ANNUAL REPORT 2017 REIT ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE

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1 ANNUAL REPORT 2017 REIT ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE Strengthening the S-REIT Industry

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Contents President & CEO s message 1-4 Regulatory Sub-Committee 5-6 Education & Research Sub-Committee 7-12 Promotion Sub-Committee Professional Development Sub-Committee Executive Committee 21 Sub-Committees Members List Company Information 26

3 PRESIDENT & CEO S REPORT President & CEO s report The REIT Association of Singapore began operations in mid-2014 and since then has established itself as the definitive representative voice of the Singapore REIT (S-REIT) industry. Our members now account for approximately 85% of the Singapore REIT industry. 1 S-REIT INDUSTRY Singapore saw three new REIT listings in 2017 and one more in the first quarter of 2018 taking the total number of S-REITs (including property trusts) to 43 with a market capitalization of approximately S$90 billion. 2 All the recent listings have been of REITs with assets located outside of Singapore indicating the country s value proposition as a global REIT hub. In addition, 2017 also saw the listing of the Lion Philip S-REIT ETF, the first Singapore focused REIT ETF listed on the Singapore Exchange. 3 GROWING MEMBERSHIP We are heartened to see a healthy increase in membership to REITAS with three REITs joining the association in 2017 and another six joining us in January These include newly listed REITs, Manulife US REIT and Keppel KBS REIT. The other new REIT members are ESR REIT, OUE Hospitality Trust, OUE Commercial Trust (all joined in 2017), Ascott Residence Trust, CapitaLand Retail China Trust, First REIT and Lippo Malls Indonesia Retail Trust (all joined in 2018). We are also pleased to welcome Boardroom Corporate & Advisory Services Pte Ltd and Knight Frank Pte Ltd as associate members who joined us in As at 31 March 2018, we have a total of 53 members comprising 31 REITs and 22 associate members. Associate members are non-reit members who are key participants in the SREIT ecosystem e.g. trustees, bankers, lawyers, accounting firms, property consultants etc. Our many activities and events throughout the year have brought REIT and non-reit members closer together and, we believe, made the S-REIT industry more cohesive and connected. 1 By market capitalization as at 31 March As at 31 March This takes into account the delisting of Saizen REIT and Croesus Retail Trust in There are two regional REIT ETFs listed on the SGX. Page 1

4 PRESIDENT & CEO S REPORT NEW CEO In September 2017, following the retirement of Mr. Sonny Tan, REITAS welcomed their new CEO, Ms. Nupur Joshi. She brings with her rich experience having previously worked in various roles as an economist, auditor, financial analyst and investor relations head in a REIT. HIGHLIGHTS OF 2017 REITAS has four sub-committees to oversee different aspects of our work. These are the Regulatory, Promotion, Education & Research and Professional Development sub-committees. Each sub-committee met several times during the year to discuss initiatives, ideas and strategies around their respective areas. One of the key highlights of 2017 was the successful launch of our 2-day REIT management course. The course covered nine comprehensive modules on all key aspects of REIT management. The course was unique in that all instructors were REITAS members including CEOs, CFOs and senior members from law firms, trustee firm etc. Around 50 participants participated in this course. The success of the course has encouraged us to conduct the course more regularly and we will be running two such courses in Another new initiative was a webinar series organized jointly with SGX. This monthly series involves CEO presentations via a live webcast to the public. This format allows viewers to view and listen to CEO presentations from the comfort of their desk, home or mobile phones. It also allows interested investors outside of Singapore to listen in and pose questions via a digital interface. Much effort was also spent on behalf of members to interact and engage the regulators and authorities such as the MAS, SGX and JTC. The credibility and constructive approach of REITAS have helped to establish a strong collaborative relationship with the authorities and this has been helpful in forging practical solutions to many of the issues faced by members. While some issues are still ongoing, we strongly believe that open communication and constructive feedback will bring a positive conclusion to most of the issues. A comprehensive write-up of work done by each of our four sub-committees can be found in the following pages of this report. FINANCIALS As a non-profit organization, we are mindful of using our financial resources for the benefit of our members. Through careful planning and prudent management of expenses, we have been able to Page 2

5 PRESIDENT & CEO S REPORT run a small surplus for the year. This will be useful for the association as we build up some reserves to ensure it can be sustained to serve its members for many years. The reserves are also helpful as they give us the capacity to organize more programs and events for our members. Our sound financial position also allowed us to hire a research associate in March The new recruit will help us advance the association s mission, particularly in the areas of research and thought leadership. EXCITING YEAR AHEAD 2018 has begun well and we have already had a busy first quarter. We are heartened by the support and enthusiasm of our members and the value they see in REIT industry participants coming together to mingle, discuss common issues and most importantly to strengthen and promote the S-REIT industry. We are mindful that as the REIT industry grows and evolves, our membership will grow in tandem. Given the diversity among our members in terms of size, nature of membership (REIT manager, non-reit manager etc.), it is natural that different members find different aspects of membership valuable. We are committed to making the association useful for every member and are creating programs and events taking into account their different needs. However at the end, we all have a common goal, which is to ensure the continuation of a REIT-friendly regulatory environment that also protects the interests of REIT unitholders. The strength of the S-REIT industry is the strength of REITAS. This is what binds us together and keeps us motivated to work hard to create value for all our members. Finally, on behalf of all REITAS members, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Chua Tiow Chye whose term as President of REITAS will come to an end at the 2018 AGM on 4 May. He has provided valuable stewardship to the association since its birth; the platform would not be what it is today without his experience, initiative and wise counsel. We would also like to thank all our executive committee members whose 2-year term comes to an end at this year s AGM. Each member has been generous with his or her time and ideas and collectively has helped REITAS become the definitive industry body for Singapore listed REITs. A list of our executive committee members as well as sub-committee members can be found towards the end of this report. Page 3

6 PRESIDENT & CEO S REPORT Finally, and not least, we would like to thank all our members for their continued support and enthusiasm. We look forward to everyone s continued support as we work together to strengthen the S-REIT industry. Chua Tiow Chye President Nupur Joshi CEO 31 March 2018 Page 4

7 REGULATORY SUB-COMMITTEE Regulatory Sub-Committee The Regulatory sub-committee is responsible for engaging relevant regulatory authorities with the aim of improving the operating legal, commercial and regulatory environment for S-REITs. The Regulatory Sub-committee met several times during the course of the year to discuss members feedback on the following: 1) MAS proposal on continuing professional development In January 2017, REITAS sent MAS members feedback on their proposal to make continuing professional development mandatory for capital market service license holders (CMSL) 2) MAS paper on Technology risk management guidelines In May 2017, REITAS sent members feedback on this paper. Members also attended a seminar by MAS on this topic. 3) SGX-SISV proposal on valuation practices The SGX-SISV Working Committee was established to jointly review the valuation practices and reporting carried out by real estate valuers. In November 2017, REITAS submitted members feedback on the working group s proposed changes. 4) Submission to MAS on impact of FRS 116 on aggregate leverage In December 2017, the committee met to discuss members concerns on the impact that the adoption of FRS 116 would have on the REIT s aggregate leverage should MAS decide to include this in the aggregate leverage computation. A submission was made to MAS in January ) MAS paper on execution of customers orders In December 2017, the committee met to discuss the relevance of this consultation paper for REITs. A submission was made to MAS in January In addition to the above, in early 2016 the Regulatory Sub-committee was tasked to come up with a set of guidelines or best practices for calculating rental reversions. This followed an article in the Business Times highlighting the different computation methods among REITs. In September 2017, following consultation and deliberation with members, a best practice guideline was issued to all members, the first best practice guideline issued by REITAS. Page 5

8 REGULATORY SUB-COMMITTEE Page 6

9 EDUCATION & RESEARCH SUB-COMMITTEE Education & Research Sub-Committee The Education and Research sub-committee is responsible for creating better understanding of REITs and greater awareness of investment opportunities in Singapore listed REITs through education and dissemination of information, and to provide quality, comprehensive research on S- REITs. REITAS organized many programs to engage and educate retail investors, most of which have become a regular feature in our calendar. 1) SGX-REITAS EDUCATION SERIES The Education series is a successful evening program held at the SGX auditorium every quarter. The series is open to the public and attracts professionals from different walks of life. Each event begins with a one-hour presentation by Mr. Chua I Min, a trainer from SGX Academy who explains in his energetic and interesting way the basics of investing in REITs. This is followed by presentations by CEOs of two different REITs. The evening ends with a question and answer session posed by members of the audience to the CEOs. These Q&A sessions are always interesting and reflective of the high level of understanding retail investors have about REITs. They are also a great opportunity for the audience to interact with the CEOs. Each education series attracts around 140 people, which is almost the full capacity of the auditorium. Month February May August November Presenting Trusts Frasers Logistics Trust & Ascendas India Trust Frasers Commercial Trust & Frasers Centrepoint Trust OUE Commercial Trust & BHG Retail Trust CapitaLand Mall Trust & Ascendas Hospitality Trust Page 7

This format allows viewers to view and listen to CEO presentations from the comfort of their desk, home or mobile phones.

10 EDUCATION & RESEARCH SUB-COMMITTEE 2) SGX-REITAS WEBINAR SERIES In July 2017, SGX and REITAS jointly launched a new monthly series for investors which involve CEO presentations via a live webcast to the public. This format allows viewers to view and listen to CEO presentations from the comfort of their desk, home or mobile phones. It also allows interested investors outside of Singapore to listen in. Investors access the webcast by logging in via a link and can also send questions online via the Pigeon Hole app. Page 8

EDUCATION & RESEARCH SUB-COMMITTEE Month July September October November Presenting REITs BHG Retail Trust EC World REIT Ascendas REIT AIMS AMP Capital Industrial REIT 3) LUNCH TIME PRESENTATIONS In

11 EDUCATION & RESEARCH SUB-COMMITTEE Month July September October November Presenting REITs BHG Retail Trust EC World REIT Ascendas REIT AIMS AMP Capital Industrial REIT 3) LUNCH TIME PRESENTATIONS In March 2017, OCBC Investment Research with the assistance of REITAS organized two lunchtime talks for their dealers and remisiers. The CEOs of AIMS AMP Capital Industrial REIT and EC World REIT made presentations at the events. 4) REITS SYMPOSIUM The REIT Symposium is an annual full-day event organized jointly by Shareinvestor and REITAS in the month of May. A record 26 REITs participated in this year s event (compared to 22 REITs in 2016). There were presentations by the CEOs of Ascendas Hospitality Trust, BHG Retail REIT, OUE Hospitality Trust, OUE Commercial Trust, Soilbuild REIT, SPH REIT, Suntec REIT and Viva Page 9

are they and Is it wise to buy and hold REITs for 10 years.

12 EDUCATION & RESEARCH SUB-COMMITTEE Industrial Trust. In addition, there were two interesting panel discussions on REITs with overseas assets how safe are they and Is it wise to buy and hold REITs for 10 years. The event, held at Suntec convention centre, attracted around 1,300 people and gave retail investors an opportunity to hear and engage with CEOs of Singapore listed REITs. Page 10

Such visits help investors get a better understanding of the nature of properties they are investing in.

13 EDUCATION & RESEARCH SUB-COMMITTEE 5) PROPERTY VISITS In June 2017, REITAS organized a tour of Ascendas REIT s properties for retail investors. Tour participants got the opportunity to physically visit and explore a logistics building and a business park owned by AREIT. Such visits help investors get a better understanding of the nature of properties they are investing in. 6) SGX-SMARTKARMA CFO/IRO NETWORKING EVENT In July 2017, REITAS organized a networking event for CFOs and investor relations officers of our member REITs. There was a short presentation by the fintech firm Smartkarma on Disruption in Equity Research. Page 11

EDUCATION & RESEARCH SUB-COMMITTEE 7) MEDIA AND ANALYSTS LUNCH In August 2017, REITAS organized a luncheon for media and analysts who cover S-REITs. The event was hosted by REITAS President Mr.

14 EDUCATION & RESEARCH SUB-COMMITTEE 7) MEDIA AND ANALYSTS LUNCH In August 2017, REITAS organized a luncheon for media and analysts who cover S-REITs. The event was hosted by REITAS President Mr. Chua Tiow Chye as well as other members of our executive committee. There was a brief presentation by Allen & Gledhill on the recent mergers and acquisitions taking place in the S-REIT industry followed by a sharing session between REITAS Exco members and the media/analysts. Page 12

PROMOTION SUB-COMMITTEE Promotion Sub-Committee The Promotion sub-committee is responsible for promoting the association and its various initiatives, creating awareness & enhancing regional & global

15 PROMOTION SUB-COMMITTEE Promotion Sub-Committee The Promotion sub-committee is responsible for promoting the association and its various initiatives, creating awareness & enhancing regional & global networks for the members of the Association. Below are the key promotion-related events we organized in ) S-REITS DAY, SEOUL In March 2017, in collaboration with CLSA and REITAS, SGX brought a selection of S-REITs to present to key institutional investors in Seoul via one-on-one and small group meetings. Nine REITs participated in this event. 2) UOB PRIVATE BANKING EVENT In May 2017, REITAS and UOB organized a lunch time event for approximately 100 private bankers. In addition to learning about REITs, a presentation was also made by the CEO of Frasers Commercial Trust. 3) BANK OF SINGAPORE PRIVATE BANKING EVENT In May 2017, REITAS was invited to be on the panel of Bank of Singapore s 4 th Annual Investor Forum together with three other listed REITs. The event was attended by high net Page 13

PROMOTION SUB-COMMITTEE worth clients. This investor forum showcases industries, listed companies and investment opportunities in the region.

16 PROMOTION SUB-COMMITTEE worth clients. This investor forum showcases industries, listed companies and investment opportunities in the region. 4) AGM 2017 REITAS 4 th AGM was held at InterContinental Hotel in May. In addition to general AGM matters, the event was an opportunity for REITAS members to get together and connect. There was a short presentation by Colliers on Flexible workspace: the future of occupancy. 5) S-REITS & SPONSORS CORPORATE DAY In August 2017, Citibank, SGX and REITAS jointly organized an investor conference in Singapore for SREITs and their sponsors. The full-day event comprised of one-on-one meetings between fund managers and REIT management. There was a lunchtime keynote address by Mr. Loh Boon Chye, CEO of Singapore Exchange followed by a panel discussion on Opportunities and Challenges facing the SREITs Sector. Page 14

PROMOTION SUB-COMMITTEE 6) NETWORKING LUNCHEON In November 2017, REITAS hosted a networking luncheon for our members at the InterContinental Hotel.

17 PROMOTION SUB-COMMITTEE 6) NETWORKING LUNCHEON In November 2017, REITAS hosted a networking luncheon for our members at the InterContinental Hotel. It was a great opportunity for S-REIT industry participants to interact with each other in a casual setting. There was a short presentation by Savills on Asian capital flows into European Real Estate. Page 15

18 PROMOTION SUB-COMMITTEE Page 16

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SUB-COMMITTEE Professional Development Sub-Committee The Professional Development sub-committee is formed to assist member REITs upgrade/enhance the professional skills and

19 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SUB-COMMITTEE Professional Development Sub-Committee The Professional Development sub-committee is formed to assist member REITs upgrade/enhance the professional skills and knowledge of their staff through courses, seminars, talks and workshops, including regular updates on regulatory and compliance requirements. The key professional development events organized in 2017 were as follows: 1) REIT MANAGEMENT COURSE In November 2017, REITAS created and conducted their inaugural and very successful 2-day REIT Management Course to up-skill REIT management staff. The course covered nine comprehensive modules on all key aspects of REIT management. The course was unique in that instructors were senior practitioners from the REIT industry, including CEOs, CFOs and senior members from law firms, trustee firm etc. Around 50 participants participated in this course. We are thankful to all the instructors for sharing their knowledge and experience. Participants were awarded 14 CPD hours recognized by the Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF). Page 17

conducted by PwC for REITAS members on Investing in Real

20 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SUB-COMMITTEE 2) INVESTING IN REAL ESTATE In January 2017, a briefing session was conducted by PwC for REITAS members on Investing in Real Estate: what you need to know from a tax point of view. Page 18

The theme of the forum was on internalization of REITs using Croesus Retail Trust s experience.

21 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SUB-COMMITTEE 3) NUS REIT FORUM In February 2017, National University of Singapore s (NUS) Institute of Real Estate Studies organized a REIT forum that was supported by REITAS. The theme of the forum was on internalization of REITs using Croesus Retail Trust s experience. Besides presentations and panel discussions, the other highlights were projects prepared by NUS students that were showcased at the SGX foyer. Page 19

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SUB-COMMITTEE 4) THE FUTURE OF WORKPLACE AND OCCUPANCY In August 2017, REITAS and Colliers organized an event for members to gain better understanding of the changing trends

The event drew a lot of interest with 65 members attending the presentation and office tour.

22 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SUB-COMMITTEE 4) THE FUTURE OF WORKPLACE AND OCCUPANCY In August 2017, REITAS and Colliers organized an event for members to gain better understanding of the changing trends in the workplace. There were presentations by Colliers and Collective Works, a provider of co-working space. After the presentations, members viewed one of Collective Work s co-working spaces. The event drew a lot of interest with 65 members attending the presentation and office tour. 5) REAL ESTATE OPPORTUNITIES IN UK AND EUROPE In September 2017, PWC organized an event on Real estate opportunities in UK and Europe which was supported by REITAS. In addition to PWC, leading industry experts from Colliers and Mapletree Investments shared an update on the latest trends and influences affecting the UK and European property markets, as well as a brief introduction to the main legal and tax considerations when investing in UK real estate. A member of the UK government s Department for International Trade also shared their take on inward investment into UK real estate. Page 20

23 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Executive Committee President: Chua Tiow Chye Mapletree Investments Pte Ltd Vice Presidents: Low Chee Wah Frasers Property Singapore Chan Kong Leong ARA Trust Management (Suntec) Limited Treasurer: Jonathan Yap Ascendas-Singbridge Pte Ltd Secretary: Jerry Koh Allen & Gledhill LLP Members: Koh Wee Lih AIMS AMP Capital Industrial REIT Management Limited Jonathan Quek Citigroup Global Markets Singapore Pte Ltd Andrew Lim CapitaLand Limited Eng-Kwok Seat Moey DBS Bank Ltd Tony Lewis HSBC Institutional Trust Services (Singapore) Limited Kelvin Chow Keppel REIT Management Limited Page 21

24 SUB-COMMITTEES Sub-Committees REGULATORY SUB-COMMITTEE Chan Kong Leong (Chairman), ARA Trust Management (Suntec) Limited Ms. Foong Yuen Ping, Allen & Gledhill LLP Jonathan Quek, Citi Global Markets Singapore Pte Ltd Ms. Lim Gek Khim, Ernst & Young LLP Ms. Eu Chin Fen, Frasers Hospitality Asset Management Pte Ltd Ms. Esther Fong, HSBC Institutional Trust Services (Singapore) Limited Ms. Susan Leng, SPH REIT Management Pte Ltd Ms. Lim Hui Hua, SB REIT Management Pte Ltd EDUCATION & RESEARCH SUB-COMMITTEE Kelvin Chow (Chairman), Keppel REIT Management Limited Tony Tan, CapitaLand Mall Trust Management Limited Tan Kok Huan, DBS Bank Ltd Nelson Chen, Ernst & Young LLP Ms. Cindy Chow, Mapletree Greater China Commercial Trust Management Limited Ms. Cynthia Ng, Savills (Singapore) Pte Ltd Jonathan Kuah, YTL Starhill Global REIT Management Limited PROMOTION SUB-COMMITTEE Andrew Lim (Chairman), CapitaLand Limited Tan Juay Hiang, Ascendas Hospitality Fund Management Pte Ltd Tham Kuo Wei, Mapletree Industrial Trust Management Limited Ms. Tan Shu Lin, OUE Commercial REIT Management Pte Ltd Graham Sugden, Perpetual (Asia) Limited Page 22

25 SUB-COMMITTEES PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SUB-COMMITTEE Low Chee Wah (Chairman), Frasers Property Singapore Teh Hoe Yue, Allen & Gledhill LLP Koh Wee Lih, AIMS AMP Capital Industrial REIT Management Limited Ms. Tang Wei Leng, Colliers International (S) Pte Ltd Ms. Sharon Lim, Mapletree Commercial Trust Management Limited Yeow Chee Keong, Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP Ms. Sin Li Choo, Perpetual (Asia) Limited Colin Ong, WongPartnership LLP Lam Chee Kin, YTL Starhill Global REIT Management Limited Wan Kwong Weng, Mapletree Investments Pte Ltd Page 23

26 REITAS MEMBERS REITAS Members S-REITS AIMS AMP Capital Industrial REIT Management Limited ARA Trust Management (Suntec) Limited Ascendas Funds Management (S) Limited Ascott Residence Trust Management Limited Bowsprit Capital Corporation CapitaLand Commercial Trust Management Limited CapitaLand Mall Trust Management Limited CapitaLand Retail China Trust Management Limited EC World Asset Management Pte Ltd ESR Funds Management (S) Limited Frasers Centrepoint Asset Management Limited Frasers Commercial Asset Management Limited Frasers Logistics & Industrial Asset Management Pte Ltd Keppel DC REIT Management Pte Ltd Keppel REIT Management Limited Keppel-KBS US REIT Management Pte Ltd LMIRT Management Limited Manulife US Real Estate Management Pte Ltd Mapletree Commercial Trust Management Limited Mapletree Greater Commercial China Trust Management Limited Mapletree Industrial Trust Management Limited Mapletree Logistics Trust Management Limited OUE Commercial REIT Management Pte Ltd SB REIT Management Pte. Ltd SPH REIT Management Pte Ltd YTL Starhill Global REIT Management Limited STAPLED/BUSINESS TRUSTS Ascendas Hospitality Fund Management Pte Ltd Ascendas Property Fund Trustee Pte Ltd Frasers Hospitality Asset Management Pte Ltd OUE Hospitality Trust Management Pte Ltd RHT Health Trust Manager Pte Ltd Page 24

27 REITAS MEMBERS NON S-REITS Allen & Gledhill LLP Boardroom Corporate & Advisory Services Pte Ltd British & Malayan Trustees Limited Citigroup Global Markets Singapore Pte Ltd Colliers International (S) Pte Ltd DBS Bank Ltd DBS Trustee Limited Deloitte & Touche LLP Ernst & Young LLP HSBC Institutional Trust Services (Singapore) Limited Knight Frank Pte Ltd OCBC Bank Perpetual (Asia) Limited Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP RBC Investor Services Trust Singapore Limited Savills (Singapore) Pte Ltd The Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited United Overseas Bank Limited WongPartnership LLP ACADEMIC NUS Real Estate, School of Design & Environment Singapore Management University * as at 30 April 2018 Page 25

28 REITAS SECRETARIAT REITAS Secretariat Nupur Joshi CEO Juliana Lee Office Manager REIT Association of Singapore 16 Collyer Quay #18-21 Singapore Tel Page 26

Six new members appointed to the Promote Mandarin Council

MEDIA RELEASE For immediate release Six new members appointed to the Promote Mandarin Council 1 October 2015 Six new representatives from the education sector, media industry and community associations