Taiwan Stock Exchange - Rules & Regulations Directory

Chapter Content

Title:

Corporate Governance Best Practice Principles for TWSE/TPEx Listed Companies 

Amended Date: 2022.12.23 
Categories: Corporate Governance
   Chapter III Enhancing the Functions of the Board of Directors

      Section 2 Independent Director System

Article 24
    (A TWSE/TPEx listed company shall appoint independent directors in accordance with its articles of incorporation)
    A TWSE/TPEx listed company shall appoint independent directors in accordance with its articles of incorporation. They shall be not less than two in number and advisably not less than one-third of the total number of directors. It is advisable that an independent director serve for not more than three consecutive terms.
    Independent directors shall possess professional knowledge and there shall be restrictions on their shareholdings. Applicable laws and regulations shall be observed and, in addition, it is not advisable for an independent director to hold office concurrently as a director (including independent director) or supervisor of more than five other TWSE/TPEx listed companies. Independent directors shall also maintain independence within the scope of their directorial duties, and may not have any direct or indirect interest in the company.
    If a TWSE/TPEx listed company and its group enterprises and organizations, and another company and its group enterprises and organizations nominate for each other any director, supervisor or managerial officer as a candidate for an independent director of the other, the TWSE/TPEx listed company shall, at the time it receives the nominations for independent directors, disclose the fact and explain the suitability of the candidate for independent director. If the candidate is elected as an independent director, the TWSE/TPEx listed company shall disclose the number of votes cast in favor of the elected independent director.
    The "group enterprises and organizations" in the preceding paragraph comprise the subsidiaries of the TWSE/TPEx listed company, any foundation to which the TWSE/TPEx listed company's cumulative direct or indirect contribution of funds exceeds 50 percent of its endowment, and other institutions or juristic persons that are effectively controlled by the company.
    Change of status between independent directors and non-independent directors during their term of office is prohibited.
    The professional qualifications, restrictions on both shareholding and concurrent positions held, determination of independence, method of nomination and other requirements with regard to the independent directors shall be set forth in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Act, the Regulations Governing Appointment of Independent Directors and Compliance Matter for Public Companies, and the rules and regulations of the Taiwan Stock Exchange or Taipei Exchange.
Article 25
    A TWSE/TPEx listed company shall submit the following matters to the board of directors for approval by resolution as provided in the Securities and Exchange Act. When an independent director has a dissenting opinion or qualified opinion, it shall be noted in the minutes of the directors meeting:
  1. Adoption or amendment of the internal control system pursuant to Article 14-1 of the Securities and Exchange Act.
  2. Adoption or amendment, pursuant to Article 36-1 of the Securities and Exchange Act, of handling procedures for financial or operational actions of material significance, such as acquisition or disposal of assets, derivatives trading, extension of monetary loans to others, or endorsements or guarantees for others.
  3. A matter bearing on the personal interest of a director or a supervisor.
  4. A material asset or derivatives transaction.
  5. A material monetary loan, endorsement, or provision of guarantee.
  6. The offering, issuance, or private placement of any equity-type securities.
  7. The hiring, discharge, or compensation of an attesting CPA.
  8. The appointment or discharge of a financial, accounting, or internal auditing officer.
  9. Any other material matter so required by the competent authority.
Article 26
    A TWSE/TPEx listed company shall stipulate the scope of duties of the independent directors and empower them with manpower and physical support related to the exercise of their power. The company or other board members shall not obstruct, reject or circumvent the performance of duties by the independent directors.
    A TWSE/TPEx listed company shall stipulate the remuneration of the directors according to applicable laws and regulations. The remuneration of the directors shall fully reflect the personal performance and the long-term management performance of the company, and shall also take the overall operational risks of the company into consideration. Different but reasonable remuneration from that of other directors may be set forth for the independent directors.
Data Source:Taiwan Stock Exchange - Rules & Regulations Directory
twse-regulation.twse.com.tw