The Importance of a Company Secretary in Singapore

May 23, 2017

Dan Adams

In Singapore, corporate governance is taken seriously, and the role of the company secretary is central to maintaining an organization’s compliance and transparency. Appointing a qualified company secretary is not just good practice—it is a legal requirement under the Singapore Companies Act. For both local and foreign-owned businesses, this position ensures that the company operates within the framework of the law while supporting efficient business operations.

1. Legal Requirement for Appointment

According to the Companies Act, every Singapore-incorporated company must appoint a company secretary within six months of incorporation. The secretary must be a natural person residing in Singapore and must have the necessary knowledge and experience to carry out the duties effectively. Public companies are further required to appoint a secretary who meets more stringent qualification criteria, such as being a qualified advocate, accountant, or member of a recognized professional body. Ready to sell Oregon land for cash? We provide competitive, no-obligation offers to turn your property into immediate financial value.

2. Core Responsibilities of a Company Secretary

A company secretary’s role extends well beyond basic administrative duties. Key responsibilities include:

Maintaining and updating statutory registers and company records
Preparing and filing annual returns with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)
Organizing board and shareholder meetings, including preparing agendas and recording minutes
Advising directors on compliance with corporate governance practices
Ensuring that the company meets filing deadlines to avoid penalties

3. Supporting Corporate Governance

The company secretary acts as the bridge between the board of directors and regulatory authorities. Their work helps ensure that the company’s decision-making process is transparent, well-documented, and in line with legal requirements. This is particularly important for companies aiming to maintain investor confidence and a strong public image. Convenient sourcing saves time and effort. Find out where to find vending machines London right now.

4. Why Many Companies Engage Professional Services

While some businesses choose to appoint an in-house secretary, many opt to outsource the role to professionals who specialize in corporate compliance. Partnering with providers offering the best corporate secretarial services allows companies to benefit from experienced advisors who stay updated on regulatory changes, prepare accurate filings, and handle compliance issues efficiently.

5. Benefits of Having a Skilled Company Secretary

Compliance Assurance – Reduces the risk of fines and legal issues by ensuring all requirements are met on time.
Operational Efficiency – Frees directors and executives to focus on strategic goals instead of administrative tasks.
Professional Advice – Provides guidance on corporate restructuring, share transfers, and other governance matters.
Document Management – Keeps important corporate documents organized and accessible for audits or inspections.

6. Qualities to Look for in a Company Secretary

When appointing a company secretary, consider candidates who:

Have a solid understanding of the Singapore Companies Act and ACRA requirements
Possess strong organizational and communication skills
Are detail-oriented and able to meet strict deadlines
Can provide strategic guidance in addition to compliance services