Anti Corruption Policy

The Journal strives to conduct itself according to the highest standards of ethical conduct. Throughout its operations, the journal seeks to avoid even the appearance of impropriety in the actions of its members and officers.

This policy reiterates our commitment to integrity and explains the specific requirements and prohibitions applicable to our operations under anti-corruption laws, including, but not limited to, the Singapore Prevention of Corruption Act of 1960 (the “PCA”). This policy contains information intended to reduce the risk of corruption and bribery from occurring with the journal's activities. The Journal strictly prohibits all forms of corruption and bribery and will take all necessary steps to ensure that corruption and bribery do not occur in its business activities.

I. Scope

This policy is applicable throughout the Journal’s operations. This policy applies to all of the Journal's editorial team, staffers, authors, reviewers, agents, consultants, partners and any other third-party representatives (collectively as “stakeholders”) that, on behalf of the Journal, have conducted or likely to conduct business outside the Singapore when interacting with non-Singapore government officials.

II. Policy

1. Under the PCA, it is illegal for any persons, organisations, and stakeholders to abet, perpetuate and receive bribe. 

2. Violations of the PCA can also result in violations of other Singapore laws, including anti-money laundering, mail and wire fraud and conspiracy. Individuals who violate the PCA may also be subject to imprisonment and fines. 

3. The editors and staff or consultant are prohibited from directly or indirectly making, promising, authorising or offering anything of value on behalf of the journal to secure an improper advantage, obtain or retain business, or direct business to any other person or entity. This prohibition includes payments to third parties where the editor, staff or consultant knows, or has reason to know, that the third-party will use any part of the payment for bribes. 

A. Cash and Non-Cash Payments: “Anything of Value”

Payments that violate the PCA may arise in a variety of settings and include a broad range of payments beyond the obvious cash bribe or kickback. The PCA prohibits giving “anything of value” for an improper purpose. This term is very broad and can include, for example:

  • Gifts

  • Travel, meals, lodging, entertainment, or gift cards

  • Loans or non-arm's length transaction

  • Chartible or polictical donations

  • Business, employment or investment opportunities

B. Commercial Bribery

Bribery involving commercial (non-governmental parties) is prohibited. The journal staff shall not offer, promise, authorise the payment of, or pay or provide anything of value to any employee, agent, or representative of another organisation to induce or reward the improper performance of any function or any business-related activity. The journal staff shall not request, agree to receive, or accept anything of value from any employee, agent, or representative of another organisation or entity as an inducement or reward for the improper performance of any function or business-related activity.

Any cases of bribery will be referred to the local police or commercial affairs department.