Safeguarding and Respectful Conduct Policy

TAPiO Management Advisory Sdn. Bhd. is committed to professional environments in which people are treated with dignity and respect. This Policy sets out our standards on respectful conduct, harassment, exploitation, abuse and safeguarding.

Safeguards reflect the activities involved, with particular attention to the safety and welfare of children, young people and vulnerable persons.

This Policy applies to directors, employees, interns, consultants, contractors and other persons representing TAPiO. The standards also apply to conduct connected with TAPiO events, travel, meetings, digital communications, client sites and professional social settings.

• Dignity, fairness and professional respect are fundamental standards of conduct.
• Harassment, sexual harassment, bullying, exploitation, abuse and retaliation are not acceptable.
• Power, seniority, influence, access, dependency or professional opportunity must not be used to pressure another person into unwanted conduct.
• Concerns receive serious consideration and fair, confidential handling without prejudging the outcome.
• When a child or vulnerable person is involved, their safety and welfare require particular attention.

Professional disagreement, feedback and performance management can be direct without being abusive. Prohibited or unacceptable conduct may include repeated humiliation, threats, intimidation, degrading remarks, discriminatory abuse, stalking, deliberate exclusion used as punishment, unwanted physical conduct or misuse of authority.

Cultural differences do not excuse conduct that is unlawful, abusive or clearly inconsistent with professional dignity.

TAPiO does not tolerate unwanted conduct of a sexual nature or other harassment that violates a person’s dignity, creates an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or offensive environment, or otherwise contravenes applicable law.

Examples may include unwanted sexual comments or advances, repeated requests for dates after refusal, sexually explicit messages or images, unwanted touching, sexualised jokes, threats or promises linked to romantic or sexual conduct, or retaliation following rejection or a complaint.

Complaints involving employment will be handled in accordance with applicable Malaysian employment requirements and any other law that applies to the circumstances.

Activities involving children, young people or vulnerable adults require safeguards proportionate to their needs and the activity. These may include appropriate consent, supervision, professional boundaries, safe arrangements, care with images and personal information, and additional screening where a role carries safeguarding responsibility.

Exploitation, grooming, threats, abuse and improper personal or sexual benefit are prohibited. Suspected abuse or immediate safety risks require prompt attention.

This Policy applies during conferences, receptions, dinners, delegations, client visits, off-site meetings, business travel and social activities connected with TAPiO. Alcohol, informality or local custom does not remove the requirement for respectful and lawful conduct.

Participant safety, accessibility and professional boundaries are relevant considerations in selecting accommodation, transport and event arrangements where TAPiO controls them.

The same standards apply to email, messaging, video calls, social media and other digital channels. Personnel must not send harassing, sexual, threatening or exploitative content through work-related channels.

Our standards for collecting, using and publishing photographs, recordings and personal information reflect applicable privacy requirements and reasonable participant expectations.

If you experience, witness or become aware of suspected harassment, abuse, exploitation or another serious safeguarding concern, our Speak-Up and Whistleblowing Policy explains how to raise it privately.

TAPiO assesses concerns promptly and responds in proportion to their seriousness and risk. Action may include immediate safety measures, investigation, workplace or contractual action, or referral to a competent authority.

Fairness, objectivity and respect for the rights and privacy of everyone involved guide the response.

Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith, seeks help or participates in an investigation is prohibited. Reasonable support and practical adjustments are considered according to the circumstances and TAPiO’s role.

Where there is an immediate risk to health or safety, the priority is to move to a safe situation and contact the appropriate local emergency or law-enforcement service where necessary. TAPiO’s internal process is not a substitute for urgent medical, police or protective intervention.

Information about a safeguarding or conduct concern will be shared only as reasonably necessary for safety, fair process, investigation, legal compliance and appropriate decision-making. Personal data is handled in accordance with our Privacy & Data Protection Notice.

Leaders and managers are responsible for modelling respectful behaviour and responding appropriately when concerns are raised. Every person representing TAPiO is responsible for maintaining professional boundaries, intervening safely where appropriate and reporting serious concerns rather than ignoring them.

Breaches may result in disciplinary, contractual or other proportionate action. Serious matters may be reported to competent authorities where required or appropriate. TAPiO will review this Policy periodically and after significant incidents or legal changes.