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Page 1: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,
Page 2: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,
Page 3: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

contents

02 Chairman’s Statement

05 Corporate Information

06 Profiles of Directors

08 At a Glance

10 Review of Operations

14 Report of the Directors

18 Report of Corporate Governance

26 Statement by Directors

27 Auditors’ Report

28 Balance Sheets

29 Consolidated Profit & Loss Account

30 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

31 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow

33 Notes to the Financial Statements

73 Statistics of Shareholdings

75 Notice of Annual General Meeting

Page 4: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

page 2

Chairman’s statement

The year 2004 was an eventful one for us. After the past few years of consolidation,

hindered by macro economic and social developments, this was the year when

our focused strategy to develop the Group into a multi-industry, services-driven

organization with interests in education, biomedical, information technology (IT)

and investments became a reality.

2004 was also the year in which the Board of Directors declared tax-exempt

dividend of 0.25 cents for every new ordinary share of par value $0.20 each.

This was made possible following the successful capital restructuring exercise

involving the wiping out of accumulated losses and the four into one share

consolidation. Special thanks must be given to our shareholders who have kept

their faith in us through the difficult times. For, without their unwavering support,

the management and staff of IPC Corporation (IPC) would not have been able to

institute the positive changes to revitalize the Group.

Operationally, the most significant development for the Group happened on

1 July 2004 when we acquired Nanyang Institute of Management (Nanyang).

Nanyang is a private education organization with its own 2,500-student capacity

campus and a comprehensive curriculum. The acquisition of Nanyang also marks

the Group entry into the education arena which holds good growth potential in

the future. Nanyang is already contributing to the Group’s revenues.

IPC will continue to focus on its strategy of nurturing and expanding businesses

under its existing portfolio, and seeking further investment opportunities having

synergies with its current stable of investments.

Performance Review

Group revenue rose 18.5 per cent to S$33.261 million for the year ended 31

December 2004 compared to S$28.063 million recorded in the previous year.

Approximately 85 per cent of the total Group revenue in FY 2004 was derived from

its residential and commercial property development project in Zhuhai, China. The

Group’s IT businesses accounted for approximately 12 per cent of Group turnover

and mainly came from its subsidiary, ThinSoft (Holdings) Inc (ThinSoft). There was a

maiden 3 per cent contribution from the newly-acquired education business.

Page 5: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

page 3

chairman’s statement

The rise in Group revenue was mainly attributable to an approximate 28 per cent

rise in sales from the Zhuhai residential cum commercial property development

project and contribution from Nanyang which was acquired on 1 July 2004.

However, the IT business suffered a 31 per cent decline in revenue due to falling

sales of its low margin Infocomm and Broadband Systems Integration products.

Group gross profit rose 53.2 per cent to S$5.878 million, compared to S$3.836

million for the same period the year before. The increase in gross profit was

attributed primarily to the higher gross profit from ThinSoft due to greater sale

of higher margin software products and greater contributions from the Group’s

residential cum commercial property development project in China.

Group loss from operations before taxation and minority interests was reduced by

27.0 per cent to approximately S$3.978 million. The Group also recorded a S$2.167

million exceptional income from the partial divestment of its investment portfolio.

Consequently, the Group recorded an operating loss after tax attributable to

members of the Group of S$0.627 million.

Outlook & Strategy

Going forward, the Group’s strategy is to stay focused in nurturing and expanding

existing businesses under its investment portfolio which includes IT, Education and

Biomedical for mid to long term growth prospects.

For IT businesses under ThinSoft, the Group sees some encouraging signs of growth

in the sales of its software products. The Group will remain focused in implementing

the R & D and market development strategies to grow this business.

The newly-acquired education business under Nanyang is in the gestation

period. Nevertheless, this business shows great promise given Singapore’s effort

of becoming a regional education hub.

IPC will also continue to execute the completion of the residential and commercial

property development project in Zhuhai, China. Barring any unforeseen

circumstances, the Group expects continued contributions from the sales of the

completed units of the project.

Page 6: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

page 4

chairman’s statement

The Group will also continue to seek further investment opportunities which are

sound and with good growth potential and have synergistic benefits to our current

operations. The management will continue to grow the Group with the ultimate

objective of enhancing our shareholders’ value.

Appreciation

IPC is grateful for the contribution made by its staff, business partners and

associates and shareholders in 2004 and hope to see their continued support in

the coming year.

Ngiam Mia Je Patrick

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Page 7: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

page 5

corporate information

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORSNgiam Mia Je PatrickChairman & Chief Executive Officer

Ngiam Mia Kiat BenjaminManaging Director

Lauw Hui Kian (Ms)Executive Director – Finance & Administration

Ngiam Mia Hai BernardExecutive Director

Ngiam Mia Hong AlfredExecutive Director

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORSLee Joo Hai (Independent, Chairman – Nominating Committee)Lee Soo Hoon Phillip (Independent, Chairman – Audit Committee)Seah Seow Kang Steven (Independent, Chairman – Remuneration Committee)William Michael Driscoll

AUDIT COMMITTEELee Soo Hoon Phillip (Chairman)Lee Joo HaiSeah Seow Kang Steven

COMPANY SECRETARYNgiam Mia Hai Bernard

COMPANY REGISTRATION NO.198501057M

REGISTERED OFFICE23 Tai Seng Drive IPC BuildingSingapore 535224 Tel: 67442688 Fax: 67430691www.ipc.com.sg

SHARE REGISTRAR’S OFFICELim Associates (Pte) Ltd10 Collyer Quay #19-08 Ocean BuildingSingapore 049315

AUDITORSErnst & Young10 Collyer Quay #21-01 Ocean BuildingSingapore 049315

AUDIT PARTNERSteven Phan(Since financial year 2002)

Page 8: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

page 6

profiles of directors

Ngiam Mia Je Patrick is the Chairman and CEO of IPC. He has served on IPC’s

board of directors since 1992. He is also the Chairman and co-founder of Essex

Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours

in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK, in 1979 and was awarded

a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration for Professional Studies from the

Southern California University, USA, in October 1997. Patrick is an acknowledged

entrepreneur in Singapore and the international IT community, and has received

many accolades. In 1990, he was awarded the inaugural KPMG High-Tech Entrepreneur

Award. Other awards include the DHL & Singapore Press Holdings Singapore Business

Award for Businessman of the Year in 1993 and the Chevalier De L’Ordre National Du

Merite conferred by Le President De La Republique Francaise in 1996.

Ngiam Mia Kiat Benjamin is the Managing Director and co-founder of IPC.

He has a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering and graduated with first

class honours from the University of Essex (UK) in 1979. He is also the Managing Director

and co-founder of Essex.

Lauw Hui Kian is the Administration and Finance Director of IPC since 1985. She

graduated from the University of Essex (UK) with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematical

Economics with second class honours in 1981. Prior to joining IPC, she was the head

of the finance department at Essex.

Ngiam Mia Hai Bernard is the Executive Director of IPC and has served on

IPC’s board of directors since 1985. He is also the Chairman of ThinSoft (Holdings)

Inc., a public-listed company on the Growth Enterprise Market (GEM) of the Stock

Exchange of Hong Kong. He graduated from the National University of Singapore

with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1985.

Ngiam Mia Hong Alfred is the Executive Director of IPC and has served on

IPC’s board of directors since 1991. He oversees the Group’s IT R & D programs and

MIS system and is also the Chief Technical Officer of ThinSoft (Holdings) Inc. He

graduated from the University of Waterloo, Canada with a Bachelor of Mathematics

in Computer Science and Statistics, Dean’s Honour Roll, in 1986.

Page 9: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

page 7

profiles of directors

William Michael Driscoll is a Non-Executive Director of IPC and has served

on IPC’s board of directors since 2000. He is also a director at ThinSoft (USA) Inc. He

graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Ithaca College, New York,

USA. Prior to his appointment on IPC’s board of directors, he was CEO of NASDAQ-

listed Smith Corona Corporation and currently serves on the boards of directors

of privately held technology companies including Ithaca Technologies, LLC and

Music Gear Incorporated.

Lee Joo Hai is an Independent Director and Non-Executive Director of IPC.

He was appointed to IPC’s board of directors in 1996 and is the Chairman of the

Nominating Committee. He is a Certified Public Accountant of Singapore and is

a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. His

experience in accounting, auditing, taxation and company secretarial work spans

more than 25 years. He is currently a partner in a public accounting firm in Singapore.

Lee Soo Hoon Phillip is an Independent Director and Non-Executive Director

of IPC. He was appointed to IPC’s board of directors in 1998 and is the Chairman

of the Audit Committee. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant of the Institute

of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. He is a member of the Institute

of Certified Public Accountants, Singapore, the Malaysian Association of Certified

Public Accountants, the Malaysian Institute of Accountants and the International

Society of Certified Public Accountants. His audit experience, which extends to a

varied clientele including the public utilities, shipyard, shipbuilding, shipping, toy

manufacturing, rubber processing, latex and estate management, container

manufacturing, stockbroking, banking and finance, retailing, trading, shipping and

high tech industries, spans more than 30 years. He was also a partner at Ernst

& Young.

Seah Seow Kang Steven is an Independent Director and Non-Executive

Director of IPC. He was appointed to IPC’s board of directors in 2002 and is the

Chairman of the Remuneration Committee. He graduated with LLB (Hons) from the

University of Singapore in 1980 and also holds a Diploma in Business Law from the

National University of Singapore in 1988. His experience in civil and criminal litigation,

conveyance matters, corporate secretarial services and general advice to

institutions in finance, insurance and company matters spans more than 22 years.

He is a partner in the law firm Seah Ong & Partners.

Page 10: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

page 8

at a glance

Total Turnover

Net Profit/(Loss) after Tax and Minority Interests

2002 2003 2004

17.16

28.0633.26

GROUP

Net Profit/(Loss) before Tax and Minority Interests

2002 2003 2004

(1.77) (0.75) (1.81)

GROUP

2002 2003 2004

(1.44) 0.55 (0.63)

GROUP

Page 11: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

page 9

at a glance

Net Tangible Asset (NTA) backing per ordinary share (5 cents par value)

Shareholders’ Funds before Minority Interests

2002 2003 2004

141.39 141.83 141.60

GROUP

2002 2003 2004

137.53 142.32 143.77

COMPANY

Total Assets

2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004

168.05 187.54 175.67

GROUP

143.10 143.83 145.55

COMPANY

2002 2003 2004*

6.50 6.60 6.73

GROUP

* After the Share Consolidation on 16 February 2005, the Net Tangible Asset (NTA) backing per ordinary share (20 cents par value) is 26.91 cents

Page 12: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

page 10

review of operations

Education

The Education business is driven by Nanyang Institute of Management (Nanyang)

(www.nanyang.edu.sg). Nanyang, a private education organization in Singapore, was

established in August 2001. It has a 24,000 sq m campus-based infrastructure and

focuses on academic teaching and learning, and vocational training. Nanyang has

been awarded the SQC for PEO (Singapore Quality Class for Private Education

Organisations) status. Nanyang is also ISO 9001:2000 certified.

Nanyang is a forward-looking premier education provider of market relevant

programmes in the region, offering a spectrum of programmes that are delivered

in a conducive and dynamic learning environment that nurtures students with the

knowledge and skills to succeed in their chosen careers.

The Institute offers Certificate, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, undergraduate and

post-graduate qualifications on a wide-spectrum of courses conducted through its four

Schools - Business, Nursing, Tourism & Hospitality and Language.

The School of Business offers market relevant programmes in business, accounting,

information systems and computer science. The programmes are accredited by its

affiliated partners that include La Trobe University (Australia) and Heriot-Watt

University (UK). Nanyang business graduates can also gain advanced entry or

obtain credit transfer /exemptions with affiliated partners.

The School of Nursing provides courses and practical training in the fast expanding

healthcare industry and nurses are now amongst the most sought after professionals

in Asia and the rest of the world. Nanyang’s nursing programme – NITEC (National

ITE Certificate) is awarded by the Institute of Technical Education (ITE). The NITEC in

Nursing is recognized by the government hospitals and Singapore Nursing Board.

NITEC graduates can also apply for work in nursing in Singapore, Australia, Canada,

UK and USA. Upon graduation, Nanyang graduates can also pursue higher-level

qualifications in nursing.

The School of Tourism and Hospitality offers programmes in the key service industries

that drives Singapore attraction as a tourist and business destination. Nanyang is an

Approved Provider (ATP) of the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and is authorized

to conduct Certificate programmes in Accomodation Operations and Food and

Beverage Operations. Nanyang also offers the La Trobe Institute of Vocational

Education and Training Diploma of Tourism and Diploma of Hospitality Management.

The School of Language provides students the basic foundation in the use of English

and also prepares them for the IELTS examination.

EDB Investment (S) Pte Ltd, an investment arm of the Economic Development Board

of Singapore, is a co-investor having a 18.5% equity stake in Nanyang.

Page 13: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

page 11

review of operations

Thin Computing

In the Thin Computing arena, ThinSoft (Holdings) Inc (ThinSoft) (www.thinsoftinc.com),

has continued its efforts in channeling resources towards implementing proactive

and prudent strategies to nurture its global market presence. This has yielded positive

results as reflected in the Group’s improved financial performance as compared with

the previous year. In 2004, the Group has strengthened and enhanced its strong-

hold in existing markets while continuing its thrusts into new markets. In addition,

new Original Equipment Manufacturer relationships, in Germany and the USA have

started to augment the Group’s positive performance.

In terms of vertical markets, the Group further perpetuated its successful penetra-

tion into the education, government, healthcare, retail and small, medium and

large enterprise sectors. For instance, the Group’s Korean distributor has secured

key positioning in the educational sector by demonstrating the effectiveness of

the Group’s Buddy product in this important market segment. This has resulted in

significant investment savings for the educational institutions and their enthusiastic

endorsement of the Group’s products. In Germany, the Group’s distributor has

successfully marketed the WinConnect Server XP to the healthcare industry and

vibrant sell-through into 2005 is expected to continue.

Operationally, the Group successfully effected its two key strategies:

1) growing sales in higher value-added businesses; and

2) improving operating efficiencies and costs of operations.

Through its growing network of distributors and resellers worldwide, ThinSoft continues

to make significant progress in its promotional, marketing and product placement

efforts, which are reflected in the very favorable attention the flagship products

received in media coverage throughout the year in review. ThinSoft sales successes

continue in existing geographical markets and have penetrated new arenas by

adding distributors in Thailand, Sri Lanka and Japan. The Group has also strengthened

its foothold in the education, government, healthcare, retail and small, medium and

large enterprise sectors.

The Group, together with its network of global distributor partners, continued to

embark on a structured marketing programme to raise product awareness and

branding.

The Group, through its distributors, participated in;

(a) Thailand Animation & Multimedia Exhibition in January 2004;

(b) The 5th Exhibition of Governmental Procurement Excellent Products in

March 2004 in South Korea;

(c) Cebit 2004 in Hannover, Germany in March 2004;

Page 14: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

page 12

review of operations

(d) ICT Expo in Thailand in August 2004;

(e) IUT 2004 in Boosan, South Korea in September 2004;

(f) Construct Exhibition in Sri Lanka in September 2004;

(g) SYSTEMS 2004 in Munich, Germany in October 2004;

(h) SME Exhibition in Thailand in October-November 2004; and

(i) ASOCIO Exhibition in Sri Lanka in November 2004.

The Group’s software solutions are now well accepted in the global thin computing

market and are recognized for their innovativeness and versatility. Its software

solutions were also featured prominently in the global media, including coverage in

the February 2004 issue of PC & CIA Magazine, Brazil and the 9 March 2004 issue of

Digital Times Weekly in Latvia.

Corporate users such as Brendan Heavey, analyst programmer at the Center for

Research in Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Buffalo, also strongly endorsed

the Group’s Thin Computing software solutions.

Tekfront.com, a leading technology product portal, rated WinConnect Server XP as

the best software program on 13 September 2004.

Investments

As of 31 December 2004, IPC has a strategic of approximately 4% stake in

AsiaPharm Group Ltd (AsiaPharm), a company listed on the main board of the

Singapore Exchange. AsiaPharm is one of PRC’s leading specialty pharmaceutical

group that focuses on the research, development, production and sale of natural

and chemical drugs. The investment in AsiaPharm is a strategic one for IPC to enter

the rapidly growing bio-medical and healthcare industry.

IPC is the developer of Costa del Sol (www.costadelsol.com.cn), a residential

cum commercial property project in Zhuhai, PRC. The development is built on

approximately 170,000 sq m of sellable built up area comprising of 1,610 units of

apartments, houses, service apartments, and retail units.

To date, the Group has completed approximately 126,000 sq m of built up area.

Of the 126,000 sq m completed, approximately 86,000 sq m of apartments and

houses have been sold. The balance of 20,000 sq m of apartments and houses and

another 20,000 sq m of service apartments, shopping mall and club house are held

in stock. The balance of 46,000 sq m comprising of apartments is expected to be

built in 2005.

Page 15: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

page 13

review of operations

Financial Review

Group revenue rose 18.5 per cent to S$33.261 million for the year ended 31 December

2004 compared to S$28.063 million recorded in the previous year.

Approximately 85 per cent of the total Group revenue in FY 2004 was derived from

its residential and commercial property development project in Zhuhai, China.

The Group’s IT businesses accounted for approximately 12 per cent of Group turn-

over and there was a 3 per cent contribution from the newly-acquired education

business.

The rise in Group revenue was mainly attributable to an approximate 28 per cent rise

in sales from the Zhuhai residential cum commercial property development project

and the maiden contribution from Nanyang Institute of Management which was

acquired on 1 July 2004. However, the IT business suffered a 31 per cent decline in

revenue due to falling sales of its low margin Infocomm and Broadband Systems

Integration products.

Group gross profit rose 53.2 per cent to S$5.878 million, compared to S$3.836 million

for the same period the year before. The increase in gross profit was attributed

primarily to the higher gross profit from subsidiary, ThinSoft (Holdings) Inc. due to

greater sale of higher margin software products and greater contributions from the

Group’s residential cum commercial property development project in China.

Group loss from operations before taxation and minority interests was reduced by

27.0 per cent to approximately S$3.978 million. The Group also recorded a S$2.167

million exceptional income from the partial divestment of its investment portfolio.

Consequently, the Group recorded an operating loss after tax attributable to members

of the Group of S$0.627 million.

The Board of Directors is recommending a first and final tax-exempt dividend of

0.25 cents per ordinary share of par value $0.20 basing on the post-consolidation

share capital.

Page 16: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

page 14

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary CompaniesIPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

Report of the Directors

The directors present their report to the members together with the audited consolidated financial statements of IPC Corporation Ltd (“IPC or the Company”) and its subsidiary companies (the “Group”) for the financial year ended 31 December 2004 and the balance sheet of the Company as at 31 December 2004.

DirectorsThe directors of the Company in office at the date of this report are:

Ngiam Mia Je Patrick (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer)Ngiam Mia Kiat Benjamin (Managing Director)Lauw Hui KianNgiam Mia Hai BernardNgiam Mia Hong AlfredLee Joo HaiLee Soo Hoon PhillipSeah Seow Kang Steven William Michael Driscoll

Directors’ interests in shares and debenturesThe following directors who held office at the end of the financial year had, according to the register of directors’ shareholdings required to be kept under Section 164 of the Singapore Companies Act, Cap. 50, an interest in shares of the Company and its related corporations as stated below :-

At At At AtName of Director 01.01.2004 31.12.2004 01.01.2004 31.12.2004

IPC Corporation LtdOrdinary shares of S$0.05 each

Ngiam Mia Je Patrick 28,352,626 28,372,832 444,497,381 444,477,175Ngiam Mia Kiat Benjamin 28,087,119 28,098,166 413,560,782 413,549,735Lauw Hui Kian 30,926,040 30,927,440 441,932,967 441,922,567Ngiam Mia Hai Bernard 29,226,040 29,227,440 1,400 – Ngiam Mia Hong Alfred 28,226,040 28,227,440 1,400 – Seah Seow Kang Steven 119,905 119,905 – –

Options granted to subscribe forordinary shares of S$0.05 each

Ngiam Mia Hai Bernard 600,000 600,000 – – Ngiam Mia Hong Alfred 600,000 600,000 – – William Michael Driscoll 600,000 600,000 – – Lee Soo Hoon Phillip 1,000,000 1,000,000 – – Lee Joo Hai 1,000,000 1,000,000 – –

Held in the name of director Deemed interest

Page 17: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

page 15

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

Report of the Directors

Other than as disclosed, there is no other share option scheme on unissued shares in respect of the Company and of the Group.

There was no change in any of the abovementioned interests between the end of the financial year and 21 January 2005.

By virtue of Section 7 of the Companies Act, Ngiam Mia Je Patrick, Ngiam Mia Kiat Benjamin and Lauw Hui Kian with shareholdings as above are deemed to have an interest in the shares held by the Company in all the subsidiary companies.

Save as disclosed, no director who held office at the end of the financial year had an interest in shares or debentures of the Company or any of the subsidiary companies of the Company.

Arrangements to enable directors to acquire shares and debenturesExcept as described in paragraph above, neither at the end of nor at any time during the financial year was the Company a party to any arrangement whose object is to enable the directors of the Company to acquire benefits by means of the acquisition of shares or debentures of the Company or any other body corporate.

Directors’ contractual benefitsSince the end of the previous financial year, no director of the Company has received or become entitled to receive a benefit by reason of a contract made by the Company or a related corporation with the Director, or with a firm of which the director is a member, or with a company in which the Director has a substantial financial interest except for directors’ emoluments from the Company and related corporations.

Share Options(a) IPC Employees Share Option Scheme (“ESOS”)

(i) The Company approved on 23 May 1994 & 31 October 2001 the IPC Employees’ Share Option Scheme which enables full-time employees, full-time executive directors, executive directors who are the Company’s controlling shareholders and non-executive directors of the Company and its subsidiary companies to acquire unissued ordinary shares of the Company.

(ii) The ESOS is administered by a Remuneration Committee (“RC”) comprising 2 non executive/independent

directors and 1 executive director who are also now participants of the Scheme, after the amendments to the ESOS on 31 October 2001. The ESOS shall continue to be in force at the discretion of the Committee for a period of 10 financial years from 23 May 1994. However, the period may be extended with the approvals of shareholders at a general meeting of the Company and any relevant approvals, which may then be required. At the date of this report, the ESOS had expired and has yet to be extended.

(iii) No share option was granted during the financial year. Options to take up 272,000 shares had lapsed during the financial year.

Page 18: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

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IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary CompaniesIPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

Report of the Directors

(b) Unissued ordinary shares at 31 December 2004 comprised: -

Ordinary Exercise shares of price $0.05 each per share Option period

ESOS - granted in 1999 1,067,000 $0.293 12.11.1999 - 11.11.2009ESOS - granted in 2001 900,000 $0.057 15.10.2001 - 14.10.2011ESOS - granted in 2002 2,000,000 $0.068 11.03.2002 - 10.03.2007ESOS - granted in 2002 4,150,000 $0.068 11.03.2002 - 10.03.2012 Total 8,117,000

Pursuant to Clause 947 (Practice Note No. 9h) of the Listing Manual of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited, it is reported that during the financial year: -

(i) the Share Option Committee comprised Seah Seow Kang Steven, Lee Soo Hoon Phillip and Lauw Hui Kian (alternate Ngiam Mia Hai Bernard);

(ii) the options granted under the ESOS in 2002 were granted with a 20% discount, whilst those granted under the ESOS between 1999 - 2001 were granted without any discount; and

(iii) the options granted had a life span of 120 months, except for those granted to non-executive directors which have a life-span of 60 months from the date of grant.

Except as disclosed below, no option has been granted to controlling shareholders or their associates and no employee has received 5% or more of the total options available under the ESOS.

(c) Directors granted options and employees who received 5% or more of the total number of options under the ESOS are as follows :-

Aggregate Aggregate options options exercised/ granted since lapsed since Aggregate Options granted commencement commencement options during of the ESOS to of the ESOS to outstanding at financial end of financial end of financial end of financial year under year under year under year under review review review review

Name of director Ngiam Mia Hai Bernard – 1,500,000 (900,000) 600,000Ngiam Mia Hong Alfred – 1,500,000 (900,000) 600,000William Michael Driscoll – 600,000 – 600,000 Lee Soo Hoon Phillip – 1,000,000 – 1,000,000Lee Joo Hai – 1,000,000 – 1,000,000

Employees who received 5% or moreNgiam Mia Chong – 1,052,000 (32,000) 1,020,000Choo Bee Tin – 1,044,000 (33,000) 1,011,000 Anebarassane Thanakodi – 1,000,000 – 1,000,000

Page 19: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

page 17

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

Report of the Directors

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee was established on 20 May 1993 by the Board of Directors in accordance with Section 201B of the

Singapore Companies Act, Cap. 50 (the “Act”). The Committee performed the functions specified in the Act. In performing its

functions, the Committee reviewed the overall scope of the audit and the assistance given by the Company’s officers to the

external auditor. It met with the Company’s external auditor to discuss the results of their examinations and their evaluation

of the Company’s system of internal accounting controls. The functions performed are detailed in the Report on Corporate

Governance.

The Committee has nominated Ernst & Young for re-appointment as auditor at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting of the

Company.

Auditors

Ernst & Young have expressed their willingness to accept re-appointment as auditor.

On behalf of the Board,

Ngiam Mia Je Patrick

Chairman

Ngiam Mia Kiat Benjamin

Director

Singapore

18 February 2005

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Report of corporate governance

The directors and management of the Company are committed to high standards of corporate governance. The SGX-ST’s Listing Manual requirement (the “listing requirement”), introduced in April 2001, requires that an issuer which holds its Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) on or after 1 January 2003 (the “effective date”) should describe its corporate governance practices with specific reference to the Code of Corporate Governance (“Code”) in its annual report.

This Report describes IPC’s corporate governance processes and activities. For ease of reference, the relevant provision of the Code under discussion is identified in italics.

Board of Directors

Principle 1: Board’s Conduct of its AffairsThe principal functions of the Board are:1. approving the broad policies, strategies and financial objectives of the

Company and monitoring the performance of management;2. overseeing the processes for evaluating the adequacy of internal controls,

risk management, financial reporting and compliance;3. approving the nominations of directors and appointment of key personnel;4. approving major funding proposals, investment and divestment proposals;

and5. assuming responsibility for corporate governance.

Matters which are specifically referred to the full Board for decision are those involving a conflict of interest for substantial shareholder or director, material acquisitions and disposals of assets, corporate or financial restructuring and share issuances, dividends and other returns to shareholders and matters which require Board’s approval as specified under the Company’s interested person transaction policy.

The Board conducts regular meetings, and ad-hoc meetings are convened when circumstances require these meetings. The Company’s Articles of Association (the “Articles”) allow a board meeting to be conducted by way of tele-conference. The attendance of directors at meetings of the Board and Board Committees, as well as the frequency of such meetings, are disclosed in this Report.

The Board has independent access to the company secretaries who provide the Board with regular updates on corporate governance processes and listing requirements of the SGX. The company secretaries also attend all Board meetings and assist the Chairman in ensuring that Board procedures are followed and reviewed such that the Board functions effectively.

All directors have access also to senior management and are updated regularly concerning any changes in the Company’s policies.

The Company has adopted a policy for directors to request explanations, briefings or informal discussions on any aspects of the Company’s operations or business issues from the management. The Chairman and CEO will make the necessary arrangements for these briefings, informal discussions or explanations.

The directors can attend seminars or conferences in connection with their duties as directors subject to the approval of the Chairman.

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Report of corporate governance

Principle 2: Board Composition and BalancePresently, the Board comprises 3 non-executive and independent directors, 1 non-executive director, and 5 executive directors. The independence of each director is reviewed annually by the Nominating Committee (“NC”), which was constituted on 2nd September 2002. The NC adopts the Code’s definition of what constitutes an independent director in its review. As a result of the NC’s review of the independence of each director for FY 2004, the NC is of the view that the non-executive directors of IPC are independent directors (except for Mr. William Michael Driscoll) and that no individual or small group of individuals dominate the Board’s decision making process. Key information regarding the directors is given in the ‘Board of Directors’ section of the annual report. The NC is of the view that the current Board comprises persons who as a group provide core competencies necessary to meet the Company’s targets.

Principle 3: Role of Chairman and Chief Executive OfficerThe Company has the same Chairman and CEO, Mr Ngiam Mia Je Patrick, and he is an executive director.

IPC believes that the non-executive and independent directors have demonstrated high commitment in their role as directors and have ensured that there is a good balance of power and authority. As such, there is no need for the role of the Chairman and CEO to be separated.

The Chairman and CEO is the most senior executive in the Company and bears executive responsibility for the Company’s business, as well as for the workings of the Board. The Chairman and CEO ensures that board meetings are held when necessary and sets the Board meeting agenda in consultation with the directors and management. The Chairman and CEO reviews the Board papers before they are presented to the Board and ensures that Board members are provided with complete, adequate and timely information.

Principle 6: Access to Information In order to ensure that the Board is able to fulfil its responsibilities, management provides Board members with regular updates of the financial position of the Company. A monthly report of the Company’s activities is provided to the executive directors, and a quarterly report of the Company’s activities is also provided to the Board. Analytical reports on the Company are forwarded to the directors on an on-going basis as and when received. The directors have also been provided with the telephone numbers and e-mail particulars of the Company’s senior management and company secretaries to facilitate access.

Should directors, whether as a group or individually, need independent professional advice, the company secretaries will, upon direction by the Board, appoint a suitable professional advisor to render the advice. The cost of such professional advice will be borne by the Company.

The company secretaries attend all Board meetings and are responsible for ensuring that Board procedures are followed. It is the responsibility of the company secretaries and the management staff to ensure that the Company complies with all statutory and regulatory requirements. Please refer to the “Corporate Information” section of the annual report for the composition of the Company’s Board of directors, Board committee and the Management Committee.

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Board Committees

Nominating Committee (“NC”)

Principle 4: Board MembershipThe Chairman of the NC, Mr Lee Joo Hai, is an independent non-executive director. There are three members in the NC, two of whom are independent non-executive directors.

The members are:

Mr Lee Joo Hai (Chairman)Mr Seah Seow Kang StevenMr Ngiam Mia Je Patrick (Alternate – Mr Ngiam Mia Kiat Benjamin)

The NC’s principal functions are:

1. to identify candidates and review all nominations for the appointment

or re-appointment of members of the Board of directors, the CEO of the

Company, and the members of the various Board committees for the

purpose of proposing such nominations to the Board for its approval;

2. to determine the criteria for identifying candidates and reviewing

nominations for the appointments referred to in paragraph 1. One of the

criteria for the appointment of a director is the independent status of the

candidate;

3. to decide how the Board’s performance may be evaluated and propose

objective performance criteria for the Board’s approval;

4. to assess the effectiveness of the Board as a whole, and the contribution by

each individual director to the effectiveness of the Board;

5. to determine annually whether or not a director is independent; and

6. to assess the abilities and the adequacy of directors with multiple board

representations in carrying out their duties.

The Board on the recommendation of the NC appoints new directors. Such new

directors must submit themselves for re-election at the AGM of the Company.

Article 92 of the Articles requires one third of the Board to retire by rotation at

every AGM.

The NC has recommended the nomination of the directors retiring by rotation under

the Company’s Article of Association at the forthcoming AGM, for re-election.

Report of corporate governance

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Report of corporate governance

Principle 5: Board PerformanceThe NC, in recommending the nomination of any director for re-election, considers the contribution of the director, which includes his qualification, experience, and area of expertise, time and effort devoted to the Company’s affairs, attendance and participation at Board and Board committee meetings.

The NC initiates performance evaluation which would assess each director’s contribution to the Board, adopting assessment parameters which would include attendance record at meetings of the Board and Board committees, intensity of participation at meetings, the quality of interventions and any special contributions.

In assessing the Board’s performance as a whole, both quantitative and qualitative criteria would be adopted. Such criteria would include return on equity, the success of strategic and long-term objectives set by the Board, and the effectiveness of the Board in monitoring management’s performance against the goals that have been set by the Board.

Audit Committee (“AC”)

Principle 11: Audit CommitteePrinciple 12: Internal ControlsThe AC comprises three members, all of whom are independent non-executive directors. The Chairman of AC, Mr Lee Soo Hoon Phillip, is by profession a Certified Public Accountant. The other members of the AC have many years of accounting and legal experience. The AC is of the view that the members of the AC have the requisite financial management expertise and experience to discharge the AC’s functions.

The members are :

Mr Lee Soo Hoon Phillip (Chairman)Mr Lee Joo HaiMr Seah Seow Kang Steven

The AC performs the following main functions:

1. recommends to the Board of directors the nomination of external auditors, approves the remuneration of the external auditors, and reviews the scope and results of the audit, and its cost-effectiveness;

2. reviews (with the other committees, management, the external auditors) significant risks or exposures that exist and assesses the steps management has taken to minimize such risks to the Company;

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Report of corporate governance Report of corporate governance

3. reviews with the Finance Director and external auditors at the completion of the half-yearly reviews and annual examination the following:

- the Company’s half-yearly and audited annual financial statements and related footnotes, and the integrity of financial reporting of the Company including accounting principles for recommendation to the Board for approval;

- the external auditors’ audit of the annual financial statements and reports thereon;

- the adequacy of the Company’s system of accounting control;

- the assistance given by management to external auditors;

- any related significant findings and recommendations of the external auditors together with management’s responses thereto; and

- any significant changes required in the external auditors’ audit plan, any serious difficulties or disputes with management encountered during the course of the audit and their resolution, and other matters related to the conduct of the audit;

4. considers and reviews with management annually the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over management, business and technology systems and practices;

5. reviews legal and regulatory matters that may have a material impact on the financial statements, related exchange compliance policies, and programs, and reports received from regulators;

6. meets with external auditors, other committees, and management in separate executive sessions to discuss any matters that these groups believe should be discussed privately with the AC; and

7. reports actions and minutes of the AC to the Board of directors with such recommendations as the AC considers appropriate.

The AC has the power to conduct or authorise investigations into any matters within its terms of reference and has full access to, and co-operation from management, and full discretion to invite any director and executive officer to attend its meetings. Minutes of the AC meetings are regularly submitted to the Board for its information and review.

The AC has conducted review of the non-audit services provided by the external auditors to satisfy itself that the nature and extent of such services have not prejudice the independence and objectivity of the external auditors before recommending their re-nomination. The AC also conducted a review of the interested person transactions to ensure that there were no improper activities undertaken by the Company during the financial year.

The Company’s external auditors, Ernst & Young (“EY”), carry out, in the course of their statutory audit, a review of the effectiveness of the Company’s material internal controls to the extent of their scope as laid out in their audit plan. Material non-compliance and internal control weaknesses noted during their audit, and the external auditors’ recommendations, are reported to the AC.

The AC has reviewed the Company’s risk assessment, and is satisfied that there are adequate internal controls in the Company. The AC expects the risk assessment process to be a continuing process.

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Report of corporate governance Report of corporate governance

Principle 13: Internal AuditsThe internal audit function was set up under the supervision of the AC in 2003.

The internal audit has adopted the Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing set by The Institute of Internal Auditors.

The AC reviews the annual audit plans and ensures that the internal audit department is adequately resourced to carry out its duties effectively.

Remuneration Committee (“RC”)

Principle 7: Procedures for Developing Remuneration PoliciesPrinciple 8: Level and Mix of RemunerationPrinciple 9: Disclosure on Remuneration

The RC was formed on 2nd September 2002, and it comprises 3 directors, of whom a majority are non-executive and independent directors.

The RC is chaired by Mr Seah Seow Kang Steven, an independent and non-executive director.

The members are:

Mr Seah Seow Kang Steven (Chairman)Mr Lee Soo Hoon PhillipMs Lauw Hui Kian (Alternate – Mr Ngiam Mia Hai Bernard)

The RC’s principal responsibilities are to:

1. approve the structure of the compensation program for directors and the top 5 senior management executives to ensure that the program is competitive and sufficient to attract, retain and motivate senior management of the required quality to run the Company successfully;

2. review directors’ and the top 5 senior management executives’ compensation annually and to determine appropriate adjustments; and

3. administer the IPC’s employees share option scheme (the “ESOS”). Any matter pertaining or pursuant to the ESOS and any disputes and uncertainties as to the interpretation of the ESOS, any rules, regulations or procedures or any rights under ESOS shall be determined by the RC.

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Directors’ Attendance at Board and Board Committee Meetings :

Remuneration Nominating IPC Board Audit Committee Committee Committee

Number of meetings Name Held Attended Held Attended Held Attended Held Attended

Ngiam Mia Je Patrick 3 3 – – – – 1 1Ngiam Mia Kiat Benjamin 3 2 – – – – – –Lauw Hui Kian 3 3 – – 1 1 – –Ngiam Mia Hai Bernard 3 3 – – – – – –Ngiam Mia Hong Alfred 3 3 – – – – – –Lee Soo Hoon Phillip 3 3 2 2 1 1 – –Lee Joo Hai 3 3 2 2 – – 1 1Seah Seow Kang Steven 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 1William Michael Driscoll 3 0 – – – – – –

William Michael Driscoll is based in USA.

The executive directors’ remuneration packages include a variable bonus element which is performance related, and also share options which have been designed to align their interest with those of the shareholders. Each of the executive directors has a service contract of 5 years, which commenced from 10th April 2001. The renewal of these service contracts, is subject to a review of the terms and conditions thereof` by the RC.

For competitive reason, the Company is not disclosing the remuneration of each individual director. Instead, disclosure by respective bands of remuneration is provided in Note 32 to the financial statements. The Company has not disclosed the remuneration of its key executives as it is not in the best interest of the Company and the employees to disclose such details due to the sensitive nature of this information. The Company has no employee who is an immediate family member of a director or the CEO and whose remuneration exceeds S$150,000 for the financial year.

The fees of non-executive directors are subject to the approval of the shareholders at the Company’s AGM. The proposed fees are determined after considering factors such as effort, time spent and contribution from the non-executive directors as well as in accordance with the market practice.

The Company adopts a remuneration policy for staff comprising a fixed component and a variable component. The fixed component is in the form of a base salary. The variable component is in the form of variable bonus that is linked to the Company and the individual’s performance. Another element of the variable component is the grant of share options to staff and directors under the ESOS. This seeks to align the interests of staff and directors with that of the shareholders.

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Report of corporate governance Report of corporate governance

Communication with Shareholders

Principle 10: Accountability and AuditPrinciple 14: Communication with ShareholdersPrinciple 15: Greater Shareholder Participation

The Company has adopted half-yearly results reporting since it was listed in 1993. The Company’s results announcements are disseminated through SGXNET, news releases and the Company’s website. All information on the Company’s new initiatives are first disseminated via SGXNET followed by a news release (whenever deemed necessary), which is also available on the Company’s website.

Price sensitive information is first publicly released, either before the Company meets with any group of investors or analysts or simultaneously at such meetings. Results and annual reports are announced or issued within the mandatory period and are available on the Company’s website. The Company does not practice selective disclosure.

The Company has an investor relations team which communicates with its investors and attends to their queries. All shareholders of the Company receive the annual report and notice of AGM. The notice is also advertised in newspapers and made available on the SGXNET. At the AGM, shareholders are given the opportunity to air their views and ask directors or management questions regarding the Company.

The Articles allow a member of the Company to appoint one or two proxies to attend and vote instead of the member.

Dealing in SecuritiesThe Company has adopted internal codes pursuant to the SGX-ST Best Practices Guide applicable to all its officers in relation to dealings in the Company’s securities. Its officers are not allowed to deal in the Company’s shares during the period commencing one month before the announcement of the Company’s results and ending on the date of the announcement of the results.

Interested Person Transactions PolicyThe Company has adopted an internal policy in respect of any transactions with interested persons within the definition of Chapter 9A of the listing manual of the SGX and has set out procedures for review and approval of all interested person transactions. Details of the significant transactions are disclosed in Note 34 to the financial statements.

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Statement by directors pursuant to section 201(15)

auditors’ report to the members of ipc corporation ltd

We, Ngiam Mia Je Patrick and Ngiam Mia Kiat Benjamin, being two of the directors of IPC Corporation Ltd, do hereby state that :-

(i) the accompanying balance sheets, consolidated profit and loss account, consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated cash flow statement together with notes thereto, set out on pages 28 to 72 are drawn up so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of the Group as at 31 December 2004 and of the results of the business, changes in equity and cash flows of the Group for the year then ended, and

(ii) at the date of this statement, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they fall due.

On behalf of the Board,

Ngiam Mia Je PatrickChairman

Ngiam Mia Kiat BenjaminDirector

Singapore18 February 2005

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Statement by directors pursuant to section 201(15)

auditors’ report to the members of ipc corporation ltd

We have audited the accompanying financial statements of IPC Corporation Ltd (the “Company”) and its subsidiary companies (the “Group”) set out on pages 28 to 72 for the year ended 31 December 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s directors. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with Singapore Standards on Auditing. Those Standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the directors, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion,

(a) the consolidated financial statements of the Group and the balance sheet of the Company are properly drawn up in accordance with the provisions of the Singapore Companies Act, Cap. 50 (the “Act”) and Singapore Financial Reporting Standards so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and of the Company as at 31 December 2004 and the results, changes in equity and cash flows of the Group for the financial year ended on that date; and

(b) the accounting and other records required by the Act to be kept by the Company and by those subsidiary companies incorporated in Singapore of which we are the auditors have been properly kept in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

ERNST & YOUNGCertified Public Accountants

Singapore18 February 2005

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balance sheets as at 31 december 2004

Group Company Note 2004 2003 2004 2003 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES

Non-current assets

Intangible assets, net 4 (638) 2,238 – – Property, plant and equipment, net 5 13,166 13,622 8,440 8,620Investment properties 6 8,730 8,730 8,730 8,730Properties under development 7 62,752 61,386 – – Investments in subsidiary companies, net 8 – – 14,167 12,167Investments in associated companies, net 9 79 79 – – Other investments, net 10 6,559 7,003 4,452 4,973Pledged deposit 11 – 2,579 – – Total non-current assets 90,648 95,637 35,789 34,490

Current assets

Properties held for sale 12 53,340 62,287 – – Receivables, net 13 11,730 12,235 105,420 108,837Inventories 14 95 522 – – Fixed deposits 10,556 6,028 4,153 390Cash at bank and in hand 9,305 10,834 190 113

Total current assets 85,026 91,906 109,763 109,340Payables: Amounts falling due within one year 15 (32,352) (23,469) (1,782) (1,513)

Net current assets 52,674 68,437 107,981 107,827

Non-current liability Long-term bank loans, secured 16 – (20,800) – –

Net assets 143,322 143,274 143,770 142,317

EQUITY

Share capital 17 105,723 105,723 105,723 105,723Share premium 18 355,111 355,111 354,971 354,971Asset revaluation reserve 18 2,279 2,279 2,279 2,279Foreign currency translation reserve (6,346) (6,743) – – Accumulated losses 18 (315,167) (314,540) (319,203) (320,656)

Share capital and reserves 141,600 141,830 143,770 142,317Minority interests 1,722 1,444 – – Equity and minority interests 143,322 143,274 143,770 142,317

The accounting policies and explanatory notes on pages 33 to 72 form an integral part of the financial statements.

(In Singapore dollars)

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consolidated profit and loss account for the year ended 31 december 2004

Note 2004 2003 $’000 $’000

Revenue 19 33,261 28,063 Cost of sales (27,383) (24,227)

Gross profit 5,878 3,836

Other revenue 19 2,009 1,035Staff costs 20 (3,649) (3,119)Research and development costs (1,626) (1,699)Selling and distribution costs (2,094) (1,571)General and administrative costs (2,886) (2,800)Other operating costs (1,603) (1,124)

Loss from operating activities (3,971) (5,442)

Finance costs (7) (6)

(3,978) (5,448)Share of results of associated companies – (2)

Loss from operations before exceptional items 20 (3,978) (5,450) Exceptional items 21 2,167 4,701

Loss before taxation (1,811) (749)

Taxation 22 602 673

Loss after taxation (1,209) (76)

Minority interests 582 623

(Loss)/profit for the year (627) 547 (Loss)/earnings per share (in cents) : 23 Basic (0.03) 0.03 Fully diluted (0.03) 0.03

The accounting policies and explanatory notes on pages 33 to 72 form an integral part of the financial statements.

(In Singapore dollars)

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CONSOLIDATED statement of changes in equity FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2004

CONSOLIDATED statement of cash flow FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2004

Note 2004 2003 $’000 $’000

Issued capital

Balance at 1 January and 31 December 2,114,455,153 (2003: 2,114,455,153) ordinary shares of $0.05 each 17 105,723 105,723

Share premium *

Balance at 1 January and 31 December 355,111 355,111

Asset revaluation reserve

Balance at 1 January and 31 December 2,279 2,279

Foreign currency translation reserve

Balance at 1 January (6,743) (6,633)Translation adjustment for the year 397 (110)

Balance at 31 December (6,346) (6,743)

Accumulated losses

Balance at 1 January (314,540) (315,087)(Loss)/profit for the year (627) 547

Balance at 31 December (315,167) (314,540)

Share capital and reserves 141,600 141,830

The accounting policies and explanatory notes on pages 33 to 72 form an integral part of the financial statements.

* The share premium account may be applied only for the purposes specified in the Singapore Companies Act, Cap. 50. The balance is not available for distribution of dividends except in the form of shares.

(In Singapore dollars) (In Singapore dollars)

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CONSOLIDATED statement of changes in equity FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2004

CONSOLIDATED statement of cash flow FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2004

2004 2003 $’000 $’000

Cash flow from operating activities:

Loss before taxation (1,811) (749)Adjustments for:

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 779 886Interest income (101) (127)Loss on write off/(gain on disposal of) property, plant and equipment 342 (27)Provision/(write back) for trade receivables arising from restructuring 258 (258)Provision/(write back) for impairment in value of other investments 193 (220)Provision for impairment in value of other investments – 102Amortisation of intangible assets 1,661 1,738Share of results of associated companies – 2Exchange differences arising on consolidation 603 25Profit arising from dilution of shareholding in a subsidiary company – (19)Write back of provision for contingent liability on IPC Corporation (Korea) Ltd – (4,204)Gain arising from disposal of other investments (2,618) – Write back of provision for doubtful debts (347) – Bad debts recovered (141) – Provision for bad debts 52 – Amortisation of negative goodwill on consolidation (1,274) – Provision for impairment loss in goodwill 506 –

Operating loss before reinvestment in working capital (1,898) (2,851)

Decrease/(increase) in receivables 736 (2,949)Decrease/(increase) in inventories 427 (455)Increase/(decrease) in payables 749 (3,300)Decrease/(increase) in amounts due from associated companies 3 (2)

Cash generated from/ (applied in) operations 17 (9,557)Income tax refund/(paid) 13 (35)Interest income received 101 127

Net cash provided by/ (used in) operating activities 131 (9,465)

(In Singapore dollars) (In Singapore dollars)

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CONSOLIDATED statement of cash flowFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

2004 2003 $’000 $’000

Cash flow from investing activities:

Purchase of property, plant and equipment (1,004) (93)Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment 181 79Net decrease/(increase) in investment/development properties 7,581 (10,455)Divestment in investments 2,869 1,309Investment in convertible loans – (4,141)Disposal of a subsidiary company, net of cash disposed – (265)Acquisition of a subsidiary company, net of cash acquired (Note 30) 4,006 –

Net cash generated from/(used in) in investing activities 13,633 (13,566)

Cash flow from financing activities: Proceeds from dilution of 0% (2003: 0.19%) of a subsidiary company – 44Net proceeds from short-term bank loans, secured 7,501 6,704(Repayment of)/proceeds from long-term bank loans, secured (20,800) 20,800Payment of finance lease liabilities (45) –

Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities (13,344) 27,548 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 420 4,517Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 19,441 14,924

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year (Note 31) 19,861 19,441

.

The accounting policies and explanatory notes on pages 33 to 72 form an integral part of the financial statements

(In Singapore dollars) (In Singapore dollars)

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IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

CONSOLIDATED statement of cash flowFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

1. Corporate informationThe financial statements of IPC Corporation Ltd for the year ended 31 December 2004 were authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the directors on 18 February 2005.

The registered office of the Company is located at 23 Tai Seng Drive, IPC Building, Singapore 535224.

The principal activities of the Company, which is domiciled and incorporated in the Republic of Singapore, are the provision of Infocomm products and Broadband systems solutions, the sales and distribution of computer related products and electronic products.

The principal activities of the subsidiary companies are investment holding, development and distribution of Thin Computing solutions and related products, provision of commercial value-added network services, property development and those relating to sales and distribution of computer, computer related products, provision of computer service and support and telecommunication products and premier education provider.

There have been no significant changes in the nature of these activities during the financial year, except for the addition as a premier education provider.

The Group and Company, which operates in 7 (2003 : 7) countries, employed 116 and 13 (2003 : 79 and 13) employees respectively as at 31 December 2004.

2. Summary of significant accounting policies

(a) Basis of preparation

The financial statements of the Company and the Group, are prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of certain property, plant and equipment.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (“FRS”) as required by the Singapore Companies Act, Cap. 50.

The accounting policies applied by the Company and the Group are consistent with those used in the previous year.

The financial statements of the Company and the Group are presented in Singapore dollars ($).

(In Singapore dollars) (In Singapore dollars)

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(b) Basis of consolidation

The accounting year of the Company and all the subsidiary companies in the Group ends on 31 December and the consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and all its subsidiary companies up to 31 December 2004 with the exception of IPC Corporation (Korea) Ltd. All material inter-company transactions have been eliminated.

IPC Corporation (Korea) Ltd defaulted on certain bank payments following the abscondence of its then managing director in early 1997. This triggered off the departure of the remaining staff. As a result, no financial statements of IPC Corporation (Korea) Ltd for the years ended 31 December 1996 to 2004 are available.

The management of IPC Corporation Ltd have tried but failed to obtain the accounting documents and underlying records so as to reconstruct the financial statements of IPC Corporation (Korea) Ltd for purposes of consolidation.

IPC Corporation (Korea) Ltd has ceased operations since early 1997 and the directors foresee that this subsidiary company will be liquidated in due course. Accordingly, the directors also believe that it is no longer appropriate to consolidate the financial statements of this subsidiary company and it was deconsolidated as at 1 January 1996. Full provisions have been made against the cost of investment, amounts receivable by the Group and all amounts covered under guarantees provided on behalf of IPC Corporation (Korea) Ltd as at 31 December 1996. The provision under guarantee did not materialise and was written back during the financial year ended 31 December 2003.

The results of subsidiary companies acquired or disposed off during the year are included in or excluded from the respective dates of acquisition or disposal, as applicable.

The excess of the purchase price over the value of the net assets of subsidiary companies acquired is included in goodwill and is amortised to the profit and loss account on the basis outlined in paragraph (t)(i) below. When the value of the net assets acquired exceeds the purchase price, the difference is accounted for on the basis outlined in paragraph (t)(ii) below.

The financial statements of subsidiary companies are prepared for the same reporting period as the parent company, using consistent accounting policies. Adjustments are made to conform any dissimilar material accounting policies that may exist.

Assets, liabilities and results of overseas subsidiary companies are translated into Singapore dollars on the basis outlined in paragraph (u) below.

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

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IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

(c) Investment in subsidiary companies

A subsidiary is a company in which the Group, directly or indirectly, holds more than 50% of the issued share capital, or controls more than half of the voting power, or controls the composition of the Board of directors.

In the Company’s separate financial statements, investment in subsidiary companies are accounted for at cost less impairment losses.

An assessment of investments in subsidiary companies is performed when there is indication that the asset has been impaired or the impairment losses recognised in the prior years no longer exist.

A list of the Group’s subsidiary companies is shown in Note 3.

(d) Investment in associated companies

An associated company is an entity, not being a subsidiary, in which the Group has a long-term interest of not less than 20% and not more than 50% of the equity and in whose financial and operating policy decisions the Group exercises significant influence.

The Group’s investments in associated companies are accounted for under the equity method. Any goodwill arising on acquisition will be treated in accordance with the accounting policy for goodwill stated in paragraph (t).

When the Group’s share of losses exceeds the carrying amount of the investment, the investment is reported at nil value and recognition of losses is discontinued except to the extent of the Group’s commitment.

Unrealised gains arising from transactions with associated companies are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in the associated companies. Unrealised losses are eliminated similarly but only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment of the asset transferred.

The Group’s share of the results of associates is included in the consolidated profit and loss account. Where the audited financial statements are not co-terminous with those of the Group, the share of results is arrived at from the last audited financial statements available and unaudited management financial statements to the end of the accounting period.

Investments in associated companies are stated at cost less any impairment loss in the Company’s balance sheet. An assessment of investments in associated companies is performed when there is indication that the asset has been impaired or the impairment losses recognised in the prior years no longer exist.

A list of the Group’s associated companies is shown in Note 3.

(e) Other investments

Other investments held on a long term basis are stated at cost less provision for impairment in value, if any.

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notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

(f) Revenue recognition

Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group and the revenue can be reliably measured. The following specific recognition criteria must also be met before revenue is recognised :

Sale of goods

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised upon passage of title to the customer which generally coincides with their delivery and acceptance.

Services renderedRevenue from the provision of services is recognised upon completion of services.

Sale of development propertiesRevenue from the sale of development properties is recognised only in respect of units completed and sold. The units are considered to be sold when a legally binding unconditional sale and purchase agreement is executed.

InterestRevenue is recognised as the interest accrues.

EducationCourse fee income is recognised over the period of the course.

(g) Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost or valuation less

accumulated depreciation and any impairment in value. The cost of an

asset comprises its purchase price and any directly attributable costs of

bringing the asset to working condition for its intended use. Expenditure

for additions, improvements and renewals are capitalised and

expenditure for maintenance and repairs are charged to the profit and

loss account. When assets are sold or retired, their cost or valuation and

accumulated depreciation are removed from the financial statements

and any gain or loss resulting from their disposal is included in the profit

and loss account.

When an asset is revalued, any increase in the carrying amount is credited

directly to revaluation reserve unless it reverses a previous revaluation

decrease relating to the same asset, which was previously recognised as

an expense. In these circumstances the increase is recognised as income

to the extent of the previous write down. When an asset’s carrying amount

is decreased as a result of a revaluation, the decrease is recognised as an

expense unless it reverses a previous surplus relating to that asset, in which

case it is charged against any related revaluation surplus, to the extent that

the decrease does not exceed the amount held in the revaluation surplus

in respect of that same asset. Any balance remaining in the revaluation

surplus in respect of an asset, is transferred directly to accumulated profits

on retirement or disposal of the asset. The revaluation of property, plant

and equipment is performed on a regular basis or when the fair value

varies significantly from the carrying value.

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IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

(h) Investment properties

Investment properties are those properties held for their long-term investment. They are included in the balance sheet at cost, less impairment losses, if any.

(i) Properties under development

Properties under development are those investment properties under development which are held for their development potential. They are included in the balance sheet at cost, less impairment losses, if any.

(j) Properties held for sale

Properties held for sale are stated at the lower of cost or net realisable value. Cost includes the cost of land and relevant development expenditure capitalised up to date of completion.

(k) Impairment of assets

Assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Whenever the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, an impairment loss is recognised in the profit and loss account, unless the relevant asset is land or building at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is taken to the asset revaluation reserve except when the total of this reserve is not sufficient to cover the impairment loss, in which case the amount by which the impairment loss exceeds the amount in the asset revaluation reserve is charged to the profit and loss account.

Reversal of an impairment loss recognised in prior years is recorded when there is an indication that the impairment loss recognised for an asset no longer exists or has decreased. The reversal is recorded in income or as a revaluation increase. However, the increased carrying amount of an asset due to a reversal of an impairment loss is recognised to the extent it does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined (net of amortisation or depreciation) had no impairment loss been recognized for that asset in prior years.

(l) Operating leases

Leases where the lessor effectively retains substantially all the risks and benefits of ownership of the leased term, are classified as operating leases. Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense in the profit and loss account on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

(m) Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost comprises direct materials on a first-in-first-out basis and in the case of finished products, includes direct labour and attributable production overheads based on normal levels of activity. Net realisable value represents the estimated selling price less the anticipated cost of disposal. Provision is made for damaged, obsolete and slow-moving items.

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notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

(n) Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprised cash on hand, bank balances and fixed deposits.

(o) Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables, which generally have 30-90 day terms are recognised and carried at original invoiced amount less an allowance for any uncollectible amounts. An estimate for doubtful debts is made when collection of the full amount is no longer probable. Bad debts are written off to the profit and loss account as incurred.

Other receivables are recognised and carried at cost less an allowance for any uncollectible amounts.

Receivables from subsidiary companies are recognised and carried at cost less allowance for any uncollectible amounts.

(p) Trade and other payables

Liabilities for trade and other payables, accruals and other amounts payable which are normally settled on 30-90 day terms, are carried at cost which is the fair value of the consideration to be paid in the future for goods and services rendered, whether or not billed to the Group.

(q) Share capital

Ordinary share capital issued other than for cash, is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received by the Company.

(r) Deferred taxation

Deferred income tax is provided, using the liability method, on all temporary differences at the balance sheet date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled based on tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates and interests in joint ventures, except where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax assets are recognised for all deductible temporary differences, carry-forward of unused tax assets and unused tax losses, to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences, carry-forward of unused tax assets and unused tax losses can be utilised.

Page 41: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

page 39

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

(r) Deferred taxation (cont’d)

At each balance sheet date, the Group re-assesses unrecognised deferred tax assets and the carrying amount of deferred tax assets. The Group recognises a previously unrecognised deferred tax asset to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profit will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered. The Group conversely reduces the carrying amount of a deferred tax asset to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow the benefit of part or all of the deferred tax asset to be utilised.

Current tax and deferred tax are charged or credited directly to equity

if the tax relates to items that are credited or charged, in the same or a different period, directly to equity.

(s) Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated on a straight line method to write off the cost of property, plant and equipment over their estimated useful lives. The estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment are as follows :-

Leasehold building - over the lease term and up to 50 years

Leasehold improvements - 10 years

Plant and machinery, furniture and fittings, office equipment and motor vehicles - 3 to 5 years

Fully depreciated assets are retained in the financial statements until they are no longer in use and no further charge for depreciation is made in respect of these assets.

(t) Intangible assets

(i) GoodwillGoodwill represents the excess of the cost of the acquisition over the fair value of identifiable net assets of a subsidiary, associated or joint venture company at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is amortised using the straight-line basis over a period of between 5 to 20 years that benefits are expected to be received. The estimated useful life is reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Goodwill is stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and any impairment losses.

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notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

(t) Intangible assets (cont’d)

(ii) Negative goodwill

Negative goodwill arising on acquisition represents the excess of the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired over the cost of acquisition. To the extent that negative goodwill relates to an expectation of future losses and expenses that are identified in the plan of acquisition and can be measured reliably, but which have not yet been recognised, it is recognised in the profit and loss account when the future losses and expenses are recognised. Any remaining negative goodwill, not exceeding the fair values of the non-monetary assets acquired, is recognised in the profit and loss account over the weighted average useful life of those assets that are depreciable or amortisable. Negative goodwill in excess of fair values of non-monetary assets acquired is recognised immediately in the profit and loss account.

Negative goodwill is presented in the same balance sheet classification as goodwill. With respect to associated companies, negative goodwill is included in the carrying value of the investment.

(iii) Patents and licenses

Costs relating to patents and licences which are acquired are capitalised and amortised on a straight-line basis over their five-year useful lives.

(iv) Research and development costs

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred, except for development costs which relate to the design and testing of new or improved materials, products or processes which are recognised as an asset to the extent that it is expected that such assets will generate future economic benefits.

Deferred development costs are amortised from the date of commercial production of the product or from the date the process is put into use. Such costs are currently being amortised on a straight-line basis over their useful lives, not exceeding 8 years.

The carrying values of intangible assets are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

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IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

(u) Foreign currency translation

The accounting records of the companies in the Group are maintained in their respective measurement currencies. Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded in the respective companies’ measurement currencies using exchange rates approximating those ruling on the transaction dates. Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are translated into the respective measurement currencies at exchange rates ruling at that date. Non monetary assets and liabilities are measured using the exchange rates ruling at the transaction dates. All resultant exchange differences are recognised in the profit and loss account.

Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiary and associate companies are translated into Singapore dollars at exchange rates ruling at balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for the year, which approximates the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. All resultant exchange differences are taken to foreign currency translation reserve.

(v) Provisions

Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) where as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. Provisions are reviewed at each balance sheet date and adjusted to reflect the current best estimate.

(w) Employee benefits

(i) Pensions and other post employment benefits

The Group participates in the national pension schemes as defined by the laws of the countries in which it has operations. In particular, the Singapore companies in the Group make contributions to the Central Provident Fund scheme in Singapore, a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions to national pension schemes are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is performed.

(ii) Employee leave entitlement

Employee entitlements to annual leave are recognised when they accrue to employees. A provision is made for the estimated liability for leave as a result of services rendered by employees up to balance sheet date.

(iii) Equity compensation benefit

The Company has an employees’ share option schemes where employees are granted non-transferrable option to purchase the shares of the Company. No compensation costs or obligation is recognised upon granting or the exercise of the options. When the options are exercised, equity and share premium is increased by the amount of the proceeds received.

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IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary CompaniesIPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

4. Intangible assets, net

Software Patent Deferred Goodwill Negative Total development rights expenditure goodwill

$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Group

Cost At 1 January 2004 4,922 250 152 843 – 6,167 Negative goodwill on consolidation – – – – (1,912) (1,912) Currency realignment (71) – – – – (71) At 31 December 2004 4,851 250 152 843 (1,912) 4,184 Accumulated amortisation At 1 January 2004 3,232 250 152 295 – 3,929 Recognised as income for the year – – – – (1,274) (1,274) Charge for the year 1,619 – – 42 – 1,661 Impairment loss – – – 506 – 506 At 31 December 2004 4,851 250 152 843 (1,274) 4,822

Amortisation for year 2003 1,696 – – 42 – 1,738

Net book value

At 31 December 2004 – – – – (638) (638)

At 31 December 2003 1,690 – – 548 – 2,238

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IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

Software development $’000

Company

Cost At 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2004 614

Accumulated amortisation At 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2004 614 Amortisation for year 2003 205

Net book value At 31 December 2004 –

At 31 December 2003 –

4. Intangible assets, net (cont’d)

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IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary CompaniesIPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

5. Property, plant and equipment, net

Plant and Motor Furniture Office Leasehold land, machinery vehicles and fittings equipment buildings and Total

improvements

$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Group

Cost and valuation At 1 January 2004 3,574 1,168 678 824 15,468 21,712 Additions 3 345 2 714 – 1,064 Disposals (3,308) (555) (5) (67) – (3,935) Currency realignment (163) (15) (3) (7) (207) (395) At 31 December 2004 106 943 672 1,464 15,261 18,446 Representing Valuation 1998 – – – – 2,279 2,279 Cost 106 943 672 1,464 12,982 16,167 At 31 December 2004 106 943 672 1,464 15,261 18,446 Accumulated depreciation At 1 January 2004 2,855 859 677 673 3,026 8,090 Charge for the year 244 94 2 137 302 779 Disposals (2,876) (479) (5) (52) – (3,412) Currency realignment (120) (5) (3) (13) (36) (177) At 31 December 2004 103 469 671 745 3,292 5,280 Charge for year 2003 276 62 7 73 468 886 Net book value

At 31 December 2004 3 474 1 719 11,969 13,166

At 31 December 2003 719 309 1 151 12,442 13,622

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IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

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IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

5. Property, plant and equipment, net (cont’d)

Plant and Motor Furniture Office Leasehold land, machinery vehicles and fittings equipment buildings and Total

improvements

$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Company

Cost and valuation At 1 January 2004 57 554 611 345 10,743 12,310 Additions – 145 – – – 145 Disposal – (555) – – – (555) At 31 December 2004 57 144 611 345 10,743 11,900 Representing Valuation 1998 – – – – 2,279 2,279 Cost 57 144 611 345 8,464 9,621 At 31 December 2004 57 144 611 345 10,743 11,900 Accumulated depreciation At 1 January 2004 57 473 611 335 2,214 3,690 Charge for the year – 27 – 3 219 249 Disposal – (479) – – – (479) At 31 December 2004 57 21 611 338 2,433 3,460 Charge for year 2003 – 21 – 4 223 248

Net book value

At 31 December 2004 – 123 – 7 8,310 8,440

At 31 December 2003 – 81 – 10 8,529 8,620

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IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary CompaniesIPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

5. Property, plant and equipment, net (cont’d)

If the leasehold land, buildings and improvement stated at valuation had been included in the financial statements at cost less depreciation, the net book values would have been $10.001 million for the Group (2003 : $10.422 million) and $6.342 million (2003 : $6.509 million) for the Company.

One of the properties of the Company and the Group is an industrial building located at 23 Tai Seng Drive in Singapore on a leasehold land area of 3,814 sq. m. The valuation has been made by the directors and is based on the professional appraisals by Cheong Koon Seng Auctioneers & Valuers Pte Ltd as at 31 December 1998. The valuation is based on the open market valuation of the unexpired leasehold interest of the buildings and is subject to the property being free of encumbrances and the grant by JTC of the 30 plus 30-year lease commencing from 1 August 1990. The valuation surplus of $2.279 million was taken to the asset revaluation reserve account in 1998.

The above property was valued by Cheong Koon Seng Auctioneers & Valuers Pte Ltd at $8.500 million as at 31 December 2004. The carrying value of this property was $8.310 million as at 31 December 2004. The surplus in revaluation of the property has not been incorporated in the financial statements.

Certain medium term leasehold land and buildings of the Group have been pledged to secure banking facilities for the Zhuhai project as detailed in Note 16 to the financial statements.

During the current financial year, the directors obtained a desktop valuation by a licensed property surveyor, Castores Magi Surveyors Limited (“CMS”) to value the Group’s investment properties as at 31 December 2004. The total value of the investment properties held by the Group and Company based on this valuation was RMB 52.3 million (S$10.4 million). The surplus in revaluation of the investment properties has not been incorporated in the financial statements.

Name of property Description Existing Tenure of Attributable use property interest

Held by Company

Ju Ren Da Sha Xiang Zhou Yin Hua Lu Office 50 years lease 24% term

Xiang Zhou Xiang Zhou Gong Ye Qu Factory 50 years lease 100% Gong Ye Qu term No.9 factory

6. Investment properties

Group and Company

2004 2003 $’000 $’000

Investment properties 8,730 7,887 Additions during the year - 843 8,730 8,730

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IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

8. Investments in subsidiary companies, net

Company

2004 2003 $’000 $’000

Quoted shares, at cost 1,500 1,500 Unquoted shares, at cost 21,999 19,999 Less : Provision for impairment in value of investments (9,332) (9,332) 14,167 12,167

Market value of quoted shares 10,978 18,820 Analysis of provision for impairment in value of investments :- Balance at 1 January 9,332 9,788 Disposal during the year – (456)

Balance at 31 December 9,332 9,332 Further details regarding the subsidiary companies are set out in Note 3.

7. Properties under development

Group

2004 2003 $’000 $’000

Land cost 43,341 50,999 Development expenditure 19,411 10,387 62,752 61,386

Interest capitalised during the financial year 1,411 1,167

The Group’s properties under development are held by Zhuhai IPC Property Development Co. Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary company of the Company which is incorporated in the People’s Republic of China.

Details of the Group’s properties under development are as follows :

Name of Description Type of Tenure of Stage of Site Area Attributable property development property completion/expected Sq. m. interest date of completion

Held through a subsidiary company

Xu Ri Wan Zhuhai Tang Land parcel 50 years Development 64,000 100%Hua Yuan Jia Jiu Keng lease term stage

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notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

9. Investments in associated companies, net

Group Company

2004 2003 2004 2003 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Unquoted shares, at cost 3,824 3,824 1,101 1,101 Less : Provision for impairment in value of investments (3,102) (3,102) (1,101) (1,101) Share of net post-acquisition losses (643) (643) – – 79 79 – – Analysis of provision for impairment in value of investments :- Balance at 1 January 3,102 3,500 1,101 1,499 Disposal during the year – (398) – (398) Balance at 31 December 3,102 3,102 1,101 1,101

Further details regarding the associated companies are set out in Note 3.

10. Other investments, net

Quoted shares, at cost 5,797 2,417 5,720 2,417 Less : Provision for impairment in value of investments in quoted shares (1,779) (1,748) (1,779) (1,748) 4,018 669 3,941 669 Unquoted shares, at cost 78,066 77,556 71,118 70,608 Less : Provision for impairment in value of investments in unquoted shares (75,623) (75,461) (70,607) (70,445) 2,443 2,095 511 163

Convertible loan – 4,141 – 4,141 Club membership, at cost 200 200 – – Less : Provision for impairment in value of investments in club membership (102) (102) – – 98 98 – –

Other investments, net 6,559 7,003 4,452 4,973

Page 55: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

page 53

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

10. Other investments, net (cont’d)

Group Company

2004 2003 2004 2003 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Market value of quoted investments 12,859 669 12,767 669 Analysis of provision for impairment in value of investments in quoted shares:-

Balance at 1 January 1,748 1,968 1,748 1,968 Charged/(write back) to exceptional items 31 (220) 31 (220) Balance at 31 December 1,779 1,748 1,779 1,748 Analysis of provision for impairment in value of investments in unquoted shares:-

Balance at 1 January 75,461 75,461 70,445 70,445 Charged to exceptional items 162 – 162 – Balance at 31 December 75,623 75,461 70,607 70,445

Included in other investments is a fixed rate deposit of HK$8,000,000 (2003: HK$8,000,000) placed with an independent venture capital company principally engaged in fund and capital management. The balance bears interest at a rate of 6% per annum. Such deposit was financed by the internally generated fund of the Group. This investment is secured by a guarantee executed by a registered securities dealer on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.

11. Pledged deposit

Pledged deposit refers to time deposit pledged in 2003 to a bank for long-term bank loan. The pledge had been lifted in 2004 as the long-term bank loan had been fully repaid.

Page 56: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

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IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary CompaniesIPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

12. Properties held for sale Group

2004 2003 $’000 $’000

Land cost 28,822 32,383 Development expenditure 24,518 29,904

53,340 62,287

The details of the Group’s properties held for sale are as follows :

Name of Description Type of Tenure of Site Area Attributable property development property Sq. m. interest Xin Jia Po Hua Zhuhai Xiang Zhou Commercial 50 years lease term 6,867 100% Yuan Yi Qi Yin Hua Lu Shang Pu

Xin Jia Po Hua Zhuhai Xiang Residential 50 years lease term 7,099 100% Yuan Yi Qi Di Kuai Zhou Yin Hua Lu

San Qi Di Kuai Zhuhai Xiang Zhou Residential 50 years lease term 21,736 100% Yin Hua Lu Xu Ri Wan Hua Zhuhai Tang Jia Jiu Residential 50 years lease term 38,887 100% Yuan Yang Fang Keung Bie Shu

Certain of the Group’s properties held for sale are pledged to secure banking facilities for the Zhuhai project as de-tailed in Note 16 to the financial statements.

13. Receivables, net

Group Company

2004 2003 2004 2003 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Trade receivables, net 8,903 10,492 13 15 Amounts due from subsidiary companies (Note 25) – – 104,115 108,026 Amounts due from associated companies (Note 26) – – – 3 Other receivables, net (Note 27) 2,827 1,743 1,292 793

11,730 12,235 105,420 108,837

Page 57: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

page 55

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

13. Receivables, net (cont’d)

Group Company

2004 2003 2004 2003 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Trade receivables are stated after deducting provision for doubtful debts of:-

Balance at 1 January 46,582 50,115 1,109 2,503 Currency realignment (36) (15) – – Charged to profit and loss 52 – – – Charged/(write back) to exceptional items 258 (258) – – Due to subsidiary acquired 81 – – – Bad debts written off – (3,260) – (1,394) Write back of provision to profit and loss (347) – – – Balance at 31 December 46,590 46,582 1,109 1,109

14. Inventories Group

2004 2003 $’000 $’000

At cost

Raw materials 92 130 Finished goods 3 392

95 522

15. Payables : Amounts falling due within one year

Group Company

2004 2003 2004 2003 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Trade payables 6,175 5,921 87 231 Amounts due to subsidiary companies (Note 25) – – 1,163 748 Amounts due to associated companies (Note 26) 663 660 – – Other payables (Note 28) 7,269 6,136 496 494 Provision for taxation 344 352 36 40 Short-term loans, secured (Note 16) 17,901 10,400 – – 32,352 23,469 1,782 1,513

Page 58: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

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IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary CompaniesIPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

16. Long-term bank loans, secured Group

2004 2003

$’000 $’000

Secured bank loans repayable - 31,200

Portion classified as current liabilities (Note 15) - (10,400)

– 20,800

At 31 December 2004, the Group’s bank loans facilities were secured by the following:

(i) certain of the Group’s leasehold land and buildings with aggregate carrying amount of approximately $2,931,205 (2003: $3,346,173) (Note 5);

(ii) certain of the Group’s properties held for sale with aggregate carrying amount of approximately $20,360,802 (2003: $21,518,848) (Note 12); and

(iii) a pledged deposit of $Nil (2003: $2,579,200) (Note 11).

17. Share captial

Group Company

2004 2003 2004 2003 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Authorised :- 4,000,000,000 ordinary shares of $0.05 each 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 Issued and fully paid :- 2,114,455,153 ordinary shares of $0.05 each 105,723 105,723 105,723 105,723 The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as and when declared by the Company. All ordinary shares carry one vote per share without restriction.

Page 59: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

page 57

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

17. Share capital (cont’d) Under the ESOS, the options granted, exercised and lapsed during the financial year and outstanding as at 31 December 2004 are as follows :-

Date Exercise Option period At 1 January No. of share options At 31 granted price 2004 or date of Lapsed Exercised December grant if later 2004

1999 $0.293 12.11.1999 - 11.11.2009 1,089,000 (22,000) – 1,067,000 2001 $0.057 15.10.2001 - 14.10.2011 900,000 – – 900,000 2002 $0.068 11.03.2002 - 10.03.2007 2,000,000 – – 2,000,000 2002 $0.068 11.03.2002 - 10.03.2012 4,400,000 (250,000) – 4,150,000 8,389,000 (272,000) – 8,117,000

Pursuant to Clause 947 (Practice Note No. 9h) of the Listing Manual of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited, it is reported that during the financial year :

(i) the Share Option Committee comprised Seah Seow Kang Steven, Lee Soo Hoon Phillip and Lauw Hui Kian (alternate Ngiam Mia Hai Bernard);

(ii) no share option was granted during the year;

(iii) the options granted under the ESOS in 2002 were granted with a 20% discount, whilst those granted under the ESOS between 1999 - 2001 were granted without any discount; and

(iv) the options granted had a life span of 120 months, except for those granted to non-executive directors which have a life-span of 60 months from the date of grant.

Except as disclosed in Page 16, no option has been granted to controlling shareholders or their associate and no employee has received 5% or more of the total options available under the ESOS.

Page 60: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

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IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary CompaniesIPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

18. Reserves

Company

2004 2003 $’000 $’000

Share premium Balance at 1 January and 31 December 354,971 354,971

Asset revaluation reserve Balance at 1 January and 31 December 2,279 2,279 Accumulated losses Balance at 1 January (320,656) (325,448) Profit for the year 1,453 4,792

Balance at 31 December (319,203) (320,656)

19. Revenue

Revenue represents the invoiced value of goods sold net of goods and services tax, returned goods and trade discounts. It excludes dividends, interest income and in respect of the Group, all intra-group transactions.

Group

2004 2003 $’000 $’000

Revenue Revenue is analysed as follows:- Sales of goods and products 3,807 4,220 Services rendered 393 1,906 Sales of development properties 28,120 21,937 Education income 941 – 33,261 28,063 Other Revenue Gain on disposal of plant and equipment 105 27 Interest income 101 127 Negative goodwill on consolidation 1,274 – Others 157 248 Rental income 372 633

2,009 1,035

Page 61: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

page 59

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

20. Loss from operations before taxation

Group

2004 2003 $’000 $’000

This is stated after charging/(crediting) :-Auditors’ remuneration :- Auditors of the Company - current year 74 64 - underprovision in respect of prior years – 1 Other auditors of subsidiary companies 94 127Non-audit fees: Auditors of the Company - current year 21 19Directors’emoluments:- Directors of the Company - fees 90 70 - Central Provident Fund 26 33 - salaries and allowances 765 800Directors of subsidiary companies:- - fees 70 65 - Central Provident Fund 17 22 - salaries and allowances 453 522Foreign exchange loss 265 193Hire purchases interest 1 – Inventories written off 21 – Loss on disposal of plant and equipment 447 – Provision for impairment in value of investments – 102Bad debts recovered (141) – Provision/(write back) for unutilised annual leaves 11 (28)Staff costs (excluding directors’ remuneration):- - Central Provident Fund 200 135 - salaries and allowances 2,017 1,500

21. Exceptional items

Profit arising from dilution of shareholding in ThinSoft (Holdings) Inc – 19 (Provision)/write back for impairment in value of other investments (193) 220 (Provision)/write back for trade receivables arising from restructuring (258) 258 Write back of provision for contingent liability on IPC Corporation (Korea) Ltd – 4,204 Gain on disposal of other investments 2,618 –

2,167 4,701

Page 62: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

page 60

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary CompaniesIPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

22. Taxation

Group

2004 2003 $’000 $’000

Provision for taxation in respect of (loss)/profit for the year :- - Current taxation 5 10 Overprovision in respect of prior years :- - Current taxation (27) (8) Tax refund in respect of prior years – (59) Tax on dividend income to be recovered (580) (616) (602) (673) A reconciliation of the income tax determined on the results of the Group by applying the Singapore Statutory income tax rate to the income tax expense is as follows :

Loss before income tax (1,811) (749) Tax calculated at statutory tax rate of 20% (2003 : 22%) (362) (165) Expenses not deductible for tax purposes (630) (380) Tax assets not recognised 945 510 Difference arising from higher foreign tax rate applicable to foreign subsidiary companies 49 44 Tax refund in respect of prior years – (59) Over provision in respect of prior years (27) (8) Tax benefit not allowed 3 1 Tax on dividend income to be recovered (580) (616) (602) (673)

The Group has tax losses of $182 million (2003 : $179.7 million) which includes development and expansion tax losses of $15.8 million (2003 : $10.2 million) and pioneer tax losses of $143.7 million (2003 : $147.7 million) that are available for offset against future taxable profits of the companies in which the losses arose for which no deferred tax asset is recognised due to uncertainty of its recoverability. Of this amount, $3.22 million would expire within the next 5 years. The use of these tax losses is subject to the agreement of the tax authorities and compliance with certain provisions of the tax legislation of the respective countries in which the companies operate.

Page 63: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

page 61

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

23. (Loss)/earnings per shareThe (loss)/earnings per share is calculated by dividing the (loss)/profit after taxation and minority interests of ($0.627) million (2003 : $0.547 million), by the number of 2,114,455,153 (2003 : 2,114,455,153) ordinary shares in issue during the financial year.

There is no material dilution of earnings per share if all outstanding share options were exercised.

24. DividendsThe Directors propose that a first and final tax exempt dividend of 0.25 cents per ordinary share to be paid for the year ended 31 December 2004 for shares determined pursuant to the Capital Restructuring Exercise effected on 16 February 2005.

25. Amounts due from/(to) subsidiary companies

Company

2004 2003 $’000 $’000

Amounts receivable on current account 343 1,393 Less : Provision for doubtful debts (337) (1,387)

6 6 Loans to subsidiary companies 106,609 112,184 Less : Provision for doubtful debts (2,500) (4,164) 104,109 108,020

104,115 108,026

Amounts payable on current account (1,163) (748)

Page 64: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

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IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary CompaniesIPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

25. Amounts due from/(to) subsidiary companies (cont’d)

Company

2004 2003 $’000 $’000

Analysis of provision for doubtful debts for amounts receivable on current account :- Balance at 1 January 1,387 1,050Charged to profit and loss account – 337Written off during the year (1,050) – Balance at 31 December 337 1,387

The amounts receivable/(payable) on current accounts are trade related.

Analysis of provision for doubtful debts for loans to subsidiary companies :-

Balance at 1 January and 31 December 4,164 4,164Charged to profit and loss account 2,500 – Written off during the year (4,164) – Balance at 31 December 2,500 4,164

The loans to subsidiary companies are non-trade related, interest-free, unsecured and have no fixed terms of repayment.

26. Amounts due from/(to) associated companies, net

Group Company

2004 2003 2004 2003 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Amounts receivable on current account 20 23 – 3Less : Provision for doubtful debts (20) (20) – – – 3 – 3 Loans to associated companies 357 357 357 357Less : Provision for doubtful debts (357) (357) (357) (357) – – – – Amount payable on current account (663) (663) – – (663) (660) – 3

Page 65: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

page 63

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

26. Amounts due from/(to) associated companies, net (cont’d)

Group Company

2004 2003 2004 2003 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Analysis of provision for doubtful debts for amountsreceivable on current account :- Balance at 1 January 20 124 – – Written off during the year – (104) – – Balance at 31 December 20 20 – –

The amounts receivable/(payable) on current accounts are trade related.

Analysis of provision for doubtful debts forloans to associated companies :-Balance at 1 January 357 1,348 357 357Written off during the year – (991) – – Balance at 31 December 357 357 357 357 The loans to associated companies are non-trade related, interest-free, unsecured and have no fixed terms of repayment.

27. Other receivables, net

Recoverable accounts 2,302 545 2 2Sundry deposits 115 182 65 132Loans to staff and third parties 29 43 29 43Deposits and prepayments 58 461 – – Tax recoverable 1,196 998 1,196 616 3,700 2,229 1,292 793Less : Provision for doubtful debts (873) (486) – – 2,827 1,743 1,292 793 Analysis of provision for doubtful debts :- Balance at 1 January 486 493 – – Currency realignment (22) (7) – – Subsidiary acquired 873 – – – Written off during the year (464) – – –

Balance at 31 December 873 486 – –

Page 66: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

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IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary CompaniesIPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

28. Other payables

Group Company

2004 2003 2004 2003 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Accruals 1,818 577 391 480Advance receipt from customers 3,373 2,501 – – Other payables 2,021 3,044 87 – Provision for unutilised employee annual leave 42 14 10 14Hire purchase creditor (Note 29) 15 – 8 – 7,269 6,136 496 494

29. Hire purchase creditor

The average discount rate implicit in the hire purchase is 4.884% and the future minimum hire purchase payments under the hire purchase agreement are as follows:

Minimum Present value payments of payments

2004 2003 2004 2003 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Group

Within one year 15 – 15 – After one year but not more than five years – – – – Total minimum lease payments 15 – 15 – Less: Amounts representing finance lease – – – – Present value of minimum lease payments 15 – 15 – Company

Within one year 8 – 8 – After one year but not more than five years – – – – Total minimum lease payments 8 – 8 – Less: Amounts representing finance lease – – – – Present value of minimum lease payments 8 – 8 –

Page 67: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

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IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

30. Acquisition of a subsidiary company, net of cash acquired

The Company acquired Nanyang Institute of Management Pte Ltd in July 2004. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the cash flow effect of the acquisition were :

Company

2004 2003 $’000 $’000

Cash and bank balances (6,006) – Creditors 1,205 – Fair value of net assets (4,801) – Minority interest 889 – Negative goodwill 1,912 – Total consideration (2,000) – Cash and bank balances 6,006 – Cash inflow on acquisition of subsidiary company 4,006 –

31. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents included in the consolidated statement of cash flow comprise the following balance sheet amounts:

Group

2004 2003 $’000 $’000

Cash at bank and in hand 9,305 10,834Fixed deposits 10,556 6,028Pledged deposit (Note 11) – 2,579 19,861 19,441

Page 68: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

page 66

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

32. Directors’ remuneration The following number of Directors of the Company with remuneration received from the Company and all of its

subsidiary companies in the following bands is disclosed in compliance with paragraph 4 of Appendix II of the Listing Manual of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited :-

No. of directors Remuneration Fee

2004 2003 2004 2003 2004 2003 % % % % $250,000 to $499,999 2 2 - Ngiam Mia Je Patrick 100 100 – – - Ngiam Mia Kiat Benjamin 100 100 – –

Less than $250,000 7 7 - Lauw Hui Kian 100 100 – – - Ngiam Mia Hai Bernard 100 100 – – - Ngiam Mia Hong Alfred 100 100 – – - William Michael Driscoll 100 100 – – - Lee Soo Hoon Phillip – – 100 100 - Lee Joo Hai – – 100 100 - Seah Seow Kang Steven – – 100 100

Total 9 9

The Directors did not receive any variable remuneration during the year 2004 (2003: nil).

33. Segment information

The Company’s operating businesses are organized and managed separately according to the nature of products and services provided with each segment representing a strategic business unit that offers different products and serves different markets. The Thin Computing segment is a leading provider of pervasive computing solutions that effectively reduce the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of computing environments. The Infocomm Product and Broadband Systems Integration segment is a provider of in-premise wireless communications systems and broadband multimedia solutions for multi-dwelling units (MDU). The Properties segment is a property developer of a residential cum commercial project in Zhuhai, China. Segment accounting policies are the same as the policies described in Note 2. The education segment is a premier education provider. The Company generally accounts for intersegment sales and transfers as if the sale or transfers were to third parties at market prices. Revenues are attributed to geographical areas based on the location of customers regardless of where the goods are produced. The assets and capital expenditure are based on the location of those assets.

The following tables present revenues and profit information regarding industry segments for the years ended 31 December 2004 and 2003 and certain asset and liability information regarding industry segments at 31 December 2004 and 2003.

Page 69: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

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Page 71: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

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Page 72: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

page 70

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary CompaniesIPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

33. Segment information (cont’d)Note i : Segment assets comprise property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, investment

properties, properties under development, other investments, pledged deposit and current assets.

Note ii : Segment assets comprise property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, investment properties, properties under development, investments in associated companies, other investments, pledged deposit and current assets.

Note iii : Segment liabilities comprise total current and non-current liabilities, except tax liabilities.

Note iv : Capital expenditure refers to the purchase of property, plant and equipment.

34. Significant related party transactions The following are the significant related party transactions entered into by the Company and the Group on terms

agreed between the parties :- Company

2004 2003 $’000 $’000

Subsidiary companiesRental income 72 72Management fee received 687 36 There were no known interested person transactions during the year 2004 (2003: nil).

35. Lease commitments

The Group leases certain property and equipment under lease agreements that are non-cancellable within a year. Lease terms do not contain any restrictions on the Group’s activities concerning dividends, additional debt or further leasing. Future minimum lease payments for all leases with initial or remaining term of one year or more are as follows :-

Group Company

2004 2003 2004 2003 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Within one year 264 267 206 206 Between 2 to 5 years 950 955 822 822 More than 5 years 2,175 2,380 2,175 2,380

3,389 3,602 3,203 3,408

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IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

page 71

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

(In Singapore dollars)

36. Commitments(a) At 31 December 2004, the Group has commitments in respect of construction of the Group’s properties

under development as follows : Group

2004 2003 $’000 $’000

Contracted, but not provided for 5,106 5,603Authorised, but not contracted for 21,879 11,024

26,985 16,627

(b) IPC Zhuhai, a wholly-owned subsidiary of IPC, is the developer of Costa Del Sol residential and commercial project in Zhuhai. It is customary for banks in China to require the developers to provide counter-guarantee for mortgage loan extended to buyers of the developers’ properties.

Under the counter-guarantee provided by IPC Zhuhai to banks in China, any default on the mortgage loan from the mortgagee will require IPC Zhuhai to pay to the banks for the balance amount unrecovered from proceeds of the property sold and other legal recovering proceedings against the mortgagee.

However, given that the banks only extend mortgage loans of up to 70% of the purchase price of units of Costa Del Sol, and that the banks had not notified IPC Zhuhai of any outstanding loan amounts in default, it is therefore not possible for IPC Zhuhai as at 31 December 2004 to quantify this commitment, if any.

37. Financial risk management The main risks arising from the Group’s financial instruments are interest rate risk, liquidity risk, foreign currency risk and credit risk. The Board reviews and agrees policies for managing each of these risks and they are summarised below :-

Interest rate risk

The Group obtains financing through bank borrowings and leasing arrangements. The Group’s policy is to obtain any financing at the most favourable interest rates available and in currencies that reflect minimum foreign currency exposure.

Surplus funds are placed with reputable banks.

Liquidity risk

Funding is generally obtained from internal resources of the Group and bank borrowings. The Group manages this risk by monitoring working capital projections.

Foreign currency risk

The Group does not use foreign exchange contracts in managing its foreign currency risk arising from cash flows from anticipated transactions and financing arrangements denominated in foreign currencies, primarily the Renminbi, Hong Kong dollars and US dollars. Hence, transaction risk is subjected to the fluctuation of foreign currency risk.

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page 72

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary CompaniesIPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

(In Singapore dollars)

37. Financial risk management (cont’d)

Credit risk

The carrying amount of investments, trade and other receivables represent the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk. No other financial asset carries a significant exposure to credit risk.

Fair values

The financial assets and financial liabilities of the Group are carried at fair values except for unquoted equity investments which are held as long-term investments and carried at cost, net of provision for impairment in value of investment of $2,443,000 (2003 : $2,095,000). The expected cash flows from these investments are believed to be in excess of their carrying amounts.

The carrying amounts of trade and other receivables, development properties, inventories, fixed deposits, cash, trade and other payables approximate their fair values due to their short-term nature.

38. Subsequent eventOn 25 January 2005, further to the announcements on 13 October 2004 and 17 November 2004 and the Circular dated 29 November 2004, the High Court had granted an order (the “Court Order”) confirming the Company’s reduction of its capital by reducing the Company’s share premium account by $320.656 million thus leaving the amount of $34.315 million standing to the credit of the share premium account thereafter in the books of accounts of the Company, pursuant to Section 73 of the Companies Act (Chapter 50) (the “Share Premium Reduction”).

The Share Premium Reduction will become effective on the date the Company lodges a copy of the Court Order with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (the “Effective Date”). The Capital Restructuring Exercise which comprises of the Share Premium Reduction and the share consolidation by the Company to consolidate every four (4) ordinary shares of par value $0.05 into one (1) ordinary share of par value of $0.20 each (the “Share Consolidation”), will be effective upon the completion of the Share Premium Reduction and the Share Consolidation.

On 27 January 2005, the timetable for the relevant expected dates and times leading to the completion of the Capital Restructuring Exercise and the commencement of trading of the New Shares on the SGX-ST has been set out as follows:

Event Date

Last day of trading for old Shares Friday, 11 February 2005.

Date and time of commencement for trading New Shares Monday, 14 February 2005.

Book Closure Date and the Effective Date Wednesday, 16 February 2005.for the Capital Restructuring Exercise

On 16 February 2005, a copy of the Order of Court confirming the Share Premium Reduction was lodged with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory of Singapore (“ACRA”). Accordingly, the Capital Restructuring Exercise which comprise the Share Premium Reduction and the Share Consolidation was effected on 16 February 2005.

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

statistics of shareholdingsas at 11 MARCH 2005

(In Singapore dollars)

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IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

page 73

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

Distribution of Shareholdings Size of Shareholdings No. of Shareholders % No. of Shares % 1 - 999 11,148 29.34 5,217,247 0.981,000 - 10,000 21,863 57.53 68,815,616 13.0210,001 - 1,000,000 4,958 13.05 164,015,933 31.031,000,001 and above 30 0.08 290,564,963 54.97

Total 37,999 100.00 528,613,759 100.00

Twenty Largest Shareholders

No. Name No. of Shares % 1 Essex Investment (Singapore) Pte Ltd 103,387,433 19.562 United Overseas Bank Nominees Pte Ltd 51,254,271 9.703 Raffles Nominees Pte Ltd 15,355,391 2.904 DBS Nominees Pte Ltd 14,535,702 2.755 HSBC (Singapore) Nominees Pte Ltd 9,155,500 1.736 Management Skills Centre Pte Ltd 8,750,000 1.667 Lauw Hui Kian 7,731,860 1.468 Ngiam Mia Hai Bernard 7,306,860 1.389 OCBC Securities Private Ltd 7,095,923 1.3410 Ngiam Mia Je Patrick 7,093,208 1.3411 Ngiam Mia Hong Alfred 7,056,860 1.3312 Ngiam Mia Kiat Benjamin 7,024,541 1.3313 Kee Sue Hwa 5,412,712 1.0214 OCBC Nominees Singapore Pte Ltd 5,245,288 0.9915 The Korea Development Bank 4,958,296 0.9416 Taiwan Cooperative Bank Offshore Banking Branch 3,542,041 0.6717 DBS Vickers Securities (Singapore) Pte Ltd 3,238,868 0.6118 Citibank Nominees Singapore Pte Ltd 2,944,206 0.5619 Kee Lim Kang 2,758,230 0.5220 Sin Heng Chan Investments Pte Ltd 2,225,000 0.42

Total 276,072,190 52.21

notes to the financial statements31 DECEMBER 2004

statistics of shareholdingsas at 11 MARCH 2005

Percentage of Shareholdings in Public’s Hands

65.74% of the Company’s shares are held in the hands of public. Accordingly, the Company has complied with Rule 723 of the Listing Manual of SGX-ST.

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page 74

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary CompaniesIPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

Substantial Shareholders Name of Shareholders No. of shares % No. of shares % registered in the names in which the substantial of substantial shareholders shareholders are deemed to have interest

Essex Investment (Singapore) Pte Ltd (“Essex”) 103,387,433 19.56 - -

Ngiam Mia Je Patrick 7,093,208 1.34 111,119,293 21.02

Ngiam Mia Kiat Benjamin 7,024,541 1.33 103,387,433 19.56

Lauw Hui Kian 7,731,860 1.46 110,480,641 20.90

United Overseas Bank Limited - - 41,481,509 7.85

Notes:

Mr Ngiam Mia Je Patrick’s deemed/indirect interest includes the 103,387,433 shares held by Essex by virtue of Section 7 of the Singapore Companies Act, Cap. 50 (“the Act”), and the 7,731,860 shares held by Ms Lauw Hui Kian by virtue of Section 164 of the Act.

Mr Ngiam Mia Kiat Benjamin’s deemed/indirect interest includes the 103,387,433 shares held by Essex by virtue of Section 7 of the Act.

Ms Lauw Hui Kian’s deemed/indirect interest includes the 103,387,433 shares held by Essex by virtue of Section 7 of the Act, and the 7,093,208 shares held by Ngiam Mia Je Patrick by virtue of Section 164 of the Act.

United Overseas Bank Limited is the beneficial owner of the 41,481,509 shares held by UOB Nominees Pte Ltd.

statistics of shareholdingsas at 11 MARCH 2005

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IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

page 75

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

IPC CORPORATION LTD

Co. Reg. No. 198501057M(Incorporated in Singapore with limited liability)

notice of annual general meeting

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting of IPC Corporation Ltd (“the Company”) will be held at 23 Tai Seng Drive, IPC Building, Singapore 535224 on 28 April 2005, Thursday at 2.00 p.m. for the following purposes:

AS ORDINARY BUSINESS

1. To receive and adopt the Directors’ Report and the Audited Accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2004 together with the Auditors’ Report thereon.

(Resolution 1)

2. To declare a first and final tax exempt dividend of 0.25 cents per share (20 cents par value) for the year ended 31 December 2004 (previous year: Nil).

(Resolution 2) 3. To re-elect the following Directors retiring pursuant to Article 88 of the Company’s Articles of Association: Mr Ngiam Mia Je Patrick (retiring under Article 88) (Resolution 3) Ms Lauw Hui Kian (retiring under Article 88) (Resolution 4) Mr Lee Joo Hai (retiring under Article 88) (Resolution 5)

Mr Lee Joo Hai will, upon re-election as Director of the Company, remain member of the Audit Committee and will be considered independent for the purposes of Rule 704(8) of Listing Manual of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited.

4. To re-appoint Ernst & Young as the Company’s Auditors and to authorise the Directors to fix their remuneration. (Resolution 6)

5. To transact any other ordinary business which may properly be transacted at an Annual General Meeting.

AS SPECIAL BUSINESS

To consider and if thought fit, to pass the following resolutions, with or without any modifications: 6. Approval of Directors’ Fees – Ordinary Resolution

To approve the payment of Directors’ fees of S$95,000.00 for the year ended 31 December 2004 (previous year: S$90,000.00)

(Resolution 7)

Page 78: 01-13 IPC AR ONE.indd khl · Investment and its group of companies (“Essex”). He graduated with first class honours in Electronics Engineering from the University of Essex, UK,

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IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary CompaniesIPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

7. Authority to allot and issue shares up to 50 per centum (50%) of issued capital – Ordinary Resolution

“That pursuant to Section 161 of the Companies Act, Cap. 50 and Rule 806 of the Listing Manual of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited, the Directors be empowered to allot and issue shares and convertible securities in the capital of the Company at any time and upon such terms and conditions and for such purposes as the Directors may, in their absolute discretion, deem fit provided that the aggregate number of shares (including shares to be issued in accordance with the terms of convertible securities issued, made or granted pursuant to this Resolution) to be allotted and issued pursuant to this Resolution shall not exceed fifty per centum (50%) of the issued share capital of the Company at the time of the passing of this Resolution, of which the aggregate number of shares and convertible securities to be issued other than on a pro rata basis to all shareholders of the Company shall not exceed twenty per centum (20%) of the issued share capital of the Company and that such authority shall, unless revoked or varied by the Company in general meeting, continue in force (i) until the conclusion of the Company’s next Annual General Meeting or the date by which the next Annual General Meeting of the Company is required by law to be held, whichever is earlier or (ii) in the case of shares to be issued in accordance with the terms of convertible securities issued, made or granted pursuant to this Resolution, until the issuance of such shares in accordance with the terms of such convertible securities.” [See Explanatory Note (i)]

(Resolution 8)

8. Authority to allot and issue shares under the IPC Employees’ Share Option Scheme

“That pursuant to Section 161 of the Companies Act, Cap. 50, the Directors be authorised and empowered to allot and issue shares in the capital of the Company to all the holders of options granted by the Company, whether granted during the subsistence of this authority or otherwise, under the IPC Employees’ Share Option Scheme (“the Scheme”) upon the exercise of such options and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Scheme, provided always that the aggregate number of additional ordinary shares to be allotted and issued pursuant to the Scheme shall not exceed fifteen per centum (15%) of the issued share capital of the Company from time to time.” [See Explanatory Note (ii)]

(Resolution 9)

By Order of the Board

Ngiam Mia Hai BernardSecretarySingapore, 5 April 2005

IPC CORPORATION LTD

Co. Reg. No. 198501057M(Incorporated in Singapore with limited liability)

notice of annual general meeting

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IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

page 77

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

Explanatory Notes:

(i) The Ordinary Resolution 8 proposed in item 7 above, if passed, will empower the Directors from the date of this Meeting

until the date of the next Annual General Meeting, or the date by which the next Annual General Meeting is required

by law to be held or when varied or revoked by the Company in general meeting, whichever is the earlier, to allot

and issue shares and convertible securities in the Company. The number of shares and convertible securities that the

Directors may allot and issue under this resolution would not exceed fifty per centum (50%) of the issued capital of the

Company at the time of the passing of this resolution. For issue of shares and convertible securities other than on a pro

rata basis to all shareholders, the aggregate number of shares and convertible securities to be issued shall not exceed

twenty per centum (20%) of the issued capital of the Company.

For the purpose of this resolution, the percentage of issued capital is based on the Company’s issued capital at the

time this proposed Ordinary Resolution is passed after adjusting for new shares arising from the conversion or exercise

of convertible securities, the exercise of share options or the vesting of share awards outstanding or subsisting at the

time when this proposed Ordinary Resolution is passed and any subsequent consolidation or subdivision of shares.

(ii) The Ordinary Resolution 9 proposed in item 8 above, if passed, will empower the Directors of the Company, from the

date of the above Meeting until the next Annual General Meeting, to allot and issue shares in the Company of up to a

number not exceeding in total fifteen per centum (15%) of the issued share capital of the Company from time to time

pursuant to the exercise of the options under the Scheme.

Notes:

1. A Member entitled to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting (the “Meeting”) is entitled to appoint a proxy

to attend and vote in his/her stead. A proxy need not be a Member of the Company.

2. The instrument appointing a proxy must be deposited at the Registered Office of the Company at 23 Tai Seng Drive,

IPC Building, Singapore 535224 not less than 48 hours before the time appointed for holding the Meeting.

IPC CORPORATION LTD

Co. Reg. No. 198501057M(Incorporated in Singapore with limited liability)

notice of annual general meeting

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page 78

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary CompaniesIPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Share Transfer Books and Register of Members of IPC Corporation Ltd (the “Company”) will

be closed on 7 May 2005 for the preparation of dividend warrants.

Duly completed registrable transfers received by the Company’s Share Registrar, Lim Associates (Pte) Ltd, 10 Collyer

Quay #19-08 Ocean Building, Singapore 049315 up to 5.00 p.m. on 6 May 2005 will be registered to determine shareholders’

entitlements to the said dividend. Members whose Securities Accounts with The Central Depository (Pte) Limited are credited

with shares at 5.00 p.m. on 6 May 2005 will be entitled to the proposed dividend.

Payment of the dividend, if approved by the members at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 28 April 2005 will be made

on 20 May 2005.

IPC CORPORATION LTD

Co. Reg. No. 198501057M(Incorporated in Singapore with limited liability)

notice of book closure

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IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

page 79

IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

IPC CORPORATION LTD

Co. Reg. No. 198501057M(Incorporated in Singapore with limited liability)

proxy form(Please see notes overleaf before completing this form)

I/We, of being a member/members of IPC Corporation Ltd (the “Company”), hereby appoint:

Name NRIC/Passport No. Proportion of Shareholdings

Address

and/or (delete as appropriate) Name NRIC/Passport No.

Proportion of Shareholdings

Address

or failing him/her, the Chairman of the Meeting as my/our proxy/proxies to vote for me/us on my/our behalf at the Annual General Meeting (the “Meeting”) of the Company to be held on 28 April 2005 at 2.00 p.m. and at any adjournment thereof. I/We direct my/our proxy/proxies to vote for or against the Resolutions proposed at the Meeting as indicated hereunder. If no specific direction as to voting is given or in the event of any other matter arising at the Meeting and at any adjournment thereof, the proxy/proxies will vote or abstain from voting at his/her discretion. The authority herein includes the right to demand or join in demanding a poll and to vote on a poll.

(Please indicate your vote “For” or “Against” with a tick [✓] within the box provided.)

No. Resolutions relating to: For Against

1 Directors’ Report and Audited Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2004

2 Payment of proposed first and final tax exempt dividend

3 Re-election of Mr Ngiam Mia Je Patrick as a Director

4 Re-election of Ms Lauw Hui Kian as a Director

5 Re-election of Mr Lee Joo Hai as a Director

6 Re-appointment of Ernst & Young as Auditors

7 Approval of Directors’ fees amounting to S$95,000.00

8 Authority to allot and issue new shares

9 Authority to allot and issue shares under the IPC Employees’ Share Option Scheme

Dated this day of 2005 Total number of Shares in: No. of Shares (a) CDP Register

Signature of Shareholder(s) (b) Register of Members

or, Common Seal of Corporate Shareholder *Delete where inapplicable

No. of Shares %

No. of Shares %

IMPORTANT:1. For investors who have used their CPF monies to buy IPC Corporation Ltd’s shares, this Report is forwarded to them at the request of the CPF Approved Nominees and is sent solely FOR INFORMATION ONLY.

2. This Proxy Form is not valid for use by CPF investors and shall be ineffective for all intents and purposes if used or purported to be used by them.

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IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies IPC Corporation Ltd and Subsidiary Companies

Notes :

1. Please insert the total number of Shares held by you. If you have Shares entered against your name in the Depository Register (as defined in Section 130A of the Companies Act, Chapter 50 of Singapore), you should insert that number of Shares. If you have Shares registered in your name in the Register of Members, you should insert that number of Shares. If you have Shares entered against your name in the Depository Register and Shares registered in your name in the Register of Members, you should insert the aggregate number of Shares entered against your name in the Depository Register and registered in your name in the Register of Members. If no number is inserted, the instrument appointing a proxy or proxies shall be deemed to relate to all the Shares held by you.

2. A member of the Company entitled to attend and vote at a meeting of the Company is entitled to appoint one or two proxies to attend and vote in his/her stead. A proxy need not be a member of the Company.

3. Where a member appoints two proxies, the appointments shall be invalid unless he/she specifies the proportion of his/her shareholding (expressed as a percentage of the whole) to be represented by each proxy.

4. The instrument appointing a proxy or proxies must be deposited at the registered office of the Company at 23 Tai Seng Drive, IPC Building, Singapore 535224 not less than 48 hours before the time appointed for the Meeting.

5. The instrument appointing a proxy or proxies must be under the hand of the appointor or of his attorney duly authorised in writing. Where the instrument appointing a proxy or proxies is executed by a corporation, it must be executed either under its seal or under the hand of an officer or attorney duly authorised. Where the instrument appointing a proxy or proxies is executed by an attorney on behalf of the appointor, the letter or power of attorney or a duly certified copy thereof must be lodged with the instrument.

6. A corporation which is a member may authorise by resolution of its directors or other governing body such person as it thinks fit to act as its representative at the Meeting, in accordance with Section 179 of the Companies Act, Chapter 50 of Singapore.

General:

The Company shall be entitled to reject the instrument appointing a proxy or proxies if it is incomplete, improperly completed or illegible or where the true intentions of the appointor are not ascertainable from the instructions of the appointor specified in the instrument appointing a proxy or proxies. In addition, in the case of Shares entered in the Depository Register, the Company may reject any instrument appointing a proxy or proxies lodged if the member, being the appointor, is not shown to have Shares entered against his name in the Depository Register as at 48 hours before the time appointed for holding the Meeting, as certified by The Central Depository (Pte) Limited to the Company.

explanatory notes for proxy form

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