IMDA Whistle Blowing Channels

The IMDA Whistle Blowing Channels provide individuals avenues to disclose in confidence and without fear of reprisal, occurrences of possible wrongful practices within or related to IMDA, for appropriate investigation and action. The channels are independently managed by the Internal Audit Unit.

All disclosures should be made in good faith, without malice, and when the whistleblower has reasonable grounds for suspecting that an incident of wrongful practice has occurred. IMDA will not tolerate discrimination, retaliation or harassment of any kind against a whistleblower who submits a complaint or report in good faith.

Wrongful practices includes but is not limited to the following:

• Inappropriate conduct or unethical behaviour, which includes, but is not limited to workplace harassment;
• Wilful suppression or concealment of any information relating to wrongful practices;
• Financial and non-financial malpractice e.g. not observing proper procedures for tendering or funding;
• Fraud or deliberately including false or incorrect information in the preparation, evaluation, review, audit of financial accounts and records;
• Failure to observe a legal obligation;
• Miscarriage of justice;
• Academic or professional malpractice, e.g. violation of intellectual property rights or displaying a lack of integrity by plagiarizing the research of others;
• Endangering the health and safety of persons or the environment.

Reports and queries related to the complaints may be made through the following:

IMDA employees should continue to raise human resource issues through existing internal channels.

In making a report, the following information should be provided where possible:

• Name(s) of person(s)/organisation(s) involved;
• Description of the incident, including where, when and how did the incident occur;
• Frequency of occurrence of the incident;
• Details of any witnesses and evidence you know of;
• Value of any money or assets involved; and
• Any other information that may substantiate the concern.

All instances of whistle blowing, including those that do not warrant investigation or any further action, will be reported to the Audit and Risk Committee comprising Board and/or co-opted members who are independent of IMDA’s Management.

Who manages the IMDA Whistle-Blowing Channels?

IMDA Whistle-Blowing Channels are centrally and independently managed by IMDA Internal Audit Unit.

Who should I submit the report to if my complaint involves any IMDA Internal Audit staff?

Report should be submitted directly to the CEO, IMDA (and not through the IMDA Whistle-Blowing Channels), who will also inform IMDA Audit and Risk Committee Chairman.

Can I submit Human Resource-related grievances via the IMDA Whistle-Blowing Channels?

Complaints on Human Resource-related grievances (e.g. job performance) should be raised through existing Human Resource channels, or through the union for staff who are union members.

Can I remain anonymous?

You may choose to raise your concerns anonymously and we shall respect your anonymity. However, concerns expressed anonymously may lack credibility and may hinder follow-up clarifications and investigations. Thus, we would highly encourage whistle-blowers to identify themselves where possible to facilitate the investigation process.

How will confidentiality of my identity be protected?

The identity of the whistle-blower will be protected and kept under utmost confidentiality. However, under certain circumstances, the identity of the whistle-blower may be revealed to parties on the need-to-know basis such as the Investigation Committee, approving authority, Legal and the law enforcement agencies.

As a staff, what should I do if I were to receive complaints or concerns from a whistle-blower (internal staff or external party)?

The staff should advise the whistle-blower to lodge a report directly via the IMDA Whistle-Blowing Channels. In event the whistle-blower declines to lodge the report personally, the staff shall reduce the complaints or concerns in writing and lodge the report via the IMDA Whistle-Blowing Channels.

Separately, the staff should notify Head (Internal Audit Unit) via email within 24 hours to facilitate follow-up.

What information should I include in the report?

Do provide as much specific information and details as you can, for example:

1. Name and contact details of whistle-blower;
2. Nature of the alleged wrongful practices;
3. Name(s) of person(s)/organisation(s) involved;
4. Names of any witnesses;
5. Description of the incident(s), including date, time and location of incident(s);
6. Frequency of occurrence of the incident(s);
7. Details of any evidence you know of;
8. Value of any money or assets involved; and
9. Any other information that may substantiate the concern.

Can I share the details of the complaint with anyone outside the IMDA Whistle Blowing Channels?

All information disclosed should be kept confidential and not shared.

Do I get any rewards for reporting misconduct?

No, there is no reward for reporting misconduct to the IMDA Whistle Blowing Channels.

Will there be an investigation process after each report is made?

We will assess the information received and decide on the action required.

Will I be involved after I report an incident?

We may contact you for more information if you have provided your contact details. If you have any new or additional information, or would like to make any amendments to your report, you can contact us at any time.

Can I conduct my own investigation?

To avoid jeopardising subsequent investigation, the whistle-blower should not proceed to conduct investigation.

Are law enforcement agencies notified of reports made to the IMDA Whistle Blowing Channels?

We will assess the information received and notify the relevant law enforcement agencies where necessary and appropriate.