Business Ethics & Compliance

ADVANCING ACCOUNTABILITY

How our governance practices drive long-term value

We ensure that our OpCos maintain strict compliance with all applicable laws, regulatory requirements and policies across our markets of operation, conscious that any incidence of non-compliance or unethical business conduct poses a significant risk to our ability to maintain and expand upon our established market positions.

With oversight from the Board Risk & Compliance Committee (BRCC), and driven through Risk & Compliance divisions set up across our companies, Group-wide policies and standards help to mitigate all relevant risks in this area, with specific focus placed on risks related to data privacy, Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption (ABAC) and regulatory compliance.

Our efforts revolve around four key policies, two of which were revised or developed anew in 2021, and all of which reflect our UI.EP core values.

Outlook

While we have already heightened efforts in the year to standardise and ensure compliance to operating responsibly, with integrity and professionalism, we are cognisant that good business conduct is an ‘always-on’ imperative. A corruption risk register is being enhanced at Group and OpCos and will be completed within the year. We will continue to strengthen the execution of our business commitment to ethical standards and ensure appropriate mechanisms are well understood and solidified to manage, identify and control breaches.

The Axiata Code of Conduct

Revised in 2021, the code outlines our commitment to conduct business in a manner that is efficient, effective and fair, including in relation to anti-competitive conduct by our companies and suppliers.

Anti-Bribery & Anti-Corruption (ABAC) Policy

Revised in 2021, the policy details our zero-tolerance policy towards bribery and corruption across all stakeholders, with all OpCos also revising their ABAC policies in 2021 to be in line with the Group’s.

Gifts, Donations & Sponsorship (GDS) Policy

Provides guidelines to all stakeholders on how to manage and respond to gift, donation and sponsorship related matters.

Axiata Whistleblowing
/ Speaking Up Policy

Governs the whistleblowing process, establishing a mechanism for all stakeholders to voice and register any concerns relating to any actual or suspected misconduct, illegal or unethical behaviour, without fear of retaliation or unfair treatment.

Developing Specific & Purpose-Fit Policies

In addressing compliance risks specific to certain business operations and activities, additional policies to our key policies are developed by Group Risk and Compliance to provide detailed guidance.

In 2021, a Group-wide Branding, Advertising, Marketing and Sponsorships Policy (BAMS) was launched to govern conduct by Group and OpCo branding and marketing teams, while targeted ABAC training continues to be delivered to divisions considered to be at a higher risk of bribery and corruption, including Finance, HR, Procurement and Sales.

Managing Human Rights Risks

Human rights risks cover matters that relate to labour rights, working conditions and treating stakeholders fairly. In addition to requiring our suppliers to comply with applicable labour laws and regulations, and to the international labour rights and principles established by the International Labour Organization, we maintain oversight of a broad range of potential risks across our customers, workforce, suppliers and local communities.

Stakeholders and Human Rights Risks

Customers

Artificial Intelligence and Big Data analytics
Privacy and freedom of expression
Online safety

Workforce

Freedom of association, collective
bargaining
Non-discrimination
Fair remuneration
Forced labour

Suppliers

Child labour
Forced labour
Conflict mineral standards

Community

Community impacts from building and maintaining infrastructure

Practising Full Tax Transparency

In addition to direct investments in our communities, our tax contributions form an important means of aiding the nation-building efforts of the countries we operate in, with compliance to tax law and obligations.

Full details of our tax contributions in 2021 can be found in the National Contribution section of our Sustainability and National Contribution Report 2021.

In 2021, we contributed
USD1.7 billion in direct and indirect taxes and fees to the governments of all countries where we operate.

ADVANCING ACCOUNTABILITY

How our governance practices drive long-term value​