Society No. S61SS0014E
Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry and its subsidiaries
Annual Financial Statements 31 December 2024
STATEMENT OF COUNCIL MEMBERS
We, Kho Choon Keng and Ang Fung Fung, being two of the members of the Council of Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (the Chamber), do hereby state that in the opinion of the Council:
(a) the accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Group and the statement of financial position, statement of comprehensive income and statement of changes in funds of the Chamber are drawn up so as to present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Group and the financial position of the Chamber as at 31 December 2024 and of the consolidated financial performance of the Group and the financial performance of the Chamber, consolidated changes in funds of the Group and changes in funds of the Chamber and consolidated cash flows of the Group for the year ended on that date;
(b) at the date of this statement, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Group and the Chamber will be able to pay its debts as and when they fall due.
On behalf of the Council members,
Kho Choon Keng President
Ang Fung Fung Chairperson, Finance Committee
Singapore 10 February 2025
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SINGAPORE CHINESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Report on the audit of the financial statements
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (the "Chamber") and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Group), which comprise the consolidated statement of financial position of the Group and the statement of financial position of the Chamber as at 31 December 2024, the consolidated statements of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in funds and consolidated statement of cash flows of the Group and the statement of comprehensive income and statement of changes in funds of the Chamber for the year then ended, and notes to the financial statements, including material accounting policy information.
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Group, the statement of financial position , statement of comprehensive income and the statement of changes in funds of the Chamber are properly drawn up in accordance with the provisions of the Societies Act 1966 (the Act) and Financial Reporting Standards in Singapore (FRSs) so as to present fairly, in all material respects, of the financial position of the Group and the Chamber as at 31 December 2024 and of the financial performance and changes in funds of the Group and the Chamber, and cash flows of the Group for the year ended on that date.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Singapore Standards on Auditing (SSAs). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Public Accountants and Accounting Entities (ACRA Code) together with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in Singapore, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements and the ACRA Code. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Other information
Management is responsible for other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report and Statement of Council Members in page 1, but does not include the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon.
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.If, basedonthe work wehave performed, weconcludethat thereis a materialmisstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.
Other matters
The comparative figures to the accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Group are unaudited.
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SINGAPORE CHINESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Responsibilities of management and council members for the financial statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements in accordance with the provisions of the Act and FRSs, and for such internal controls as management determines as necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free of material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.
The Council Members are responsible for overseeing the Group’s financial reporting process.
Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with SSAs will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
As part of an audit in accordance with SSAs, we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:
Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control.
Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by management.
Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Group to cease to continue as a going concern.
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SINGAPORE CHINESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements (Continued)
Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
Plan and perform the group audit to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business units within the group as a basis for forming an opinion on the group financial statements. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and review of the audit work performed for purposes of the group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.
We communicate with the Council Members regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.
Report on other legal and regulatory requirements
In our opinion, the accounting and other records required by the Act to be kept by the Chamber by those subsidiary corporations incorporated in Singapore of which we are the auditors have been properly kept in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
Ernst & Young LLP
Public Accountants and Chartered Accountants
Singapore 10 February 2025
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 (In Singapore dollars)
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 (In Singapore dollars)
ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES (Continued) Non-current
FUNDS
The accompanying accounting policies and explanatory notes form an integral part of the financial statements.
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 (In Singapore dollars)
The accompanying accounting policies and explanatory notes form an integral part of the
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN FUNDS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
(In Singapore dollars)
The accompanying accounting policies and explanatory notes form an integral part of the financial statements.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF
CASH FLOWS
FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
(In Singapore dollars)
The accompanying accounting policies and explanatory notes form an integral part of the
statements.
1. Corporate information
Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (the Chamber) is a registered society, which is established and domiciled in Singapore.
The registered office and principal place of business of the Chamber is located at 47 Hill Street #05-01/02, Singapore 179365.
The principal activities of the Chamber are to promote industrial, commercial and economic prosperity as well as the social welfare of Singapore. The principal activities of the subsidiary companies are disclosed in Note 8 to the financial statements. Related entities refer to entities where the Chamber’s council members are either the directors or members of those entities.
There have been no significant changes in the nature of these activities during the financial year.
2. Material accounting policy information
2.1 Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements of the Group and the statement of financial position, statement of comprehensive income and statement of changes in funds of the Chamber have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standards in Singapore (FRS).
The financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis except as disclosed in the accounting policies below.
The financial statements are presented in Singapore Dollars ($).
2.2 Adoption of new and amended standards
The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the previous financial year except in the current financial year, the Chamber has adopted all the new and revised standards that are effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2024. The adoption of these standards did not have any material effect on the financial performance or position of the Chamber.
2. Material accounting policy information (Continued)
2.3
Standards issued but not yet effective
The Chamber has not adopted the following standards that have been issued but not yet effective:
Description
Effective for annual periods beginning on or after
Amendments to FRS 21 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates: Lack of Exchangeability 1 January 2025
Amendments to FRS 109 Financial Instruments and FRS 107 Financial Instruments: Disclosures: Amendments to the Classification and Measurement of Financial Instruments 1 January 2026
Annual Improvement to FRSs Volume 11 1 January 2026
FRS 118 Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements 1 January 2027
FRS 119 Subsidiaries without Public Accountability: Disclosures 1 January 2027
Amendments to FRS 110 Consolidated Financial Statements and FRS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures: Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture
Date to be determined
The Council members expect that the adoption of the other standards above will have no material impact on the financial statements in the period of initial application.
2.4 Basis of consolidation
(a) Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Chamber and its subsidiaries as at 31 December 2024. The financial statements of the subsidiaries used inthe preparation of the consolidated financialstatements arepreparedfor the same reporting date as the Chamber. Consistent accounting policies are applied to like transactions and events in similar circumstances. All intra-group balances, income, expenses and unrealised gains and losses resulting from intra-group transactions and dividends are eliminated in full on consolidation. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date of acquisition, being the date on which the Group obtains control, and continue to be consolidated until the date that such control ceases. Losses within a subsidiary are attributed to the non-controlling interest, even if that results in a deficit balance.
A change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary, without a loss of control, is accounted for as an equity transaction. If the Group loses control over a subsidiary, it derecognises the related assets (including goodwill), liabilities and non-controlling interest and other components of equity, while any surplus or deficit is recognised in profit or loss. Any investment retained is recognised at fair value.
2. Material accounting policy information (Continued)
2.4 Basis of consolidation (Continued)
(b) Business combinations involving entities under common control
Business combinations involving entities under common control are accounted for by applying the pooling of interest method. Under this method, the assets and liabilities of the combining entities are reflected at their carrying amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements of the controlling holding company. Consequently, no adjustments are made to reflect the fair values on the date of combination or recognise any new assets or liabilities. Additionally, no additional goodwill is recognised as a result of this combination.
Any difference between the consideration paid or transferred and the equity ‘acquired’ is reflected within the equity as merger reserve. The statement of comprehensive income reflects the results of the combining entities for the full year, irrespective of when the combination took place.
2.5 Foreign currency
The financial statements are presented in Singapore Dollars, which is also the Chamber’s functional currency. Each entity inthe Group determines its own functional currency and items included in the financial statements of each entity are measured using that functional currency.
(a) Transactions and balances
Transactions in foreign currencies are measured in the respective functional currencies of the Chamber and its subsidiaries and are recorded on initial recognition in the functional currencies at exchange rates approximating those ruling at the transaction dates. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rate of exchange ruling at the end of the reporting period. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates as at the dates of the initial transactions. Non-monetary items measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date when the fair value was measured. Exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary items or on translating monetary items at the end of the reporting period are recognised in profit or loss.
(b) Consolidated financial statements
For consolidation purpose, the assets and liabilities of foreign operations that are in functional currencies other than SGD are translated into SGD at the rate of exchange ruling at the end of the reporting period and their profit or loss are translated at the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transactions. All resulting translation exchange differences are recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in a separate component of equity as foreign currency translation reserve. When a foreign operation is disposed of, in part or in full, the relevant amount in the foreign exchange translation reserve is reclassified from equity to profit or loss and recognised as a component of the gain or loss on disposal.
2. Material accounting policy information (Continued)
2.6 Property, plant and equipment
All items of property, plant and equipment are initially recorded at cost. Subsequent to recognition, property, plant and equipment other than freehold land is measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. The cost of property, plant and equipment includes its purchase price and any cost directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. Dismantlement, removal or restoration costs are included as part of the cost of the property, plant and equipment if the obligation of dismantlement, removal or restoration is incurred as a consequence of acquiring or using the property, plant and equipment.
Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
Chamber building
- 50 years
Heritage gallery - 50 years
Furniture and fittings
- 3 to 10 years
Plant and equipment - 10 years
Office/property equipment - 5 years
Computer equipment - 3 years
Signage
2.7
10 years
Assets under construction in property, plant and equipment are not depreciated as these assets are not yet available for use are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
The residual value, useful life and depreciation method are reviewed at each financial yearend, and adjusted prospectively, if appropriate.
An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected from its use or disposal. Any gain or loss on derecognition of the asset is included in profit or loss in the year the asset is derecognised.
Investment properties
Investment properties are properties that areeither owned by the Group or right-of-use assets that are held to earn rentals or for capital appreciation, or both, rather than for use in the production or supply of goods or services, or for administrative purposes, or in the ordinary course of business. Investment properties comprise completed investment properties and properties that are being constructed or developed for future use as investment properties.
Investment property is initially recognised at cost, including transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, investment properties are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.
Investment property are derecognised either when they have been disposed of or when they are permanently withdrawn from use and no future economic benefit is expected from their disposal. The difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset is recognised in profit or loss in the period of derecognition as gains or losses arising from the retirement or disposal of investment property.
Leasehold land and building are depreciated on a straight-line basis over 829 years and 50 years respectively.
2. Material accounting policy information (Continued)
2.8 Impairment of non-financial assets
The Chamber assesses at each reporting date whether there is an indication that an asset may be impaired. If any such indication exists, or when annual impairment testing for an asset is required, the Chamber makes an estimate of the asset’s recoverable amount.
An asset’s recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s or cash-generating unit’s fair value less costs to disposal and its value in use and is determined for an individual asset, unless the asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or group of assets. Where the carrying amount of an asset or cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount.
Impairment losses are recognised in profit or loss.
A previously recognised impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the asset’s recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognised. If that is the case, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to its recoverable amount. That increase cannot exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation, had no impairment loss been recognised previously. Such reversal is recognised in profit or loss unless the asset is measured at revalued amount, in which case the reversal is treated as a revaluation increase.
2.9 Subsidiary
companies
A subsidiary is an investee that is controlled by the Chamber. The Chamber controls an investee when it is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee.
The investment in subsidiary companies is accounted for at cost less impairment losses.
2.10 Financial Instruments
(a) Financial assets
Initial recognition and measurement
Financial assets are recognised when, and only when, the Chamber becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the financial instrument.
At initial recognition, the Chamber measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset not at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial asset. Transaction costs of financial assets carried at fair value through profit or loss are expensed in profit or loss.
Trade receivables are measured at the amount of consideration to which the Chamber expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring promised goods or services to a customer, excluding amounts collected on behalf of third party, if the trade receivables do not contain a significant financing component at initial recognition.
2. Material accounting policy information (Continued)
2.10 Financial Instruments (Continued)
(a) Financial assets (Continued)
Subsequent measurement – Amortised cost
Financial assets that are held for the collection of contractual cash flows where those cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest are measured at amortised cost. Financial assets are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less impairment. Gains and losses are recognised in profit or loss when the assets are derecognised or impaired, and through amortisation process.
Derecognition
A financial asset is derecognised where the contractual right to receive cash flows from the asset has expired. On derecognition of a financial asset in its entirety, the difference between the carrying amount and the sum of the consideration received and any cumulative gain or loss that had been recognised in other comprehensive income is recognised in profit or loss.
(b) Financial liabilities
Initial recognition and measurement
Financial liabilities are recognised when, and only when, the Chamber becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the financial instrument. The Chamber determines the classification of its financial liabilities at initial recognition.
All financial liabilities are recognised initially at fair value plus, in the case of financial liabilities not at fair value through profit or loss, directly attributable transaction costs.
Subsequent measurement - Amortised cost
After initial recognition, financial liabilities that are not carried at fair value through profit or loss are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. Gains and losses are recognised in profit or loss when the liabilities are derecognised, and through the amortisation process.
Derecognition
A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled or expires. On derecognition, the difference between the carrying amounts and the consideration paid is recognised in profit or loss.
2. Material accounting policy information (Continued)
2.11 Impairment of financial assets
The Chamber recognises an allowance for expected credit losses (ECLs) for all debt instruments not held at fair value through profit or loss and financial guarantee contracts. ECLs are based on the difference between the contractual cash flows due in accordance with the contract and all the cash flows that the Chamber expects to receive, discounted at an approximation of the original effective interest rate. The expected cash flows will include cash flows from the sale of collateral held or other credit enhancements that are integral to the contractual terms.
ECLs are recognised in two stages. For credit exposures for which there has not been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, ECLs are provided for credit losses that result from default events that are possible within the next 12-months (a 12-month ECL).
For those credit exposures for which there has been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, a loss allowance is recognised for credit losses expected over the remaining life of the exposure, irrespective of timing of the default (a lifetime ECL).
For trade receivables, the Chamber applies a simplified approach in calculating ECLs. Therefore, the Chamber does not track changes in credit risk, but instead recognises a loss allowance based on lifetime ECLs at each reporting date. The Chamber has established a provision matrix that is based on its historical credit loss experience, adjusted for forwardlooking factors specific to the debtors and the economic environment.
The Chamber considers a financial asset in default when contractual payments are 90 days past due. However, in certain cases, the Chamber may also consider a financial asset to be in default when internal or external information indicates that the Chamber is unlikely to receive the outstanding contractual amounts in full before taking into account any credit enhancements held by the Chamber. A financial asset is written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovering the contractual cash flows.
2.12 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and on hand and fixed deposits that are readily convertible to known amount of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.
2. Material accounting policy information (Continued)
2.13 Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Chamber has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event. It is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefit will be required to settle the obligation and the amount of the obligation can be estimated reliably.
Provisions are reviewed at each reporting date and adjusted to reflect the current best estimate. If it is no longer probable that an outflow of economic resources will be required to settle the obligation, the provision is reversed. If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are discounted using a current pre-tax rate that reflects, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. When discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance cost.
Provision for reinstatement cost
The provision for reinstatement cost from contractual obligation to restore the leased office to their original states is provided at the present value of expected costs to settle the obligation using estimated cash flows and is recognised as part of the cost of that particular asset. The cash flows are discounted at a current pre-tax rate that reflects the risks specific to the reinstatement liability. The unwinding of the discount is expensed as incurred and recognised in profit or loss as a finance cost. The estimated future costs of reinstatement are reviewed annually and adjusted as appropriate. Changes in the estimated future costs or in the discount rate applied are added to or deducted from the cost of the asset.
2.14 Government grants
Government grants are recognised where there is reasonable assurance that the grant will be received, and all attached conditions will be complied with.
When the grant relates to an expense item, it is recognised as income on a systematic basis over the periods that the related costs, for which it is intended to compensate, are expensed.
For government grant relating to assets, the Group chooses to reduce the carrying amount of the asset. The grant is then recognised in profit or loss over the useful life of the depreciable asset by way of a reduced depreciation charge.
2.15 Employee benefits
(a)
Defined contribution plan
The Chamber makes contributions to the Central Provident Fund (CPF) scheme in Singapore, a defined contribution pension scheme. CPF contributions are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is performed.
(b)
Employee leave entitlement
Employee entitlements to annual leave are recognised when they accrue to employees. The estimated liability for leave is recognised for services rendered by employees up to the reporting date.
2. Material accounting policy information (Continued)
2.16 Leases
The Chamber assesses at contract inception whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. That is, if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration.
As a lessee
The Chamber applies a single recognition and measurement approach for all leases, except for short-term leases and leases of low-value assets. The Chamber recognises lease liabilities to make lease payments and right-of-use assets representing the right to use the underlying assets.
(i) Rights-of-use assets
The Chamber recognises right-of-use assets at the commencement date of the lease (i.e., the date the underlying asset is available for use). Right-of-use assets are measured at cost, less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, and adjusted for any remeasurement of lease liabilities. The cost of right-of-use assets includes the amount of lease liabilities recognised, initial direct costs incurred, and lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received. Right-of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term and the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows:
Offices
Other equipment
1 to 3 years
1 to 5 years
If ownership of the leased asset transfers to the Chamber at the end of the lease term or the cost reflects the exercise of a purchase option, depreciation is calculated using the estimated useful life of the asset.
The right-of-use assets are also subject to impairment. Refer to the accounting policies in Note 2.8 Impairment of non-financial assets.
(ii) Lease liabilities
At the commencement date of the lease, the Chamber recognises lease liabilities measured at the present value of lease payments to be made over the lease term. The lease payments include fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments) less any lease incentives receivable, variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, and amounts expected to be paid under residual value guarantees. The lease payments also include payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the Chamber exercising the option to terminate. Variable lease payments that do not depend on an index or a rate are recognised as expenses (unless they are incurred to produce inventories) in the period in which the event or condition that triggers the payment occurs.
In calculating the present value of lease payments, the Chamber uses its incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date because the interest rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable. After the commencement date, the amount of lease liabilities is increased to reflect the accretion of interest and reduced for the lease payments made.
2. Material accounting policy information (Continued)
2.16 Leases (Continued)
As a lessee (Continued)
(ii) Lease liabilities (Continued)
In addition, the carrying amount of lease liabilities is remeasured if there is a modification, a change in the lease term, a change in the lease payments (e.g., changes to future payments resulting from a change in an index or rate used to determine such lease payments) or a change in the assessment of an option to purchase the underlying asset.
(iii) Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets
Chamber applies the short-term lease recognition exemption to its short-term leases of machinery and equipment (i.e., those leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less from the commencement date and do not contain a purchase option). It also applies the lease of low-value assets recognition exemption to leases of office equipment that are considered to be low value. Lease payments on short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are recognised as expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
As a lessor
Leases in which the Chamber does not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of an asset are classified as operating leases. Rental income arising is accounted for on a straight-line basis over the lease terms and is included in revenue in the statement of profit or loss due to its operating nature. Initial direct costs incurred in negotiating and arranging an operating lease are added to the carrying amount of the leased asset and recognised over the lease term on the same basis as rental income. Contingent rents are recognised as revenue in the period in which they are earned.
2.17 Revenue recognition
Revenue is measured based on the consideration to which the Group expects to be the entitled in exchange for transferring promised goods or services to a customer, excluding amounts collected on behalf of third parties.
Revenue is recognised when the Group satisfies a performance obligation by transferring a promised good or service to the customer, which is when the customer obtains control of the good or service. A performance obligation may be satisfied at a point in time or over time. The amount of revenue recognised isthe amount allocated to the satisfied performance obligation.
(a) The revenue from members’ subscriptions, entrance fees and endorsement fees are recognised to the extent that it is probable that the fees will be received.
(b) Management fees and shared secretariat services are recognised upon services rendered.
(c) Dividend income is recognised when the Chamber’s right to receive payment is established.
(d) Fees from seminars and events conducted, less Singapore Goods and Services Tax, are recognised as income throughout the duration of the seminars and events.
(e) Business service revenue is recognised upon services rendered.
2. Material accounting policy information (Continued)
2.17 Revenue recognition
(Continued)
(f) Sponsorship income is recognised when the Company’s right to receive payment is established.
(g) Rental income arising from operating leases on investment properties is accounted for on a straight-line basis over the lease terms. The aggregate costs of incentives provided to lessees are recognised as a reduction of rental income over the lease term on a straightline basis.
2.18 Taxes
(a) Current tax
Current income tax assets and liabilities for the current and prior periods are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amount are those that are enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period.
Current income taxes are recognised in profit or loss except to the extent that the tax relates to items recognised outside profit or loss, either in other comprehensive income or directly in funds. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in the tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulations are subject to interpretation and establishes provisions where appropriate.
(b) Deferred tax
Deferred tax is provided using the liability method on temporary differences at the end of the reporting period between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes.
Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all temporary differences, except:
- Where the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss; and
- In respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiary companies, where the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
Deferred tax assets are recognised for all deductible temporary differences, carry forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses, to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences, and the carry forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses can be utilised except:
- Where the deferred tax asset relating to the deductible temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss; and
2. Material accounting policy information (Continued)
2.18 Taxes (Continued)
(b) Deferred tax (Continued)
- In respect of deductible temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiary companies, deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that the temporary differences will reverse in the foreseeable future and taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at the end of each reporting period and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax assets to be utilised. Unrecognised deferred tax assets are reassessed at the end of each reporting period and are recognised to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profit will allow the deferred tax assets to be recovered.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the year when the asset is realised or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the end of each reporting period.
Deferred tax relating to items recognised outside profit or loss is recognised outside profit or loss. Deferred tax items are recognised in correlation to the underlying transaction either in other comprehensive income or directly in equity and deferred tax arising from a business combination is adjusted against goodwill on acquisition.
Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset, if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current income tax assets against current income tax liabilities and the deferred taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.
3. Significant accounting estimates and judgements
The preparation of the Group’s financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the end of each reporting period. Uncertainty about these assumptions and estimates could result in outcomes that require a material adjustment to the carrying amount of the asset or liability affected in the future periods. The Group is of the opinion that there is no significant judgement made in applying accounting policies and no estimation uncertainty that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial period.
4. Income
5. Employee benefit expenses
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – 31 DECEMBER 2024
6. Other expenditure
7. Income tax (credit)/expense
The major components of incometax(credit)/expenserecognised in profit or loss for the years ended 31 December 2024 and 2023 were:
1,731,287 – –- Over provision in respect of previous years (69,111) (7,206) – –
Deferred tax - Origination and reversal of temporary differences (44) (120)
Income tax (credit)/expense recognised in profit or loss (139) 1,723,961 – –
7. Income tax (credit)/expense (Continued)
The reconciliation between tax (credit)/expenseand the product of accounting(deficit)/surplus multiplied by the applicable tax rate for the years ended 31 December 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
Income tax at statutory rate of 17% (2023: 17%) (290,928)
Income not subject to tax – (5,013) (1,020,000) (2,002,082) Tax
Effect of tax relief and tax deductions (23,321) (56,398) – –Over provision of income tax in respect of previous year (69,111) (7,206) – –
Income tax (credit)/expense recognised in profit or loss (139) 1,723,961
The Group has unabsorbed tax losses of approximately $31,080,000 (2023: $25,658,222) at the reporting date which can be carried forward and used to offset against future taxable income subject to meeting certain statutory requirements. No deferred tax assets is recognised due to uncertainty of recoverability.
8. Interest in subsidiary companies
The subsidiary companies as at 31 December 2024 and 2023 are:
Chinese Chamber Realty Private
The shares in the subsidiary companies are registered in the name of The Financial Board of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce which was held in trust for the Chamber.