the bank spokesperson. 

Then, early this week, she told the bank she was aiming for the top post. 

The bank reviewed this request and informed her that while it continued to support her involvement in AWARE, “we could not support her intent to run for president, given the demands associated with the top post of a leading advocacy group in Singapore”. 

“Banks worldwide are facing very challenging times and her role as VP in the credit card space today is even more challenging, given the environment we are in,” added the spokesperson. “We are disappointed that Josie knowingly disregarded DBS’ staff code of conduct twice.” 

Ms Lau declined to comment, with an AWARE spokesperson saying she would speak to the media once things settled down. 

The bank’s public rebuke has puzzled some. It was one thing for firms to express concern in private over employees’ involvement in external activities, and quite another to do so publicly, particularly for a senior staff, they felt. 

“At the very senior management level, there should be adequate communication about such involvements... In this case, there may be some other issues of which we may be unaware,” said Singapore Human Resource Institute executive director David Ang. 

“For DBS to issue such a statement, (the situation) must be of some gravity.” 

TODAY understands that under the Banking Act, all bank employees must declare their involvement with external organisations, such as NGOs, to avoid a potential clash of interest. 

Banks contacted confirmed the industry practice. Said OCBC spokesperson Koh Ching Ching: “Financial institutions also need to know of potential conflicts for any possible supplier-buyer situations, even for accounts held by non-profit organisations or charities with us.” 

The bank respects staff’s “own assessment of their own abilities to balance work, family and community service activities”; still, they are encouraged to discuss their external commitments “if they need advice”. 

Within the NGO sector, Ms Lau – who joined DBS in 2004 after 15 years of developing and marketing events with the Singapore Tourism Board – is not alone in incurring employers’ dissatisfaction. 

One NGO veteran who declined to be named told TODAY, his employers have from time to time “pressured” him to give up his commitments. 

Dr Geh Min, who stepped down last year as Nature Society president, said it ultimately boils down to the trust between employer and staff. 

“It’s right for a company to expect commitment and loyalty... it’s up to the employee to convince the company he can juggle (the demands),” said the ophthalmologist who runs her own clinic. 

Mr Ang said that even among companies with a policy against staff holding external appointments, most are flexible on the matter. 

Citing his own experience as president of the Singapore Manufacturers’ Federation, Singapore Cable Manufacturer chairman Renny Yeo feels such involvement would further hone a person’s leadership and organisational skills, which would in turn benefit the company. 

But the bottomline, said Mr Yeo, is whether the company feels the staff is up to the balancing act. 

The mantra at DBS, it seems, is no different. 

Stressing that the bank “takes pride in” the many DBS employees who are involved in community, charity or volunteer groups in their personal capacity, the spokesperson reiterated that these staff “had sought and obtained prior approval to do so”. 

Approval is granted on a case-by-case basis, “depending on the demands of the proposed external appointment and the job responsibilities the individual holds in the bank”. 

- TODAY/yb

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/422969/1/.html

Exco opens up, but old guard still want EGM

Today Online - Friday, April 17, 2009

Zul Othman

zul@mediacorp.com.sg

 

A STATEMENT on Wednesday outlining the new-guard leadership’s plans, followed yesterday by detailed CVs of the 11 members —mostly unknown faces — may have gone a tiny way towards mending the rift with older members of the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware).

Long-time member Corrine Lim called the statement “a step in the right direction”, after two-and-a-half weeks of silence from the executive committee. Still, Aware veterans remain sceptical until a date for an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) is set.

“They said they would honour the values and work Aware has done, but so far, their actions don’t really match the statement issued,” Ms Lim said. There remain “a lot of question marks among members”.

Founding member Margaret Thomas said a meeting would give the new leaders a chance “to be transparent” and “convince us (the old guard) that there is no hidden agenda” behind the leadership change.

The new exco, which came to power in a surprise election result on March 28, on Wednesday night appointed a new president. Yesterday, biodata of the exco members were released to the media — including, for the first time, the nine new faces who come from diverse professional backgrounds in the business, banking, finance, legal, education, human resource and social service sectors.

But the exco could yet face a no-confidence motion at the EGM that 150 members like Ms Lim are calling for.

As of press time, the exco had not replied to Today’s queries about whether an EGM would be held, how it might go about reconciliation efforts, or if it would take Aware in any new directions.

In its statement, however, the new leaders had said they intend to “build on the solid foundations laid by the founders” and would “remember and honour the work of past Aware members”.

In particular, new president Josie Lau said the team would “seek to collaborate and align Aware with other women’s organisations” in outreach to girls and women hit by the recession, such as equipping those retrenched with new skills.

http://www.todayonline.com/articles/314337.asp

She did it not once, but twice

Today Online - Friday, April 17, 2009

Loh Chee Kong

cheekong@mediacorp.com.sg

 

AS OBSERVERS reacted with surprise to DBS Bank’s declaration that it did not support employee Josie Lau’s appointment as president of a local women’s advocacy group, the bank yesterday further revealed that it was “reviewing the matter internally” — after she had “knowingly disregarded” its staff code of conduct twice.

Said a bank spokesperson: “Such attitude is not one that DBS, or any other organisation, can condone in a leader.”

Ms Lau, who is the bank’s vice-president of consumer banking group cards and unsecured loans, was on Wednesday night named the new Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) chief. Shortly after, DBS issued a statement implying that Ms Lau had gone against its wishes in taking up the post.

Shedding more light on this yesterday, DBS revealed that Ms Lau had informed the bank on April 13 that she had been appointed to the Aware executive committee — more than two weeks after the deed was done on March 28.

“She had not sought prior approval for this appointment and thereby breached the staff code of conduct. Nevertheless, DBS made a concession and agreed to support her involvement as exco member,” said the bank spokesperson.

Then, early this week, she told the bank she was aiming for the top post. The bank reviewed this request and informed her that while it continued to support her involvement in Aware, “we could not support her intent to run for president, given the demands associated with the top post of a leading advocacy group in Singapore”.

“Banks worldwide are facing very challenging times and her role as VP in the credit card space today is even more challenging, given the environment we are in,” added the spokesperson. “We are disappointed that Josie knowingly disregarded DBS’ staff code of conduct twice.”

Ms Lau declined to comment, with an Aware spokesperson saying she would speak to the media once things settled down.

The bank’s public rebuke has puzzled some. It was one thing for firms to express concern in private over employees’ involvement in external activities, and quite another to do so publicly, particularly for a senior staff, they felt.

“At the very senior management level, there should be adequate communication about such involvements ... In this case, there may be some other issues of which we may be unaware,” said Singapore Human Resource Institute executive director David Ang.

“For DBS to issue such a statement, (the situation) must be of some gravity,”

TODAY understands that under the Banking Act, all bank employees must declare their involvement with external organisations, such as NGOs, to avoid a potential clash of interest.

Banks contacted confirmed the industry practice. Said OCBC spokesperson Koh Ching Ching: “Financial institutions also need to know of potential conflicts for any possible supplier-buyer situations, even for accounts held by non-profit organisations or charities with us.”

The bank respects staff’s “own assessment of their own abilities to balance work, family and community service activities”; still, they are encouraged to discuss their external commitments “if they need advice”.

SUBHD:

Within the NGO sector, Ms Lau – who joined DBS in 2004 after 15 years of developing and marketing events with the Singapore Tourism Board – is not alone in incurring employers’ dissatisfaction. One NGO veteran who declined to be named told TODAY, his employers have from time to time “pressured” him to give up his commitments.

Dr Geh Min, who stepped down last year as Nature Society president, said it ultimately boils down to the trust between employer and staff. “It’s right for a company to expect commitment and loyalty ... it’s up to the employee to convince the company he can juggle (the demands),” said the ophthalmologist who runs her own clinic.

Mr Ang said that even among companies with a policy against staff holding external appointments, most are flexible on the matter.

Citing his own experience as president of the Singapore Manufacturers’ Federation, Singapore Cable Manufacturer chairman Renny Yeo feels such involvement would further hone a person’s leadership and organisational skills, which would in turn benefit the company. But the bottomline, said Mr Yeo, is whether the company feels the staff is up to the balancing act.

The mantra at DBS, it seems, is no different.

Stressing that the bank “takes pride in” the many DBS employees who are involved in community, charity or volunteer groups in their personal capacity, the spokesperson reiterated that these staff “had sought and obtained prior approval to do so”. Approval is granted on a case-by-case basis, “depending on the demands of the proposed external appointment and the job responsiblities the individual holds in the bank”.

http://www.todayonline.com/articles/314331.asp

What’s good for the goose ... Isn’t for the gander?

Today Online - Friday, April 17, 2009

What’s good for the goose ... Isn’t for the gander? DBS has other multi-taskers too, besides Aware’s president

 

Conrad Raj

editor-at-large | conrad@mediacorp.com.sg

 

ONE might wonder if there is more than meets the eye, in DBS Bank’s disapproval of Ms Josie Lau Meng Lee’s appointment as president of Aware.

The bank said on Wednesday that although it supported her involvement in Aware as a council member in her own personal capacity, it was “not supportive” of her running for presidency of the women’s advocacy group.

“We believe that as a VP (vice-president) in DBS, she already has a challenging job with many responsibilities and the role of president would demand too much of her time and energy,” the bank said in a media statement.

If it is the case that Ms Lau’s new post at Aware would take up too much of her time, then what about the various external groups that the bank’s senior management are involved in?

Mr Koh Boon Hwee already has a full time job as executive director of MediaRing. Yet he chairs DBS Holdings, since the late chief executive Richard Stanley became ill with cancer, where he has been involved in the daily running of Singapore’s largest commercial bank.

Furthermore, Mr Koh is a director of Sunningdale Tech, chairman of the Board of Trustees at Nanyang Technological University, a director at Temasek Holdings, and on the boards of Agilent Technologies and the Hewlett Foundation. Is that not more onerous than being a VP of DBS’ credit card division and president of Aware?

Mr Koh is not the only one multi-tasking at the bank; most of its other directors sit on other boards besides having full-time jobs.

Take Dr Bart Broadman, 47, for example. He is not only managing director of Singapore-based Alphadyne Asset Management which he founded, but is also a board member of the Central Provident Fund Board, serving on its Investment Committee; as well as vice-chairman of the Board of Governors at the Singapore American School.

Board member Kwa Chong Seng, 62, is not only chairman and managing director of oil giant ExxonMobil Asia Pacific and the lead manager of the company’s subsidiaries in Singapore, but also deputy chairman of Temasek Holdings, a director of Sinopec SenMei (Fujian) Petroleum Company and a member of the Public Service and Legal Service commissions.

Mr Wong Ngit Liong, 67, is not only a member of DBS’ Board and its Audit committee, the Nominating and Compensation committee and the Management Development committee — but also runs one of the biggest contract manufacturing plants in Singapore, the Venture Group of companies. He is also chairman of the NUS Board of Trustees and a member of the Research Innovation and Enterprise Council.

All this aside, several of Singapore’s Ministers and top civil servants hold more than one portfolio. In fact, many permanent secretaries sit on various boards of statutory boards and private companies, besides running their respective ministries.

Yet, Ms Lau is considered not capable of handling the presidency of Aware and her job at DBS. Is the bank that demanding an employer? Also, she was given approval to be a council member but not take on the higher-profile appointment at Aware: One would have thought, it would be a feather in DBS’ cap to have a staff member gaining the presidency of a prominent organisation.

In any case, DBS should be judging Ms Lau on her performance at the bank. If she is not able to perform adequately as a VP, there are various measures the bank can take to improve her performance, including cutting her bonus or stagnating her pay.

Unless there are other factors at play here?

http://www.todayonline.com/articles/314291.asp

Conrad Raj

editor-at-large | conrad@mediacorp.com.sg

 

ONE might wonder if there is more than meets the eye, in DBS Bank’s disapproval of Ms Josie Lau Meng Lee’s appointment as president of Aware.

The bank said on Wednesday that although it supported her involvement in Aware as a council member in her own personal capacity, it was “not supportive” of her running for presidency of the women’s advocacy group.

“We believe that as a VP (vice-president) in DBS, she already has a challenging job with many responsibilities and the role of president would demand too much of her time and energy,” the bank said in a media statement.

If it is the case that Ms Lau’s new post at Aware would take up too much of her time, then what about the various external groups that the bank’s senior management are involved in?

Mr Koh Boon Hwee already has a full time job as executive director of MediaRing. Yet he chairs DBS Holdings, since the late chief executive Richard Stanley became ill with cancer, where he has been involved in the daily running of Singapore’s largest commercial bank.

Furthermore, Mr Koh is a director of Sunningdale Tech, chairman of the Board of Trustees at Nanyang Technological University, a director at Temasek Holdings, and on the boards of Agilent Technologies and the Hewlett Foundation. Is that not more onerous than being a VP of DBS’ credit card division and president of Aware?

Mr Koh is not the only one multi-tasking at the bank; most of its other directors sit on other boards besides having full-time jobs.

Take Dr Bart Broadman, 47, for example. He is not only managing director of Singapore-based Alphadyne Asset Management which he founded, but is also a board member of the Central Provident Fund Board, serving on its Investment Committee; as well as vice-chairman of the Board of Governors at the Singapore American School.

Board member Kwa Chong Seng, 62, is not only chairman and managing director of oil giant ExxonMobil Asia Pacific and the lead manager of the company’s subsidiaries in Singapore, but also deputy chairman of Temasek Holdings, a director of Sinopec SenMei (Fujian) Petroleum Company and a member of the Public Service and Legal Service commissions.

Mr Wong Ngit Liong, 67, is not only a member of DBS’ Board and its Audit committee, the Nominating and Compensation committee and the Management Development committee — but also runs one of the biggest contract manufacturing plants in Singapore, the Venture Group of companies. He is also chairman of the NUS Board of Trustees and a member of the Research Innovation and Enterprise Council.

All this aside, several of Singapore’s Ministers and top civil servants hold more than one portfolio. In fact, many permanent secretaries sit on various boards of statutory boards and private companies, besides running their respective ministries.

Yet, Ms Lau is considered not capable of handling the presidency of Aware and her job at DBS. Is the bank that demanding an employer? Also, she was given approval to be a council member but not take on the higher-profile appointment at Aware: One would have thought, it would be a feather in DBS’ cap to have a staff member gaining the presidency of a prominent organisation.

In any case, DBS should be judgingMs Lau on her performance at the bank. If she is not able to perform adequately as a VP, there are various measures the bank can take to improve her performance, including cutting her bonus or stagnating her pay.

Unless there are other factors at play here?

Isn’t for the gander? DBS has other multi-taskers too, besides Aware’s president

 

Conrad Raj

editor-at-large | conrad@mediacorp.com.sg

 

ONE might wonder if there is more than meets the eye, in DBS Bank’s disapproval of Ms Josie Lau Meng Lee’s appointment as president of Aware.

The bank said on Wednesday that although it supported her involvement in Aware as a council member in her own personal capacity, it was “not supportive” of her running for presidency of the women’s advocacy group.

“We believe that as a VP (vice-president) in DBS, she already has a challenging job with many responsibilities and the role of president would demand too much of her time and energy,” the bank said in a media statement.

If it is the case that Ms Lau’s new post at Aware would take up too much of her time, then what about the various external groups that the bank’s senior management are involved in?

Mr Koh Boon Hwee already has a full time job as executive director of MediaRing. Yet he chairs DBS Holdings, since the late chief executive Richard Stanley became ill with cancer, where he has been involved in the daily running of Singapore’s largest commercial bank.

Furthermore, Mr Koh is a director of Sunningdale Tech, chairman of the Board of Trustees at Nanyang Technological University, a director at Temasek Holdings, and on the boards of Agilent Technologies and the Hewlett Foundation. Is that not more onerous than being a VP of DBS’ credit card division and president of Aware?

Mr Koh is not the only one multi-tasking at the bank; most of its other directors sit on other boards besides having full-time jobs.

Take Dr Bart Broadman, 47, for example. He is not only managing director of Singapore-based Alphadyne Asset Management which he founded, but is also a board member of the Central Provident Fund Board, serving on its Investment Committee; as well as vice-chairman of the Board of Governors at the Singapore American School.

Board member Kwa Chong Seng, 62, is not only chairman and managing director of oil giant ExxonMobil Asia Pacific and the lead manager of the company’s subsidiaries in Singapore, but also deputy chairman of Temasek Holdings, a director of Sinopec SenMei (Fujian) Petroleum Company and a member of the Public Service and Legal Service commissions.

Mr Wong Ngit Liong, 67, is not only a member of DBS’ Board and its Audit committee, the Nominating and Compensation committee and the Management Development committee — but also runs one of the biggest contract manufacturing plants in Singapore, the Venture Group of companies. He is also chairman of the NUS Board of Trustees and a member of the Research Innovation and Enterprise Council.

All this aside, several of Singapore’s Ministers and top civil servants hold more than one portfolio. In fact, many permanent secretaries sit on various boards of statutory boards and private companies, besides running their respective ministries.

Yet, Ms Lau is considered not capable of handling the presidency of Aware and her job at DBS. Is the bank that demanding an employer? Also, she was given approval to be a council member but not take on the higher-profile appointment at Aware: One would have thought, it would be a feather in DBS’ cap to have a staff member gaining the presidency of a prominent organisation.

In any case, DBS should be judgingMs Lau on her performance at the bank. If she is not able to perform adequately as a VP, there are various measures the bank can take to improve her performance, including cutting her bonus or stagnating her pay.

The new guard consolidates

Today Online - Thursday, April 16, 2009

Josie Lau picked as president at late night meeting

 

ALICIA WONG

alicia@mediacorp.com.sg

THE new guard sealed its leadership grab in women’s advocacy group Aware yesterday when one of their own, Ms Josie Lau Meng Lee, was appointed president.

The executive committee of the group was meeting one week after its then newly-elected president and older member Claire Nazar abruptly resigned.

Ms Lau holds a senior position in DBS Bank as vice-president for its cards. Her husband, Today understands, is associate member Dr Alan Chin who helped count the votes at the society’s annual general meeting (AGM) on March 28.

The AGM made news when nine of the 12 seats on the society’s Exco went to new faces, including the positions of vice-president, honorary secretary, honorarytreasurer and assistant honorary secretary.

Last night’s meeting was also not without its share of drama when about three hours after it began, Ms Caris Lim — one of two long-time Exco members who had not been ousted — walked out.

“I am very disillusioned. I don’t like what’s going on, so I am walking out,” she said with a sombre face as she left the meeting at 10.15pm.

Ms Lau, 48, was chosen as president from the six non-office bearers which included Ms Lim. The other long-time Aware member still on the Exco is Ms Chew I-Jin, who is assistant honorary treasurer.

After the meeting ended at around11pm, Ms Lau told the press she was “delighted to have been elected”. At this point, however, an Aware staff clarified that Ms Lau had been “appointed”.

In her position, Ms Lau said she will “aspire to bring Aware to a new level of development, advocacy and growth for women of the nation”. She declined to comment further but said she would “propel” the group as a “positive agent in advancing the causes of women in particular in times like now which is very, very challenging”.

Some members had arrived at Aware’s headquarters at Dover Crescent for the meeting wearing strained, stern looks. But Ms Lau ended her night just as she had started it — composed and courteous.

Also present was Ms Constance Singam, the immediate past president for Aware, which stands for the Association of Women for Action and Research.

She declined to comment before the meeting started, but said later that “we” will not be resigning from the group as it is one they love and have been committed to for “a very long time”.

Cyberspace has been abuzz with rumours about the religious and allegedly anti-gay views of the new Exco members. It has also been reported that some of them, including honorary secretary Jenica Chua, as well as Dr Chin have written to the media about homosexuality.

Ms Chua had written in October 2007 about Non-nominated Member of Parliament Siew Kum Hong petitioning to repeal Section 377A of the Penal Code which criminalises homosexual sex between consenting men.

Dr Chin has cautioned against the risks of promoting the homosexual lifestyle.

At the same time that the meeting was taking place last night, the group was also holding a party for its volunteers at its premises.

http://www.todayonline.com/articles/314105.asp