Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698832769950.pdf (Singapore)
A Year in Review Our Shared Stories National Library Board Annual Report 2017/2018 11 OUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 01 02 03 04 05 PG 03 Introduction PG 04 Our Story PG 21 Our Board and Management PG 26 Acknowledgement PG 30 Corporate Governance 22 OUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 01 PUBLIC LIBRARIES NATIONAL LIBRARY NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF SINGAPORE The National Library Board (NLB) nurtures readers for life, learning communities and a knowledgeable nation through our network of 26 public libraries, the National Library and the National Archives of Singapore.
We also build awareness and promote greater discovery of Singapore’s history and heritage through strategic partnerships and our rich collections.

OUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 33 33 OUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 02 What have we achieved over the past year?
Our Story OUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 4444 44 OUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 Our Story Joint Message from Our Chairman & CEO In this year’s joint message, our Chairman, Mr Chan Heng Kee, and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Elaine Ng, look back at 2017 and some of its most memorable events.

They also talk about how NLB is continuously innovating in a world where trends and needs are ever-changing.
55 OUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 Our Story Our Story What was the biggest highlight for NLB in 2017?

Heng Kee: In 2017, we took another big step towards fulfilling our vision to create readers for life, learning communities and a knowledgeable nation.

Elaine: We had many key happenings, including the reopening of four libraries in Bukit Panjang, Tampines, Bedok and Yishun.
These next-generation libraries have become social spaces for people of all ages to read, learn, and most importantly, to connect with one another.

Heng Kee: The role of libraries today goes beyond providing books.

As Singapore gears up for the future economy, it is also important that we help people keep abreast of global trends and the developments in a fast-growing world.

Elaine: To connect people to emerging Asian economies, we launched the Eye on Asia resource centre.
This will particularly benefit younger people who are interested in exploring opportunities in the region.

Technology has opened up a new world of opportunities for many industries, and certainly the libraries.

What has NLB been doing on this front?

Heng Kee: With technology and digital content, there is now a lot more that we can do to constantly engage people to read and learn.
We have expanded our digital offerings so that people can connect with the library 24/7, and tap on our resources anytime, anywhere.

Elaine: Some of our key services include the enhanced NLB Mobile app and the Digital Business Library, which are targeted at adults.

With these, our library members can access content on the go.

They can read, learn and upskill themselves wherever they are and whenever it is convenient for them.

These efforts to promote reading and learning are at the heart of what we do.
Going into the second year of our National Reading Movement, it was really all about getting people to “Read More, Read Widely and Read Together”.

The role of libraries today goes beyond providing books.

As Singapore gears up for the future economy, it is also important that we help people keep abreast of global trends and the developments in a fast growing world.
OUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 6666 66 OUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 Our Story NLB also played a key role in preserving and sharing Singapore’s history and heritage.

Can you tell us more?

We want to make our collections more accessible and connect people to Singapore’s history and heritage.

Elaine: We shared history and heritage about our nation through collections like Sounds of Yesteryear, which includes rare audio recordings.
Other programmes like the Tales of the Malay World exhibition also featured rare manuscripts and early books in traditional Malay literature.

We are working with the communities – the Malay, Chinese, Indian and Eurasian Community Oral History Committees, for example – to collect more of such precious historical memories.

Heng Kee: This is where we are also tapping on technology to make valuable resources and stories easily accessible to the public.
A major undertaking was digitising our archival materials, including the Sounds of Yesteryear collection, and making them available on our Archives Online website.

This brings the archives and its collections closer to the public.

Elaine: Another interesting project we have started is to recreate some of our exhibitions, such as From the Stacks and Script & Stage, in digital format.

With these virtual exhibitions, people can take a digital tour and view the displayed artefacts from their home.
Through these efforts, we want to make our collections more accessible and connect people to Singapore’s history and heritage.

77 OUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 Our Story So, what’s next for NLB?

Elaine: We have exciting initiatives coming up, especially as we mark the 50th anniversary of the National Archives of Singapore.
We are also playing an active role in promoting lifelong learning, by working with partners to deliver more programmes in the libraries, and by providing a comprehensive collection of learning resources.

Heng Kee: A big part of this involves us helping Singaporeans pick up new skills so that they can benefit from technology and get ready for the future economy.

We want to tap on digital platforms to reach out to more people, and to provide different learning experiences with technology.
Heng Kee and Elaine: Our hope is for more people to join us in reading, learning, and to promote a lifelong love for knowledge.

All of our successes in the past year would not have been possible without the contributions of our donors, sponsors, partners, volunteers, patrons and staff.

We look forward to their continued support!


Friends of the Library and Archives volunteers OUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 88 88 OUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 Our Story Key Statistics 2017 in figures Patrons Visitorship Collections Library membership for public libraries 2.4 million Library loans 30.9 million Refers to loans of physical books and eBooks borrowed at public libraries, NLB’s websites and mobile app.
Library 26 million Former Ford Factory 105,409 Customer Satisfaction Index Digital 4.40 out of 5 Derived from an annual survey conducted to gauge the customer satisfaction of NLB patrons, with a maximum score of 5.

78.7 million Refers to the number of downloads from NLB’s websites, subscribed databases and eBooks.
Books, magazines and audio-visual items 7.5 million eBooks 0.7 million Singapore materials deposited 1.28 million 99 OUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 Key Highlights Readers for Life Enhanced NLB Mobile app Our enhanced app was rolled out on 25 October 2017 with new features such as access to eMagazines and eNewspapers, and a better eBook search function.

From November 2017, the virtual library card was also introduced to the app.
This enables patrons to perform transactions – from retrieving items from reservation lockers, to borrowing books – without having to use their physical cards.

Digital Business Library Accessible via the Overdrive mobile app and website, the Digital Business Library is a one-stop portal with resources on career advancement, skills, technology, management and entrepreneurship, to support lifelong learning.

For busy readers, summarised versions of books condense key points into 10-minute reads.
Our NLB portal on Overdrive was also updated with a Kids’ eReading Room offering eBooks for kids; a showcase of award-winning reads; and collections by partners such as SkillsFuture Singapore.

1010 Our StoryOUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 Promoting lifelong learning In October 2017, we piloted the Seniors Tech and Read (S.T.A.R.)

programme at Bedok Public Library.


It comprises Tech Assist, where we help seniors access our e-Resources, and Read Assist, where we support them in reading library materials.

With 18 sessions conducted by 62 volunteers for 152 participants so far, we are planning to expand this to other libraries.

We also partnered SkillsFuture Singapore to run programmes at our libraries.
SkillsFuture Advice workshops raise awareness on skills upgrading and career planning, while the two-day SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace programme teaches basic digital skills.
Key Highlights Digital clinics for seniors 1111 Our StoryOUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 Key Highlights AskST@NLB talk POSB-NLB Kids’ Lit QuizTM 2017 National Finals Myth Masters AskST@NLB and ZB Happy Read@NLB talks POSB-NLB Kids’ Lit Quiz™ 2017 National Finals Promoting reading in mother tongue languages Following the success of the AskST@NLB talks by The Straits Times’ journalists, we have extended the collaboration for another five years from July 2017.
We also partnered with Lianhe Zaobao to start the @NLB or ZB Happy Read@NLB talk series 早报悦读 in August 2017, to promote reading in mother tongue languages.

Both programmes are well-received with full-house sessions.

Teams of young readers battled it out in the national finals of the POSB-NLB Kids’ Lit Quiz™ on 22 April 2017, with the winning team from St. Joseph’s Institution Junior going on to the World Finals in Canada in June.
It was the fourth local edition of the quiz, organised by NLB and supported by POSB and Marshall Cavendish.

22 of our libraries across the island also held Book Out!

quizzes prior to the finals, where members of the public could test their literary knowledge.

In August 2017, we launched the bilingual card game Myth Masters, which was based on the Chinese classics Journey to the West and Classic of Mountain and Sea.
Some 2,000 young readers redeemed cards by borrowing mother tongue language books – generating 200,000 loans – and participated in reading activities.

We also expanded our mother tongue language reading clubs since their pilot in 2015, reaching 4,800 children with the help of over 160 volunteers.

As of March 2018, we have 21 reading clubs: eight in Chinese, five in Malay, and eight in Tamil.
1212 Our StoryOUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 Learning Communities Key Highlights Four next-generation libraries reopened Bukit Panjang Public Library reopened on 1 July 2017 at almost double its previous size.

In the Children Zone’s new Stories Come Alive Room, tales leap off the page with the help of projections, lighting and sound effects, so that children can immerse themselves in the storytelling experience.
Rising up in the Adults’ Zone is the new Book Mountain, where the Adults’ Non-Fiction collection is shelved along a gradual ramp, with cosy reading areas nestled amongst the books.

Tampines Regional Library reopened on 5 August 2017, spanning five floors with double the previous floor space.

In the snazzy new #spaceout area, teens can hang out in the comfortable study lounge and check out trending topics on digital screens.
There is also an exciting PIXEL Labs@NLB maker space – a collaboration with the Infocomm Media Development Authority – where patrons can use 3D printers and Arduino kits to create interactive gadgets.
Tampines Regional Library Bukit Panjang Public Library 1313 Our StoryOUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 Key Highlights Bedok Public Library Bedok Public Library reopened at its new location in Heartbeat@Bedok on 28 October 2017, with a fresh green theme and new features such as cosy pods in the newspaper reading area.

This library is the first to have a dedicated area and special programmes for seniors in our community.
The Seniors’ Corner’s casual design is inspired by a living room, with services such as a large print collection, an electronic magnifier, and a keyboard with large letters for ease of typing.

A dedicated Learning Zone also hosts Silver Infocomm Junction computer classes.

Yishun Public Library reopened on 3 February 2018 with a digital focus.

The new library keeps up with readers’ connected lifestyles with its digital shopfront that is accessible 24/7, and our first Digital Learning Zone.
Our virtual bookshelves allow eBooks to be checked out simply by scanning a QR code, while dedicated Learning Pods give access to virtual resources such as TEDx talks.

The space also invites those who prefer offline reading to settle down with a good book in cosy private nooks.
Yishun Public Library OUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 1414 1414 Our StoryOUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 Key Highlights Professor Robert Root-Bernstein at Four Conversations Read!

Fest 2017 National Reading Day 2017 Four Conversations Read!

Fest 2017 National Reading Day 2017 On 3 and 4 June 2017, four thought leaders shared insights on how Singaporeans can be future-ready in today’s rapidly changing world.
Topics ranged from the importance of creativity, to the skills needed to stay ahead of a knowledge-based economy.

Four Conversations: New Thinking For A New World featured physiology expert Professor Robert Root- Bernstein of Michigan State University; A*STAR’s chief scientist Professor Sir David Lane; Dr Ismail Serageldin, founding director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina; and The Straits Times’ associate opinion editor Lydia Lim.

Our annual Read!
Our annual Read!

Fest 2017 brought 150 programmes to readers island-wide from 9 June to 29 July 2017.

With 88 local authors featured, our Flavours of Singapore spotlight series provided a literary buffet of panels, book launches and meet-the-author talks.

We offered events in all four official languages.


Our Print & Stage series showcased theatre and interactive storytelling, while workshops provided a range of hands-on experiences, from flash fiction and poetry, to food sketching and even making bunga rampai (Peranakan potpourri).

Other events took readers Beyond the Page – on a literary tour of Keong Saik, for example.
National Reading Day on 29 July 2017 brought together Singaporeans across the island in celebration of reading, with more than 60 reading activities held at our libraries and community spaces.

It was also the culmination of our week-long Read for Books charity drive, where one book was donated for every 10 people who read for 15 minutes.

The event also featured the second edition of our Big Book Giveaway, where members of the public could bring home up to three preloved library books.
1515 Our StoryOUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 Our Story Key Highlights Read@Work Dr Yaacob met our partners to hear about their organisations’ reading journeys.

Held on 27 October 2017, the event started with sharing sessions on DBS/POSB and DP Architects’ Read@Work experiences and their collaborations with us.

This was followed by a presentation on our Digital Business Library.
Dr Yaacob also viewed an exhibition on the Read@Work programme and mingled with our partners over breakfast.

Read@Work eReads @ Ulu Pandan Taxi Shifu and Friends Reading Club We launched eReads @ Ulu Pandan, a mini digital library in Ulu Pandan Community Club, on 20 January 2018.

The pilot project includes a Digital Library Kiosk featuring our full collection of over 150,000 eBook and audiobook titles.

Readers can browse eBooks and borrow them on the spot with the NLB Mobile app.
At the eNewspaper Station, patrons can read digital versions of local newspapers.

eReads @ Ulu Pandan is just the beginning, and we hope to bring these digital libraries to malls, hospitals and schools.

Senior Minister of State Mr Chee Hong Tat dropped by to meet our book-loving taxi drivers on 20 January 2018, at the first Taxi Shifu and Friends Reading Club sharing session of the year.

Mr Low Lip, author of The Singapore HDB Flats Story, which the reading club discussed, was also present.
Established in 2005, the Chinese- language book club now has 70 members and conducts bi-monthly book discussions at Ang Mo Kio Public Library.
eReads @ Ulu Pandan Taxi Shifu and Friends Reading Club 1616 Our StoryOUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 Our Story Knowledgeable Nation Eye on Asia Key Highlights Our new Eye on Asia resource centre comprises a dedicated online portal and a physical space on Level 7 of the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, offering a broad selection of books and digital resources on emerging Asian economies.
Through these curated resources and our monthly programmes, we hope to encourage everyone to be more aware of regional developments and explore opportunities in these countries.

Eye on Asia is a collaboration with Enterprise Singapore, Business China and the International Trading Institute @ Singapore Management University.
Giving voice to Singapore’s history The National Archives of Singapore’s Oral History Centre formed the Malay, Chinese, Indian and Eurasian Community Oral History Committees to work with communities and develop our oral history collection.

The committees aim to preserve Singapore’s collective memories to ensure it is comprehensive, multi-focal in scope, and representative of Singapore’s society.
1717 Our StoryOUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 Sounds of Yesteryear Tales of the Malay World The sounds of our past now resound through cyberspace, thanks to the National Archives of Singapore’s Sounds of Yesteryear initiative.

Ranging from early Malay songs to performances by Singapore’s oldest Chinese opera troupes, these 52 Singapore-related pre-war musical recordings were released weekly on the Archives Online website.
Dating from 1903 to 1941, the recordings were selected from over 3,500 shellac and vinyl records preserved by the National Archives of Singapore.

From 18 August 2017 to 25 February 2018, we brought rare manuscripts from the Malay literary world to our library patrons in the Tales of the Malay World: Manuscripts and Early Books exhibition.

This showcase was a partnership with the British Library (UK), Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland (UK), and Leiden University Library (Netherlands).
This marked the exhibition’s Southeast Asia debut with collections from these important holdings being brought together.

More than 140 items were on display, charting the transition from handwritten manuscripts to early printed works in the 19th century.

Free programmes such as curator’s tours, lectures and film screenings complemented the exhibition.
Key Highlights 1818 Our StoryOUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 State of Motion 2018 Research publication on the Koh Seow Chuan collection State of Motion 2018: Sejarah-ku (My History) – the third edition of Asian Film Archive’s annual flagship series – revisited the golden age of Malay cinema in the last decade of pre-independence Singapore.
Held from 12 January to 11 February 2018, the series presented 10 seminal films produced mainly by the now-defunct Shaw Malay Film Productions Ltd, performances, talks, and an exhibition.

Part of the Singapore Art Week 2018, the event also featured guided film location tours – including, for the first time, an offshore tour to Pulau Ubin – with artworks inspired by the films and their locations.
Three researchers delved into the riches of an important donor collection and wrote a new book, Singapore’s Social & Business History Through Paper Ephemera in the Koh Seow Chuan Collection.

Launched on 21 November 2017, the book uncovers stories from Singapore’s migrant history through items such as business receipts, legal documents and remittance letters, from the history of family-owned medical hall Eu Yan Sang, to the business practices of Chettiar moneylenders from India.
The Koh Seow Chuan collection donated to us covers more than 9,000 legal and business documents, maps, hand-delivered letters, paintings, books and photographs from Asia, dating back to before the 1900s.

Mr Koh Seow Chuan, a prominent architect, philatelist and heritage philanthropist, made his first donation to the National Library in 2007 and has added to the collection over the years.
Key Highlights 1919 Our StoryOUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 Key Highlights Donation by the Singapore Lam Ann Association Chapters on Asia From the works of local Tamil writers to the lives of cabaret “lancing” girls, lesser-known aspects of our history were explored in nine separate essays by the recipients of our Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship for 2014 to 2016.
Written with the help of resources from our collections, these research papers were collated into the third volume of our Chapters on Asia series, and launched on 27 February 2018.

We received a donation of rare primary documents from the Singapore Lam Ann Association on 2 March 2018.

This included minutes of meetings from the founding committee, which were dated 1924-1935, and a set of seven rare account books on the construction of the Hong San See temple, one of the oldest temples in Singapore.
The donation, made up of more than 100 items, will help Singaporeans understand the history of Chinese clan associations and the early building and construction sector in Singapore.

It will also contribute to our goal of supporting research and encouraging a deeper understanding of Singapore’s rich history and heritage.

The materials will be made accessible to researchers and members of the public at the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library.
A selection will also be digitised and made available for public access on our BookSG website.
2020 Our StoryOUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 03 Our Board and Management 2121 OUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 Board Members Mr Chan Heng Kee Board Chairman and Chair of Establishment Committee Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health Mr John Koh Chair of National Library Advisory Committee Independent Director, NSL Limited Mr Derrick Goh Chair of Audit and Risk Committee Managing Director & Head of Group Audit, DBS Bank Ltd Mdm Zuraidah Binte Abdullah Domain Commander (Air), Integrated Checkpoints Command (Air), Immigration & Checkpoints Authority Ms Neo Gim Huay Managing Director, Enterprise Development Group, Temasek International Pte Ltd Dr Lee Shiang Long Chair of Innovation & Technology Advisory Committee President, Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd Mr Michael Koh Chair of Public Library Advisory Committee Fellow, Centre for Liveable Cities, Ministry of National Development Ms Sia Aik Kor Deputy Chief Counsel (Transactions & Administration), Civil Division, Attorney-General’s Chambers Assoc Prof Albert Lau Associate Professor, Department of History, National University of Singapore 2222 Our Board and ManagementOUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 Dr Shashi Jayakumar Chair of National Archives Advisory Committee Head, Centre of Excellence for National Security, S Rajaratnam School of International Studies Mr Chan Cheow Hoe Deputy Chief Executive and Government Chief Information Officer, Government Technology Agency (GovTech) Mr Ling Tok Hong Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers Singapore Mr Khor Un-Hun Director, The Loft Hotel Company Pte Ltd Dr Elmie Nekmat Assistant Professor, Communications and New Media, National University of Singapore Ms Lim Wan Yong Deputy Secretary (Planning), Ministry of National Development Board Members Mr Sajjad Akhtar Chair of Finance Committee Managing Partner, PKF-CAP LLP Chairman, Board of PKF International Chairman, Asia Pacific PKF-CAP LLP Dr Eugene Tan Director, National Gallery
 Singapore 2323 Our Board and ManagementOUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 Senior Management Committee Mrs Elaine Ng Chief Executive Officer Ms Tay Ai Cheng Deputy Chief Executive Chief Librarian Ms Catherine Lau Assistant Chief Executive, Public Library Services Mr Eric Chin General Counsel, Executive Office Mr William Tan Assistant Chief Executive, Corporate Director, Finance & Administration Ms Sabitri Devi Director, Communications, Relations & Development Mr Patrick Yee Director, People Management & Development Ms Wendy Ang Director, National Archives of Singapore Ms Wai Yin Pryke Director, National Library 2424 Our Board and ManagementOUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 Senior Management Committee Mr Lee Kee Siang Director, Resource Discovery & Management Mr Siow Shong Seng Chief Information Officer Mr Ramachandran Narayanan Deputy Chief Information Officer Mr Chua Kim Pau Director, Properties & Facilities Management Mr Kevin Cheah Director, Strategic Planning & Research Ms Valerie Cheng Director, Content & Services Mr Stanley Tan Director, Library Planning & Development Mr Ian Yap Acting Director, Public Library Operations 2525 Our Board and ManagementOUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 04 No story is complete without the support of our donors, sponsors and partners.
Acknowledgement OUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 2626 2626 OUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 Donors National Library’s Rare Collection Individuals Mr Benjamin Ang Kay Tiong Family of the late D.W. Devaraja Mr John Koh Dr Kenneth Lim Yang Teck Mrs Lee Li-Ming Mrs Lee Kip Lin Mr Lim Shao Bin Family of Liu Kang Anonymous Donor Organisation/Group Singapore Lam Ann Association The Stage Club Mr Ian Robert Lander Mr Jan Van der Putten Mrs Jean Marshall Mr Kua Bak Lim Mr Kwa Chong Guan Mr Lau Kin Hang Lembaga Biasiswa Kenangan Maulud Mr Goh Thiam Chuan Mar Thoma Syrian Church in Singapore Ministry of Education Heritage Centre National Trades Union Congress Nature Society (Singapore) Peirce Secondary School Family of the late Dr Liaw Yock Fang PSA Corporation Ltd Mr Nadiputra (Almahdi Al-Haj Ibrahim) Sembawang Marine Ltd Mr Ng Khee Choong Mr Ng Kim Eng Mr P Krishnan Mdm Patimah Jaludin Datin Patricia Lim Mr Pay Wan Teck Mr Richard Hale Dr S P Thinnappan Mr Shi Ying Singapore Futsing Association Singapore Institute of Architects Singapore Kadayanallur Muslim League Singapore Kong Chow Wui Koon Singapore Maritime Foundation Singapore Shipping Association The Singapore Buddhist Lodge W!LD RICE Ltd Ms Hedy Tripp Mr Ian Johnson Mr Jimmy F. Pyeatt Mr Joseph George Wallace Mr Kuet Ee Yoon Mr Laurence W. Tunnacliffe Mr Lim Chin Leong Mr Lim Kheng Chye Ms Linda Georgina Locke Mr Mun Chor Seng Mr Ng Boon Cheong Mr Peh Chon Seang Mr Peter D Waddington Mr Raymond Lee Chen Chian Mr Ross Stuart Laird Mr Sim Lian Huat Mrs Shirley Soliano and Mrs Kathleen Francisco Mr Singaporewalla Moiz Fazlehusein National Library’s Singapore & Southeast Asia Collections Individuals Ms Amanda Ngiam Mr Basiron Bin Bonoh Dr Chua Soo Pong Mr Finn Andersen Mr and Mrs George Hicks Family of Siti Aisyah Mr Sonny Lim Mr Tan Swie Hian Mr Teoh Ong Tuck Mr Wee Chwee Heng Mr & Mrs William and Judith Bollinger Mr Yeo Oi Sang Organisation/Group Archival Collections Individuals Mr Andrew Lee Ms Angela
 Silagy Mr Christopher Ong Ms Dolly Cheung Ms Dorothy Chan Mrs Elizabeth Gregory Association of Singapore Marine Industries Mr Gary Chow Ms Suzanna Aziz Ms Sylvia Lim Mr Tan Yong Joo Mr Wong Kim Thoo Mr Wong Liang Keen Mr Yoong Fah Kong Organisation/Group Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institution 2727 AcknowledgementOUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 Sponsors Partners library@chinatown Charity Book Donation CP1 Pte Ltd 360 Education Pte Ltd Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple Acacia Home “My Tree House”, The World’s First Green Library for Kids Alzheimer’s Disease Association – New Horizon Centre Ang Mo Kio Family Service Centre (AMKFSC) Community Services Ltd AP Ventures (Bhutan) City Developments Limited Association For Persons With Special Needs Chinese Children’s Collection in Tampines Regional Library Chou Sing Chu Foundation Mobile Libraries Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple (APSN) Delta Senior School Association Of Muslim Professionals - MERCU Learning Baguio City Library – Philippines Brahm Centre Calvary Community Care CampusImpact Canossaville Community and Children Services Circle of Friends Limited Clarity Singapore Ltd Disabled People’s Association POSB – NLB Kids’ Lit Quiz™ EFATA Christian School – Batam, Indonesia Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in POSB Singapore (Egypt) Global Shapers Community – Laos Hearty Care Centre HOPE Worldwide (Singapore) Hougang Sheng Hong Student Care Centre Institute of Mental Health Jamiyah Kindergarten Persatuan Pemuda Pemudi Singapore (PPIS) Child Development Centre – Pasir Ris 2 JOY Connection Student Care Centre Persatuan Pemuda Pemudi Singapore (PPIS) Student Kits4Kids Special School Care Centre Kuensel Corporation Ltd - Bhutan Presbyterian Community Services Life Community Services Society (Student Care) – Prison Fellowship Singapore Limited Hougang Rainbow Centre – Margaret Drive Life Community Services Society (Student Care) – SCDF Detention Barracks Park View Primary School Singapore
 Prison Services (Cluster B) Life Community Services Society (Student Care) – St. Andrew’s Autism Centre Pasir Ris St. Luke Eldercare Ltd – Chong Pang Centre Life Community Services Society (Student Care) – Sunlove Bukit Merah Student Care Centre Yishun Ling Kwang Home for Senior Citizens Taabar (India) Tanoto Foundation Madrasah Alsagoff Al-Arabiah The Learning Grid Pte Ltd MCYC Community Services Society The Salvation Army Bukit Batok East Childcare Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Batam Missiom Centre Ministry of Home Affairs - CT Outreach The Singapore Cheshire Home Ministry of Social & Family Development – Juvenile Thong Kheng Student Care Centre Homes Wheels for Hope - Philippines Morning Star Community Services Ltd Yayasan Mendaki Muhammadiyah Welfare Home MY World Preschool Ltd Nanyang Technological University Material Science & Engineering Community Involvement Project (NTU Project Deliver Me MSE CIP) Nanyang Technological University Perbayu Overseas Expedition National University of Singapore Students’ Community Service Club (NUSSCSC) National University of Singapore Science Club – Project Angel XXI New Life Stories Limited NTUC Afterschool Care – Alexandra Primary School NTUC Afterschool Care – Farrer Park Primary School NTUC Afterschool Care – Maha Bodhi School NTUC Afterschool Care – Queenstown Primary School PAVE Child Protection Specialist Centre – Safe Space Asian Women’s Welfare Association Disabled People’s Association Handicaps Welfare Association Muscular Dystrophy Association (Singapore) Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped The Singapore Cheshire Home Society of the Physically Disabled 2828 AcknowledgementOUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 Community-Owned Libraries and Reading Spaces Admiralty Medical Centre Alexandra Health Centre 1 at Yishun Alexandra Health Centre 2 at Yishun Alexandra Health Centre 3 at Yishun Asian Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA) Readycare Centre Bukit Batok Community Club Bukit Merah
 Community Centre Basic Student Care, Sengkang Changi Airport Group Changi Simei Community Club Enabling Village Covenant Evangelical Church Hope Centre Sengkang West Zone K Residents’ Committee Singapore Indian Development Association Singapore Boys Home Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Cultural Academy Singapore Prisons St Andrew Senior Care Centre St Andrew’s Community Hospital Taman Jurong Community Club Thye Hua Kwan Senior Services Centre at Taman Jurong Thye Hua Kwan Social Service Hub at Bukit Batok East Toa Payoh East Zone 5 Residents’ Committee Toa Payoh East Zone 6 Residents’ Committee Ulu Pandan Community Club UOL Property Investments Pte Ltd NTUC Health Active Ageing Hub (Kampung Well Centre Admiralty) Leng Kee Community Club Nanyang Community Club Naval Base Primary School National Reading Movement Deutsche Bank NTUC Health SilverACE Senior Activity Centre at Scholastic Education International (Singapore) Bukit Merah Pte Ltd NTUC Health SilverACE Senior Activity Centre at Lengkok Bahru NTUC Health SilverACE Senior Activity Centre at Redhill NTUC Health SilverACE Senior Activity Centre at Telok Blangah NTUC Health SilverCOVE Senior Wellness Centre at Marsiling NUH Child Development Unit OUE Downtown Gallery Pearl’s Hill Care Home Punggol West Citizens’ Consultative Committee Raffles Student Care Learning Centre LLP OUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 2929 2929 AcknowledgementOUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 05 Corporate Governance The National Library Board (NLB) is established under the National Library Board Act (Chapter 197) and is governed by the statutory functions and constitution set out in the NLB Act.
A Board comprising the Chairman and 16 non-executive members from sectors such as academia, the finance and social sectors, and public institutions, guides NLB in the performance of its functions to the public.

With their diverse backgrounds and experience, members of the Board are well placed to provide NLB with strategic leadership as well as to put in place effective controls to meet the highest standards of governance.

There is also one observer from the Ministry of Communications and Information.
The Board reviews and oversees NLB’s plans, performance and policies; ensures accountability in its operations; and develops mechanisms for gathering and responding to stakeholders’ feedback.

Board members helm seven committees.

These are: the Audit and Risk Committee, the Establishment Committee, the Finance Committee, the National Library Advisory Committee, the Public Library Advisory Committee, the Innovation & Technology Advisory Committee and the National Archives Advisory Committee.
An Internal Audit Unit further strengthens NLB’s corporate governance.

Reporting directly to the Chairman of the Audit Committee and administratively to the Chief Executive Officer, the Internal Audit Unit reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of NLB’s internal control system.

This includes evaluating policies, procedures and systems to assess the integrity of financial and operating information, compliance with laws and regulations, and economical and efficient use of resources.
All NLB staff also uphold public trust by complying with a Code of Ethics and Conduct.

NLB staff are empowered to report potential ethical breaches confidentially to the Board’s Establishment Committee.

As a charity, NLB adheres to the recommended guidelines set out in the Code of Governance for Charities and Institutions of Public Character proposed 3030 OUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 Corporate Governance by the Charity Council (the Code).
NLB openly discloses its corporate governance practices covering board governance, conflict of interest policy and other relevant governance practices and controls on an annual basis.

Any deviations from the Code are also explained as part of this annual submission.

NLB continually seeks to improve governance to maintain the trust and confidence of our stakeholders.
The members of the Board are paid allowances based on a tiered structure, which takes into consideration the different workload and responsibilities held by the various members.

Eight of our Board members receive an annual allowance of between $10,000 and $25,000, while nine members receive an annual allowance of less than $10,000.

The annual remuneration of our four highest paid executives is between $300,000 and $500,000.

This comprises their salary, bonus, benefits and employers’ CPF contribution.
NLB manages its reserves proactively to ensure funding sustainability for operating expenditure as well as long term commitments.

The quantum of minimum and maximum cash reserve, taking into account working capital needs and long-term commitments, is reviewed and approved annually by the Finance Committee of the Board.

Our Board regularly reviews our financial results and position via quarterly management reports.

The cash reserve as at the balance sheet date was below one year’s annual expenditure.
3131 OUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 National Library Board 100 Victoria Street #14-01, Singapore 188064 www.nlb.gov.sg All rights reserved.
National Library Board Singapore ISSN 2424-9394 3232 OUR SHARED STORIES • NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 17/18 National Library Board Annual Report 2017/2018 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES for the financial year ended 31 March 2018 1 11 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Statement by Board Members PG 01 Independent Auditor’s Report PG 02 Statements of Financial Position PG 06 Statements of Comprehensive Income PG 08 Statements of Changes in Equity PG 10 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows PG 12 Notes to the Financial Statements PG 13 2 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES 33 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES National Library Board and its subsidaries Statement by Board Members For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 In our opinion, (a) the accompanying financial statements of the National Library Board (the “Board”) and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) are properly drawn up in accordance with the provisions of the National Library Board Act (Chapter 197) (the “Act”), Singapore Charities Act (Chapter 37) and other relevant regulations (the “Charities Act and Regulations”) and Singapore Statutory Board Financial Reporting Standards (“SB-FRS”) so as to present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Group and of the Board as at 31 March 2018 and the financial performance and changes in equity of the Group and the Board and cash flows of the Group for the financial year then ended on that date; (b) the receipts, expenditure and investment of moneys and the acquisition and disposal of assets by the Board during the financial year have been in accordance with the provisions of the Act; and (c) proper accounting and other records have been kept including records of all assets of the Board whether purchased, donated or otherwise.
The Members of the Board have, on the date of this statement, authorised these financial statements for issue.
On behalf of the Board, Chan Heng Kee Chairman Elaine Ng Chief Executive Officer 1 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES 22 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Independent auditor’s report For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Independent auditor’s report For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Independent auditor’s report to the members of the board of National Library Board Independent auditor’s report to the members of the board of National Library Board Report on the audit of the financial statements Report on the audit of the financial statements (cont’d) Opinion Responsibilities of management and those charged with governance for the financial statements We have audited the financial statements of National Library Board (the “Board”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, Management is responsible for the preparation of financial statements to give a true and fair view in accordance the “Group”), which comprise the statement of financial position of the Group and the Board as at 31 March 2018, with the provisions of the Act, the Charities Act and Regulations and SB-FRS, and for such internal controls statements of comprehensive income, statements of changes in equity of the Group and the Board and the as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from consolidated statement of cash flows of the Group for the year then ended, and notes to the financial statements, material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
including a summary of significant accounting policies.
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Group, the statement of financial financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, position, statement of comprehensive income and the statement of changes in equity of the Board are properly disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting drawn up in accordance with the provisions of the National Library Board Act, Chapter 197 (the “Act”), the Charities unless there is intention to wind up the Group or for the Group to cease operations.
Act, Chapter 37 and other relevant regulations (the “Charities Act and Regulations”) and Statutory Board Financial Reporting Standards (“SB-FRS”) so as to give a true and fair view of the financial position of the Group and the Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Group’s financial reporting process.

Board as at 31 March 2018 and of the financial performance and changes in equity of the Group and the Board and cash flows of the Group for the year ended on that date.
Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements A statutory board is constituted based on its Act and its dissolution requires Parliament’s approval.

In preparing the Basis for opinion Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our We conducted our audit in accordance with Singapore Standards on Auditing (“SSAs”).
Our responsibilities opinion.

Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial accordance with SSAs will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.

Misstatements can arise from Statements section of our report.
We are independent of the Group in accordance with the Accounting and fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected Corporate Regulatory Authority (“ACRA”) Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Public Accountants and to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Accounting Entities (“ACRA Code”) together with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in Singapore, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with As part of an audit in accordance with SSAs, we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional these requirements and the ACRA Code.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and scepticism throughout the audit.
We also: appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Other matter The financial statements of the Board and the Group for the financial year ended 31 March 2017, were audited by another auditor who expressed an unqualified opinion on those statements on 21 June 2017.

Other information Management is responsible for other information.

The other information comprises the Statement by Board Members set out on page 1.
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

• • • • Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.

Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control.
Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by management.
Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statement or our may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern.
If we conclude that a knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.

If, based on the work we have material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion.

Our conclusions that fact.


We have nothing to report in this regard.

are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report.

However, future events or conditions may cause the Group to cease to continue as a going concern.
2 33 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Independent auditor’s report For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Independent auditor’s report For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Independent auditor’s report to the members of the board of National Library Board Independent auditor’s report to the members of the board of National Library Board Report on the audit of the financial statements (cont’d) Report on other legal and regulatory requirements (cont’d) Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements (cont’d) Responsibilities of management for compliance with legal and regulatory requirements • • Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, Management is responsible for ensuring that the receipts, expenditure, investment of moneys and the acquisition and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that and disposal of assets, are in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
This responsibility includes implementing achieves fair presentation.

accounting and internal controls as management determines are necessary to enable compliance with the Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities within the Group to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements.

We are responsible Auditor’s responsibilities for compliance audit provisions of the Act.
for the direction, supervision and performance of the group audit.

We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s compliance based on our audit of the financial statements.
We planned and performed the compliance audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the We communicate with the management and those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, receipts, expenditure, investment of moneys and the acquisition and disposal of assets, are in accordance with the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in the provisions of the Act.
Our compliance audit includes obtaining an understanding of the internal control relevant to the receipts, expenditure, investment of moneys and the acquisition and disposal of assets; and assessing the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements from non-compliance, if any, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control.
Because of the inherent limitations in any accounting and internal control system, non-compliances may nevertheless occur and not be detected.

Ernst & Young LLP Public Accountants and Chartered Accountants Singapore internal control that we identify during our audit.
Report on other legal and regulatory requirements Opinion In our opinion: (a) (b) the receipts, expenditure, investment of moneys and the acquisition and disposal of assets by the Board during the financial year are, in all material respects, in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

proper accounting and other records have been kept, including records of all assets of the Board and of the subsidiaries incorporated in Singapore of which we are the auditors, whether purchased, donated or otherwise.
During the course of our audit, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that during the financial year: (a) (b) the Library Fund has not used the donation moneys in accordance with its objectives as required under Regulation 11 of the Charities (Institutions of a Public Character) Regulations; and the Library Fund has not complied with the requirements of Regulation 15 of the Charities (Institutions of a Public Character) Regulations.
Basis for opinion We concluded our audit in accordance with SSAs.

Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Compliance Audit section of our report.

We are independent of the Board in accordance with the ACRA Code together with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in Singapore, and we have fulfilled our ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements and the ACRA Code.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion on management’s compliance.
4 55 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated statement of financial position As at 31 March 2018 Statement of financial position As at 31 March 2018 Group Note 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ Board Note 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ Equity Capital account Heritage reserves Accumulated surplus - General funds - Restricted funds Total equity Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment Heritage assets Current assets Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss Trade and other receivables Derivative financial instruments Development grants receivables Cash and cash equivalents Total assets Current liabilities Trade and other payables Current income tax liabilities Provision for retirement benefits Deferred capital grants Non-current liabilities Provision for retirement benefits Deferred capital grants Total liabilities Net assets 4 6 7 9 6 11 12 14 18 15 16 17 19 17 19 585,688,570 436,616,263 17,349,090 11,950,430 18,878,339 35,555,119 65,397,634 65,255,904 Equity Capital account Heritage reserves Accumulated surplus - General funds - Restricted funds 687,313,633 549,377,716 Total equity 352,852,714 331,892,611 17,349,090 16,549,549 370,201,804 348,442,160 455,751,902 354,941,837 11,647,968 13,117,473 57,115 227,537 525,729 107,665 143,021,993 109,573,412 610,706,515 478,266,116 980,908,319 826,708,276 92,437,761 67,447,364 – – 200,496 734,583 14,022,641 13,001,348 106,660,898 81,183,295 5,488,769 181,445,019 5,013,073 191,134,192 186,933,788 196,147,265 293,594,686 277,330,560 687,313,633 549,377,716 Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment Heritage assets Investments in subsidiaries Current assets Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss Trade and other receivables Derivative financial instruments Development grants receivables Cash and cash equivalents Total assets Current liabilities Trade and other payables Provision for retirement benefits Deferred capital grants Non-current liabilities Provision for retirement benefits Deferred capital grants Total liabilities Net assets 4
capital grants Total liabilities Net assets Net assets of trust funds 8 1,975 4,490 Net assets of trust funds 8 1,975 4,490 The accompanying accounting policies and explanatory notes form an integral part of the financial statements.
6 77 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated statement of comprehensive income For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Group Income Consultancy and other services Professional library services Rental income Book fines and lost book charges Interest income Library services and programmes Membership fees Investment income Other income Donations1 Expenditure Manpower and staff welfare Depreciation of property, plant and equipment Books, periodicals, films and serials General and administrative expenses Maintenance and other property expenses Rental expenses Agency and other professional fees Other expenses Allowance made for doubtful book fines and lost book charges (Deficit)/surplus before grants Grants Operating grants Development grants Deferred capital grants amortised (Deficit)/surplus for the financial year before tax Income tax expense Net (deficit)/surplus for the financial year Other comprehensive income Remeasurement gain on defined benefit pension plans Total other comprehensive income for the financial year Total comprehensive income for the financial year Note General funds 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ Restricted funds 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 4,817,847 2,930,038 6,343,233 2,889,037 1,304,910 1,151,856 785,355 5,720,474 3,670,742 7,030,947 3,168,458 1,093,184 1,613,499 812,657 – – – – - – – – 97,980 414,673 – – – – Total 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 4,817,847 2,930,038 6,343,233 2,889,037 1,402,890 1,151,856 785,355 5,720,474 3,670,742 7,030,947 3,168,458 1,507,857 1,613,499 812,657 22 13,016,944 10,755,805 1,617,875 145,448 14,634,819 10,901,253 1,391,205 1,283,238 3,437,865 336,921 – – 649,604 685,201 1,391,205 1,932,842 3,437,865 1,022,122 35,913,663 37,640,552 2,365,459 1,245,322 38,279,122 38,885,874 20 9 13 21 18 19 23 (104,141,992 ) (103,426,426 ) (37,840,628 ) (25,572,890 ) (27,941,160 ) (27,181,074 ) (55,754,285 ) (47,125,261 ) (23,541,951 ) (21,361,551 ) (25,629,304 ) (20,826,188 ) (16,618,204 ) (15,750,147 ) (14,963,262 ) (9,094,107 ) (481,096 ) (577,805 ) (14,212 ) (657,323 )
 (170,450 ) (21,343 ) (687,630 ) (266,618 ) (104,156,204 ) (103,447,769 ) (38,497,951 ) (26,260,520 ) (28,111,610 ) (27,447,692 ) (605,803 ) (1,563,632 ) (56,360,088 ) (48,688,893 ) (118,755 ) (178,846 ) (407,282 ) (71,058 ) – (155,734 ) (164,117 ) (365,024 ) (75,631 ) – (23,660,706 ) (21,517,285 ) (25,808,150 ) (20,990,305 ) (17,025,486 ) (16,115,171 ) (15,034,320 ) (9,169,738 ) (481,096 ) (577,805 ) (306,911,882) (270,915,449) (2,223,729) (3,299,729) (309,135,611) (274,215,178) (270,998,219 ) (233,274,897 ) 141,730 (2,054,407 ) (270,856,489 ) (235,329,304 ) 246,441,261 218,020,877 – 6,851 14,768,838 18,250,171 261,210,099 236,277,899 – – – – – – – – 246,441,261 218,020,877 – 6,851 14,768,838 18,250,171 261,210,099 236,277,899 (9,788,120 ) 3,003,002 141,730 (2,054,407 ) (9,646,390 ) 948,595 – – – – – – (9,788,120) ) 3,003,002 141,730 (2,054,407 ) (9,646,390 ) 948,595 1 Donations received of $643,575 (2016/2017: $652,953) relate to tax-deductible donations.
The accompanying accounting policies and explanatory notes form an integral part of the financial statements.
– – 437,017 437,017 (9,646,390 ) 1,385,612 88 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Statement of comprehensive income For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Board Income Consultancy and other services Professional library services Rental income Book fines and lost book charges Interest income Library services and programmes Membership fees Investment income Other income Donations2 Expenditure Manpower and staff welfare Depreciation of property, plant and equipment Books, periodicals and serials General and administrative expenses Maintenance and other property expenses Rental expenses Agency and other professional fees Other expenses Allowance made for doubtful book fines and lost book charges (Deficit)/surplus before grants Grants Operating grants Development grants Deferred capital grants amortised (Deficit)/surplus for the financial year before tax Income tax expense Net (deficit)/surplus for the financial year Other comprehensive income Remeasurement gain on defined benefit pension plans Total other comprehensive income for the financial year Total comprehensive income for the financial year Note General funds 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ Restricted funds 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 4,789,641 1,698,117 6,433,298 2,889,037 1,261,423 1,151,856 785,355 4,970,354 2,726,154 7,128,380 3,168,458 1,049,300 1,613,499 812,657 – – – – – – – – 97,980 414,673 – – – – Total 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 4,789,641 1,698,117 6,433,298 2,889,037 1,359,403 1,151,856 785,355 4,970,354 2,726,154 7,128,380 3,168,458 1,463,973 1,613,499 812,657 22 13,015,069 10,749,685 1,617,875 145,448 14,632,944 10,895,133 1,011,368 1,281,838 2,990,038 332,575 – – 649,604 685,201 1,011,368 1,931,442 2,990,038 1,017,776 34,317,002 35,541,100 2,365,459 1,245,322 36,682,461 36,786,422 20 9 13 21 18 19 23 (102,824,440 ) (102,074,488 ) (37,747,136 ) (25,523,961 ) (26,521,932 ) (26,343,779 ) (55,198,779 ) (46,657,713 ) (23,523,116 ) (21,331,256 ) (25,629,303 ) (20,826,187 ) (16,513,090 ) (15,504,127 ) (16,259,418 ) (11,157,429 ) (481,096 ) (577,805 )
 (14,212 ) (657,323 ) (170,450 ) (21,343 ) (687,630 ) (266,618 ) (102,838,652 ) (102,095,831 ) (38,404,459 ) (26,211,591 ) (26,692,382 ) (26,610,397 ) (605,803 ) (1,563,632 ) (55,804,582 ) (48,221,345 ) (118,755 ) (178,846 ) (407,282 ) (71,058 ) – (155,734 ) (164,117 ) (365,024 ) (75,631 ) – (23,641,871 ) (21,486,990 ) (25,808,149 ) (20,990,304 ) (16,920,372 ) (15,869,151 ) (16,330,476 ) (11,233,060 ) (481,096 ) (577,805 ) (304,698,310) (269,996,745) (2,223,729) (3,299,729) (306,922,039) (273,296,474) (270,381,308 ) (234,455,645 ) 141,730 (2,054,407 ) (270,239,578 ) (236,510,052 ) 246,441,261 218,020,877 – 6,851 14,768,838 18,250,171 261,210,099 236,277,899 – – – – – – – – 246,441,261 218,020,877 – 6,851 14,768,838 18,250,171 261,210,099 236,277,899 (9,171,209 ) 1,822,254 141,730 (2,054,407 ) (9,029,479 ) (232,153 ) – – – – – – (9,171,209 ) 1,822,254 141,730 (2,054,407 ) (9,029,479 ) (232,153 ) 2Donations received of $642,275 (2016/2017: $648,607) relate to tax-deductible donations for The Library Fund.
The accompanying accounting policies and explanatory notes form an integral part of the financial statements.
– – 437,017 437,017 (9,029,479 ) 204,864 99 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated statement of changes in equity For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Group At 1 April 2016 Net surplus/(deficit) for the financial year Remeasurement gain on defined benefit pension plans Total comprehensive income for the financial year Issuance of shares Transfer to heritage reserves At 31 March 2017 At 1 April 2017 Net (deficit)/surplus for the financial year Dividend paid Total comprehensive income for the financial year Issuance of shares Transfer to heritage reserves Capital account Accumulated surplus Note Establishment Equity financing account $ account $ Heritage reserves $ General funds $ 10,334,137 365,352,140 11,297,967 32,767,563 Restricted funds $ (Note 7) 67,310,311 Total $ 487,062,118 17 5 6 5 6 – – – 60,929,986 – – – – – – – – – 3,003,002 (2,054,407 ) 437,017 – 948,595 437,017 3,440,019 (2,054,407 ) 1,385,612 – – – 60,929,986 – – 652,463 (652,463 ) 10,334,137 426,282,126 11,950,430 35,555,119 65,255,904 549,377,716 10,334,137 426,282,126 11,950,430 35,555,119 65,255,904 549,377,716 – – – – – – – – – (9,788,120 ) (1,490,000 ) 141,730 (9,646,390 ) – (1,490,000 ) – 149,072,307 – – – 5,398,660 (11,278,120 – (5,398,660 ) ) 141,730 – – ) (11,136,390 149,072,307 – At 31 March 2018 10,334,137 575,354,433 17,349,090 18,878,339 65,397,634 687,313,633 The accompanying accounting policies and explanatory notes form an integral part of the financial statements.
1010 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Statement of changes in equity For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Board At 1 April 2016 Net surplus/(deficit) for the financial year Remeasurement gain on defined benefit pension plans Total comprehensive income for the financial year Issuance of shares Transfer to heritage reserves At 31 March 2017 At 1 April 2017 Net (deficit)/surplus for the financial year Dividend paid Total comprehensive income for the financial year Issuance of shares Transfer to heritage reserves Capital account Accumulated surplus Note Establishment Equity financing account $ account $ Heritage reserves $ General funds $ 10,334,137 365,352,140 11,297,967 29,766,041 Restricted funds $ (Note 7) 67,310,311 Total $ 484,060,596 17 5 6 5 6 – – – 60,929,986 – – – – – – – – – 1,822,254 (2,054,407 ) (232,153 ) 437,017 – 437,017 2,259,271 (2,054,407 ) 204,864 – – – 60,929,986 – – 652,463 (652,463 ) 10,334,137 426,282,126 11,950,430 31,372,849 65,255,904 545,195,446 10,334,137 426,282,126 11,950,430 31,372,849 65,255,904 545,195,446 – – – – – – – – – (9,171,209 ) (1,490,000 ) 141,730 (9,029,479 ) – (1,490,000 ) – 149,072,307 – – – 5,398,660 (10,661,209 – (5,398,660 ) ) 141,730 – – ) (10,519,479 149,072,307 – At 31 March 2018 10,334,137 575,354,433 17,349,090 15,312,980 65,397,634 683,748,274 The accompanying accounting policies and explanatory notes form an integral part of the financial statements.
1111 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated statement of cash flows For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Cash flows from operating activities Deficit before grants and before tax Adjustments for: Depreciation of property, plant and equipment Interest income from fixed deposits with bank Investment income - net Fund management fees Retirement benefits Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment written off Donation-in-kind received Allowance for doubtful debts Group Note 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ (270,856,489 ) (235,329,304 ) 38,497,951 26,260,520 (1,420,595 ) (1,507,857 ) (14,634,819 ) (10,901,253 ) 196,312 131,286 100,679 165,000 (5,011 ) (11,248 ) 105,765 5,204 (1,267,137 ) (266,032 ) 481,096 577,805 9 22 20 13 Deficit before changes in working capital (248,771,641 ) (220,906,486 ) Changes in working capital: Trade and other receivables Trade and other payables Derivative financial instruments Cash used in operating activities Retirement benefits paid (747,857 ) (3,858,658 ) 24,533,407 6,149,425 468,614 (525,729 ) (224,517,477 ) (219,141,448 ) (189,677 ) (905,455 ) Net cash flows used in operating activities (224,707,154 ) (220,046,903 ) Cash flows from investing activities Funds placed with fund managers Proceeds from disposal of investments Purchases of property, plant and equipment Purchases of heritage assets Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment Interest income received (88,000,000 ) (153,000,000 ) – 17,283 (58,101,829 ) (61,627,443 ) (537,404 ) (717,033 ) 5,011 11,248 1,723,594 2,691,852 Net cash flows used in investing activities (144,910,628 ) (212,624,093 ) Cash flows from financing activities Government grants received Dividend paid Proceeds from equity financing 255,936,061 260,884,579 (1,490,000 ) – 149,072,307 60,929,986 Net cash flows from financing activities 403,518,368 321,814,565 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the financial year 33,900,586 (110,856,431 )
 108,197,617 219,054,048 Cash and cash equivalents at end of the financial year 15 142,098,203 108,197,617 The accompanying accounting policies and explanatory notes form an integral part of the financial statements.
12 Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 1.

General information National Library Board (the “Board”) was established on 1 September 1995 under the National Library Board Act (Chapter 197).

The address of its registered office and principal place of operations is at 100 Victoria Street, #14-01, Singapore 188064.

The Board is subjected to the control of its supervisory ministry, Ministry of Communications and Information (“MCI”).
The Board is required to follow the policies and instructions issued from time to time by MCI and other government ministries and departments such as the Ministry of Finance (“MOF”).

With effect from 1 November 2012, the National Archives of Singapore (“NAS”) was transferred from National Heritage Board to National Library Board.

The Board is also registered as a charity (Unique Entity No: T08GB0037J) under the Charities Act (Chapter 37) since 16 September 2002.
The principal activities of the Board are: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) (k) to establish and maintain libraries, and provide library information services; to promote reading and encourage learning through the use of libraries and their services; to provide a repository for library materials published in Singapore; to acquire and maintain a comprehensive collection of library materials relating to Singapore and its people; to establish standards for the training of library personnel in Singapore; to provide advisory and consultancy services concerning libraries and library information services; to compile and maintain a national union catalogue and a national bibliography; to advise the Government on national needs and policies in respect of matters relating to publicly- funded libraries and library information services in Singapore; to provide a permanent repository of records of national or historical significance and to facilitate access to those records; to conduct records management programmes for the Government; and to record, preserve and disseminate the history of Singapore through oral history methodology or other means.
There have been no significant changes in the nature of these activities during the financial year.

The consolidated financial statements relate to the Group.

The principal activities of the subsidiaries are described in Note 10 to the financial statements.

1313 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 2.
Summary of significant accounting policies 2.

Summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d) 2.1 Basis of accounting 2.3 Basis of consolidation The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the historical cost basis, except as The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Board and its subsidiaries as disclosed in the accounting policies below, and are drawn up in accordance with the provisions of at the end of the reporting period.
The financial statements of the subsidiaries used in the preparation of the the National Library Board Act, Chapter 197 (the “Act”), Singapore Statutory Board Financial Reporting consolidated financial statements are prepared for the same reporting date as the Board.

Consistent accounting Standards (“SB-FRS”), including Interpretation of SB-FRS (“INT SB-FRS”) and SB-FRS Guidance Notes.

policies are applied to like transactions and events in similar circumstances.
2.2 Adoption of new and revised standards All intra-group balances, income and expenses and unrealised gains and losses resulting from intra-group On 1 April 2017, the Group adopted all the new and revised SB-FRSs and INT SB-FRS and SB-FRS Guidance Notes that are effective from that date and are relevant to its operations.
The adoption of Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date of acquisition, being the date on which the Group obtains control, these new and revised SB-FRSs, INT SB-FRSs and SB-FRS Guidance Notes does not result in changes and continue to be consolidated until the date that such control ceases.

to the Group’s accounting policies and has no material effect on the results or position of the Group and transactions are eliminated in full.

the Board.
the Board.

Description SB-FRS 109 Financial Instruments SB-FRS 115 Revenue from Contracts with Customers SB-FRS 1001 Accounting and Disclosure for Non-Exchange Revenue SB-FRS 116 Leases Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018 1 January 2018 1 January 2018 1 January 2019 2.4 Foreign currency The financial statements are presented in Singapore Dollars (“SGD”), which is also the Board’s functional currency.
Each entity in the Group determines its very own functional currency and items included in the financial statements of each entity are measured using that functional currency.

Transactions and balances Transactions in foreign currencies are measured in the respective functional currencies of the Board and its subsidiaries and are recorded on initial recognition in the functional currencies at exchange rates approximating those ruling at the transaction dates.
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rate of exchange ruling at the end of the reporting period.
Non-monetary items that are measured Management has considered and is of the view that the adoption of the SB-FRSs, INT SB-FRSs and in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates as at the dates of the initial Amendments to SB-FRSs that were issued as at the date of authorisation of these financial statements transactions.
Non-monetary items measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange but not effective until future periods will have no material impact on the financial statements of the rates at the date when the fair value was measured.

Exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary Group and the Board in the period of their initial adoption except for SB-FRS 116.
The nature of the items or on translating monetary items at the end of the reporting period are recognised in profit or loss.

impending changes in accounting policy on adoption of SB-FRS 116 is described below.

SB-FRS 116 Leases 2.5 Property, plant and equipment SB-FRS 116 requires lessees to recognise most leases on balance sheets to reflect the rights to use and equipment are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.
All items of property, plant and equipment are initially recorded at cost.

Subsequent to recognition, property, plant the leased assets and the associated obligations for the lease payments as well as the corresponding interest expense and depreciation charges.

The standard includes two recognition exemption for The cost of an item of property, plant and equipment initially recognised includes its purchase price and any cost lessees – leases of ‘low value’ assets and short-term leases.
The new standard is effective for annual that is directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019. operating in the manner intended by management.

The Group is currently assessing the impact of the new standard and plans to adopt the new standard The projected cost of dismantlement, removal or restoration is also recognised as part of the cost of property, on the required effective date.
plant and equipment if such obligation is incurred as a consequence of acquiring the asset or use of the assets.

Purchased software that is integral to the functionality of the related equipment is capitalised as part of that equipment.

Structural and development costs allocated under co-location projects for certain libraries are included under “shared building cost, building improvements and renovation”.
14 1515 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 2.

Summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d) 2.
5 Property, plant and equipment (cont’d) 2.6 Heritage assets (cont’d) Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows: Heritage reserves Leasehold premises Motor vehicles Useful lives 30 to 60 years 5 years Funds from government grants and cash donations used to procure heritage assets are recognised as income in accordance with Note 2.14 and Note 2.17(h) to the financial statements.
When grants and cash donations are utilised to fund the acquisition of heritage assets, an amount equivalent to the cost of the Shared building costs, building improvements 5 years or lease period whichever is shorter heritage asset is transferred from the general funds or restricted funds to the heritage reserve.
and renovation Furniture and fittings Office equipment Computer hardware and software 5 years 5 years 4 years Donations of heritage assets are recognised as revenue in accordance with Note 2.17(h) to the financial statements.

In the current year, the reserve in general funds supporting donated heritage assets has been reclassified Works-of-art are not depreciated and are carried at cost, less any recognised impairment loss.

to heritage reserves, in view that these relate to heritage assets.
Accordingly, the cumulative amount of Projects-in-progress are not depreciated as these assets are not yet available for use.

Leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or their useful lives unless it is reasonably certain that the Group will obtain ownership by end of the lease term.

$4,959,583 was transferred from general funds to heritage reserves in FY2017/2018.
2.7 Impairment of non-financial assets The Group assesses at each reporting date whether there is an indication that an asset may be impaired.

If any indication exists, or when an annual impairment testing for an asset is required, the Group makes The carrying values of property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment when events or an estimate of the asset’s recoverable amount.

changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
The residual value, useful lives and depreciation method are reviewed at each financial year-end, and of disposal and its value in use and is determined for an individual asset, unless the asset does not An asset’s recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s or cash-generating unit’s fair value less costs adjusted prospectively, if appropriate.

generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups of assets.
Where the carrying amount of an asset or cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount, the An item of property, plant and equipment is de-recognised upon disposal or when no future economic asset is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount.

benefits are expected from its use or disposal.

Any gain or loss on de-recognition of the asset is included in profit or loss in the year the asset is de-recognised.

Impairment losses are recognised in profit or loss.
2.6 Heritage assets A previously recognised impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the asset’s recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognised.

If Heritage assets relate to rare books and other rare materials.

Heritage assets purchased by the Group that is the case, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to its recoverable amount.

That increase are measured at cost less impairment losses, if any.
Heritage assets received by the Group as donations cannot exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation, had no are recognised at the valuation determined by external valuers or the Group’s panel of valuers consisting impairment loss been recognised previously.

Such reversal is recognised in profit or loss.

of professional staff at the time of receipt of the assets.
Subsequent expenditure relating to heritage assets that has been recognised is added to the carrying 2.8 Subsidiaries amount of the asset only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will A subsidiary is an investee that is controlled by the Group.

The Group controls an investee when it is flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably.
exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to The heritage assets are held in perpetuity with an indefinite economic lifespan and are not depreciated.

affect those returns through its power over the investee.

In the Board’s separate financial statements, investments in subsidiaries are accounted for at cost less impairment losses.
16 1717 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 2.

Summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d) 2.
9 Financial instruments (a) Financial assets 2.9 Financial instruments (cont’d) (b) Financial liabilities Initial recognition and measurement Initial recognition and measurement Financial assets are recognised when, and only when, the Group becomes a party to the contractual Financial liabilities are recognised when, and only when, the Group becomes a party to the provisions of the financial instrument.
The Group determines the classification of its financial assets at contractual provisions of the financial instrument.

The Group determines the classification of its initial recognition.

financial liabilities at initial recognition.

When financial assets are recognised initially, they are measured at fair value.

In the case of financial Financial liabilities are recognised initially at fair value.
In the case of financial liabilities not at fair assets not recognised at fair value through profit or loss, directly attributable transaction costs are added.

value through profit or loss, directly attributable transaction costs are added.

Subsequent measurement Loans and receivables Subsequent measurement After initial recognition, financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Gains and losses are recognised in profit or loss when the liabilities are Non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active de-recognised, and through the amortisation process.

market are classified as loans and receivables.

Subsequent to initial recognition, loans and receivables are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less impairment.
Gains and losses De-recognition are recognised in profit or loss when the loans and receivables are de-recognised or impaired, and through the amortisation process.

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss A financial liability is de-recognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled or expires.
When an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as a de-recognition of the original liability Financial assets designated as fair value through profit or loss at inception are those marketable and the recognition of a new liability, and the difference in the respective carrying amounts is securities and unit trusts that are managed by fund managers and their performances are evaluated on recognised in profit or loss.
a fair value basis, in accordance with a documented investment strategy of the Group.

2.10 Impairment of financial assets Subsequent to initial recognition, financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are measured at fair value.

Any gains or losses arising from changes in fair value of the financial assets is recognised in profit The Group assesses at each reporting date whether there is any objective evidence that a financial or loss.

asset is impaired.
asset is impaired.

Assets in this category are presented as current assets if they are either held for trading or are expected Financial assets carried at amortised cost to be realised within 12 months after the balance sheet date.
De-recognition For financial assets carried at amortised cost, the Group first assesses individually whether objective evidence of impairment exists individually for financial assets that are individually significant, or collectively for financial assets that are not individually significant.
If the Group determines that no A financial asset is de-recognised where the contractual right to receive cash flows from the asset objective evidence of impairment exists for an individually assessed financial asset, whether significant has expired.
On de-recognition of a financial asset in its entirety, the difference between the carrying or not, it includes the asset in a group of financial assets with similar credit risk characteristics and amount and the sum of the consideration received is recognised in profit or loss.

collectively assesses them for impairment.

Assets that are individually assessed for impairment and for which an impairment loss is, or continues to be recognised are not included in a collective assessment of impairment.
Significant financial difficulties of the debtor, probability that the debtor will enter bankruptcy and default or significant delay in payments are objective evidence that these financial assets are impaired.

18 1919 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 2.

Summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d) 2.
10 Impairment of financial assets (cont’d) 2.13 Provisions Financial assets carried at amortised cost (cont’d) Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of economic resources will be required to settle the obligation The carrying amount of these assets is reduced through the use of an impairment allowance account and the amount of the obligation can be estimated reliably.
which is calculated as the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate.

When the asset becomes uncollectible, Provisions are reviewed at the end of each reporting period and adjusted to reflect the current best the carrying amount of the impaired financial asset is either reduced directly or written off against the estimate.
If it is no longer probable that an outflow of economic resources will be required to settle the allowance account.

Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are recognised against the obligation, the provision is reversed.

If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are same line item in profit or loss.

discounted using a current pre-tax rate that reflects, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability.
When discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a The impairment allowance is reduced through profit or loss in a subsequent period when the amount finance cost.

of impairment loss decreases and the related decrease can be objectively measured.
The carrying amount of the asset previously impaired is increased to the extent that the new carrying amount does Provision for restoration costs not exceed the amortised cost had no impairment been recognised in prior periods.

2.11 Derivative financial instruments The Group recognises the estimated liability on dismantlement, removal or restoration of items of property, plant and equipment arising from the acquisition or use of assets.
This provision is calculated based on the best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation, taking into consideration The Group is exposed primarily to the financial risk of foreign exchange fluctuations on debt and equity time value of money.

securities and cash and cash equivalents placed with fund managers.

The Group enters into currency forwards and swaps through fund managers to manage the risk.
Changes in the estimated timing or amount of the expenditure for asset dismantlement, removal and restoration costs are adjusted against the cost of the related property, plant and equipment, unless the A derivative financial instrument, for which no hedge accounting is applied, is initially recognised at its decrease in the liability exceeds the carrying amount of the asset or the asset has reached the end of fair value on the date the contract is entered into and is subsequently carried at its fair value.
Changes its useful life.

In such cases, the excess of the decrease over the carrying amount of the asset or the in its fair value are recognised in profit and loss.

changes in the liability is recognised in profit or loss immediately.
2.12 Cash and cash equivalents 2.14 Government grants Under the Accountant-General Circular No.4/2009 dated 2 November 2009, the Board is required Government grants and contributions from other organisations are recognised initially at their fair values to participate in the Centralised Liquidity Management Framework (“CLM”).
Under the CLM, all bank when there is reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and the Group will comply with all accounts maintained with selected banks will be linked up with the bank accounts of Accountant- attached conditions.

General’s Department (“AGD”) such that available excess cash can be automatically aggregated for central management on a daily basis.
The Board will continue to own/act as trustees for their funds Government grants received by the Group to meet the current year’s operating expenses are recognised and operate its bank accounts, including giving instructions for payment and revenue collection.

These by the Group as income in the year these operating expenses are incurred.

Other government grants balances are included in cash and cash equivalents.
are recognised as income over the periods necessary to match them with the related costs which they For the purpose of presentation in the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and at bank, cash managed by AGD and short-term deposits with financial institutions that are Government grants and contributions from other organisations utilised for the purchase/construction readily convertible to cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.
of depreciable assets are initially recorded as “deferred capital grants” on the statement of financial are intended to compensate, on a systematic basis.

position of the Group.

Deferred capital grants are then recognised in profit or loss over the periods necessary to match the depreciation of the assets with the related grants.
On disposal of the property, plant and equipment, the balance of the related deferred capital grants is recognised in profit or loss to match the net book value of the property, plant and equipment disposed or written off.

20 2121 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 2.

Summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d) 2.
15 Employee benefits 2.16 Operating leases Employee benefits are recognised as an expense, unless the cost qualifies to be capitalised as an asset.

(a) Where the Group is the lessee (a) Defined contribution plans Leases where the lessor effectively retains substantially all the risks and benefits of ownership of the leased item are classified as operating leases.
Operating lease payments (net of any incentives Payments to the Central Provident Fund scheme in Singapore, a defined contribution plan, are received from the lessor) are recognised as an expense in profit or loss on a straight-line basis recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is performed.

over the lease term.


(b) Defined benefit plan (b) Where the Group is the lessor The Group operates unfunded defined benefit schemes for certain employees under the Leases in which the Group does not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of provisions of the Pensions Act (Chapter 225).

the asset are classified as operating leases.


Initial direct costs incurred in negotiating an operating lease are added to the carrying amount of the leased asset and recognised over the lease term on Defined benefit plans typically define the amount of benefit that an employee will receive on or the same bases as rental income.

The accounting policy for rental income is set out in Note 2.17(c).

after retirement, usually dependent on one or more factors such as age, years of service and compensation.
2.17 Revenue recognition The liability recognised in the balance sheet in respect of a defined benefit pension plan is the Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the reporting date together with adjustments Group and the revenue can be reliably measured, regardless of when the payment is made.

Revenue for unrecognised past-service costs.


The defined benefit obligation is calculated once every two is measured at the fair value of consideration received or receivable, taking into account contractually years by independent professional actuaries using the projected unit credit method.

The present defined terms of payment and excluding taxes or duty.
value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows using yield of 10-year government bonds and have tenures approximating to that of the The Group assesses its role as an agent or principal for each transaction and in all agency arrangements, related post-employment benefit obligations.

the amounts collected on behalf of principal are excluded from revenue.
Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial (a) Consultancy and other services assumptions are charged or credited to equity in other comprehensive income in the period when they arise.

Income from the provision of library consultancy services as well as library solutions including collection acquisition and library operation management is recognised upon service delivery Past service costs are recognised immediately in profit or loss.
based on rates specified in the respective service contracts.

(c) Short-term benefits (b) Professional library services Short-term employee benefit obligations are measured on an undiscounted basis and are Professional library services are rendered to government ministries, statutory boards and other expensed as the related service is provided.

commercial entities and the income is recognised when the services are rendered.
(d) Employee leave entitlement (c) Rental income Employee entitlements to annual leave are recognised when they are accrued to employees.

A Rental income from operating leases (net of any incentives given to lessees) is accounted for on provision is made for the estimated liability for annual leave as a result of services rendered by a straight-line basis over the lease term.

employees up to the end of the reporting period.


(d) Book fines and lost book charges Income from book fines and lost book charges is recognised when library items are overdue, lost or damaged.

22 2323 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 2.

Summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d) 2.
17 Revenue recognition (cont’d) (e) Interest income 2.18 Income tax (cont’d) (b) Deferred tax Interest income from bank deposits and bonds is recognised using the effective interest method.
Deferred tax is provided using the liability method on temporary differences at the end of the (f) Library services and programmes reporting period between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes except when the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the Income from library services and programmes includes the use of multi-media, programme transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss.
delivery and reservation fee and is recognised when the services are rendered.

(g) Membership fees Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all temporary differences.

Deferred tax assets are recognised for all deductible temporary differences, the carry forward of Membership fees include premium membership fees, registration fee for permanent resident and unused tax credits and unused tax losses, to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will foreigners and annual foreign membership fees.
Membership fees are accounted for on a receipt be available against which the deductible temporary differences, and the carry forward of unused basis.

(h) Donations Donations (cash or in kind) received are recognised as income upon receipt.

tax credits and unused tax losses can be utilised.


The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at the end of each reporting period and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilised.
Unrecognised deferred tax assets are reassessed at the end of each reporting period and are recognised to the extent that it has Donations in kind received by the Group are recognised based on market value or at the valuation become probable that future taxable profit will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.

determined by the Group’s panel of valuers consisting of professional staff at the time of receipt of the donations in kind.
2.18 Income tax Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the year when the asset is realised or the liability is settled, based on tax rates and tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the end of each reporting period.

The Group is tax-exempted under the provisions of the Income Tax Act (Chapter 134) except for one of (c) Sales tax its subsidiaries, which is subjected to local income tax legislation.
(a) Current income tax Current income tax assets and liabilities for the current and prior periods are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities.

The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amount are those that are enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period.
Current income taxes are recognised in profit or loss except to the extent that the tax relates to items recognised outside profit or loss, either in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.

Management periodically evaluates positions taken in the tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulations are subject to interpretation and establishes provisions where appropriate.
Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of sales tax except: • • Where the sales tax incurred on a purchase of assets or services is not recoverable from the taxation authority, in which case the sales tax is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of the expense item as applicable; and Receivables and payables that are stated with the amount of sales tax included.
24 2525 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 2.

Summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d) 3.
Significant accounting judgements and estimates 2.19 Funds The preparation of the Group’s consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets Assets and liabilities of the general funds and restricted funds are pooled in the statement of financial and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the end of each reporting period.

Uncertainty position.


(i) General funds about these assumptions and estimates could result in outcomes that require a material adjustment to the carrying amount of the asset or liability affected in the future periods.

Income and expenditure relating to the main activities of the Group and the Board are accounted for as “General Funds” in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
Management is of the opinion that there is no significant judgement made in applying accounting 3.1 Judgements made in applying accounting policies (ii) Restricted funds policies that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial period.
Income and expenditure relating to funds received for specific purposes and for which separate 3.2 Key sources of estimation uncertainty disclosure is necessary as these funds are material and there are legal and other restrictions on the ability of the Board to distribute or otherwise apply these funds.
They are accounted for as The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the end of “Restricted Fund” and disclosed separately in Note 7 to the financial statements.

the reporting period are discussed below.

The Group based its assumptions and estimates on parameters 2.20 Trust funds available when the financial statements were prepared.
Existing circumstances and assumptions about future developments, however, may change due to market changes or circumstances arising beyond the control of the Group.

Such changes are reflected in the assumptions when they occur.

Trust funds are funds for which the Board acts as a custodian, trustee, manager or agent but does not exercise control over the funds.
(a) Impairment of book fines and lost book charges The net assets of the trust funds are presented as a line item in the statements of financial position as The Group and Board maintain an allowance for doubtful book fines and lost book charges at a prescribed by SB-FRS Guidance Note 3.

The receipt and expenditure items relating to these funds are level considered adequate to provide for potential uncollectible book fines and lost book charges.

accounted for directly in these funds.


Details of income, expenditure, assets and liabilities are disclosed The level of this allowance is evaluated by the Group on the basis of factors that affect the in Note 8 to the financial statements.

2.21 Expenditure on book, periodicals, films and serials collectability of the accounts.

These factors include, but are not limited to aging of the outstanding arrears and the payment patterns of the patrons.
The amount and timing of recorded expenses for any period would differ if the Group made different judgement or utilised different estimates.

An increase in the Group’s and the Board’s allowance for doubtful book fines and lost book charges Expenditure on books, periodicals, films and serials are charged to profit or loss in the year of purchase, would increase the Group’s recorded operating expenses and decrease net receivables.
except when the items purchased are rare books or other rare materials that are accounted for as heritage assets in accordance with Note 2.6 and disclosed separately in Note 6 to the financial statements.

(b) Provision for retirement benefits 2.22 Equity financing account Ordinary shares are classified as equity in the equity financing account.
Pension expense is determined using certain actuarial estimates and assumptions relating to the discount rate used in valuing the defined benefit obligation and future expectations such as future salary increment, retirement date or age, and mortality and turnover rate of covered employees.
Any change in management’s estimates and assumptions directly influence the amount of the Dividends paid or payable to the Minister of Finance, the ultimate shareholder and a body incorporated pension expensed recognised in the financial statements.

by the Minister for Finance (Incorporation) Act (Chapter 183), are recognised when the dividends are approved for payment by the Board.
2.23 Offsetting of financial instruments The valuation of the retirement benefits is determined using the projected unit credit method.

The annual contribution to the pension plan consists of payments covering the current service cost for the year and payments towards funding the actuarial accrued liability.
Further details Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the balance sheet when there about the assumptions used are provided in Note 17. is legally enforceable right to offset and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
26 2727 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 4.

Capital account 5.
Equity financing account Establishment account Equity financing account Group and Board Note 2017/2018 2016/2017 10,334,137 10,334,137 5 575,354,433 426,282,126 Note 2017/2018 2016/2017 2017/2018 2016/2017 Number of shares $ $ Group and Board Issued and paid up: At 1 April 426,282,126 365,352,140 426,282,126 365,352,140 Issued during the year 149,072,307 60,929,986 149,072,307 60,929,986 585,688,570 436,616,263 At 31 March 4 575,354,433 426,282,126 575,354,433 426,282,126 The capital account comprises the net book value of the assets held by the former National Library, During the financial year, the Board received proceeds from equity financing of $149,072,307 (2016/2017: which were transferred to the Board on its establishment on 1 September 1995 (“Establishment account”) $60,929,986), which is represented by 149,072,307 (2016/2017: 60,929,986) ordinary shares at $1 each.
and “Equity Financing” received from the Ministry of Finance (“MOF”) subsequently (“Equity financing The shares are held by the Minister for Finance.

account”).

The equity financing account comprises equity injections by the MOF in its capacity as the shareholder from time to time if the Board makes an accounting surplus.

under the debt-equity framework for statutory boards, implemented with effect from 1 September 2004.
It also includes equity injection for Sinking Fund received for the purpose of replacement of fixed assets During the financial year, the Board paid dividend amounting to $1,490,000 (2016/2017: $Nil) on the held by the Board and additional funds are placed with the Group’s appointed fund managers to make ordinary shares issued to the Minister for Finance.
The holder of ordinary shares, Minister for Finance, is entitled to dividends as declared by the Board investments in accordance with the Group’s investment policy.

Under this framework, capital projects will be partially funded by the MOF as equity injection, and the balance through general funds.

Capital management Capital consists of capital account, heritage reserves and accumulated surplus of the Group.

The Group proactively manages its capital structure to achieve efficiency in its cost of capital.
The quantum of minimum and maximum cash reserve, taking into account working capital needs and long-term commitments, is reviewed and approved annually by the Finance Committee of the Board.

To maintain the minimum cash reserve to meet working capital needs and achieve efficiency in management of capital, the cash reserve as at the balance sheet date was below one year’s annual expenditure, within the minimum and maximum cash reserves.
There were no changes in the Group’s approach to capital management during the financial year.

The Group is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements.

6.
Heritage reserves and assets Heritage reserves At 1 April Movements during the financial year - Transferred from operating grants - Transferred from general funds At 31 March Heritage assets At 1 April Movements during the financial year - Donation in kind - Funded by operating grants - Processing fees Group and Board 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 11,950,430 11,297,967 439,077 4,959,583 5,398,660 652,463 – 652,463 17,349,090 11,950,430 16,549,549 15,566,484 262,137 397,616 139,788 799,541 266,032 127,750 589,283 983,065 At 31 March 17,349,090 16,549,549 28 2929 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 7.
Accumulated surplus (a) General funds Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 7.

Accumulated surplus (cont’d) (b) Restricted funds (cont’d) Income and expenditure relating to the main activities of the Group and the Board are accounted The key projects funded under TLF in the current year comprise mainly the following: for in the “General Funds” in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
(b) Restricted funds The Group’s restricted fund comprises donations to The Library Fund (“TLF”) and other donations and funds received for specific purposes for which there are restrictions on the Group in relation to the application of those funds.

These include specific donations received for programs.
TLF is a trust, which is separately registered as a charity (Unique Entity No: T03CC1744D) since Name of projects Purpose library@chinatown The library was set up and operated with donations from Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple and CPI Pte Ltd, owner of Chinatown Point Retail.

It carries a collection of books and audio visual materials on Chinese arts and culture largely in Chinese and English.

26 November 2003.
26 November 2003.

TLF has been conferred the status of an Institution of a Public Character to Mini MOLLYs The two mini mobile library buses were set up and operated receive tax-deductible donations for the furtherance of the objects of TLF, those of the Board and other beneficiaries.

The Board of Trustees of TLF comprises mainly the members of the Board of the National Library with donations from Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple.
It brings the library experience to children in childcare centres and kindergartens.

Board.

As the Board of Trustees has the discretion and control over the application of the donations Big MOLLY The big mobile library bus was set up and operated with for the Board’s projects (i.e.
TLF is operated and managed by the Board), the Board is deemed to have control over TLF and in accordance with SB-FRS Guidance Note 1, TLF has been included in the financial statements of the Board with effect from 1 April 2009. donations from Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple.

It brings the library experience to those in special needs schools, homes and orphanages, welfare homes and lower income groups.
The use of the monies under TLF is restricted to purposes specified in the trust deed and requires George Lyndon Hicks This research fellowship program aims to award professionals the approval of the trustees of TLF.

Research Fellowship to help grow and enhance the National Library of Singapore’s The Board of Trustees of TLF comprises the Board’s Chairman, Board members and staff trustees.
The objectives of TLF are: (i) To support performance of any of the functions of the National Library Board as set out under Sections 6, 14A and 14J of the National Library Board Act (Chapter 197); and (ii) To exercise any of the powers of the National Library Board under section 7 of the National Library Board Act (Chapter 197).

The Library Endowment Fund was established under TLF’s trust deed on 1 December 2010 to ensure financial sustainability in the furtherance of its strategic objectives.
An initial capital sum of $12 million carved out from TLF was further augmented by a sum of $25 million government grant from Ministry of Communications and Information (“MCI”).

The initial capital sum of $12 million was reflected as a transfer of reserves from TLF to The Library Endowment Fund, a sub-fund created under TLF.

(“NL”) Special Collections and to raise the capability of NL’s librarians so as to elevate the standing of the National Library.
30 3131 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 7.
Accumulated surplus (cont’d) The breakdown of the income, expenditure, assets and liabilities of The Library Fund for the Group and the Board is as follows: Group and Board Income Interest income Investment income Donations1 Expenditure Manpower and staff welfare Depreciation of property, plant and equipment Books, periodicals and serials General and administrative expenses Maintenance and other property expenses Rental expenses Agency and other professional fees Other expenses Surplus/(deficit) for the financial year Total comprehensive income for the financial year Accumulated surplus at 1 April Accumulated surplus at 31 March Heritage reserves at 31 March Endowment fund 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 4,067 1,381,935 – 248,862 124,237 – Other funds 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 93,913 235,940 649,604 165,811 21,211 685,201 Total 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 97,980 1,617,875 649,604 414,673 145,448 685,201 1,386,002 373,099 979,457 872,223 2,365,459 1,245,322 – – – – – – – – – ) (20 – – (167,683 ) ) (85,997 – – (14,212 ) (657,323 ) (170,450 ) (21,343 ) (687,630 ) (266,618 ) (14,212 ) (657,323 ) (170,450 ) ) (21,343 ) (687,630 ) (266,618 (605,803 ) (1,563,612 ) (605,803 ) ) (1,563,632 (118,755 ) (178,846 ) (239,599 ) (71,058 ) (155,734 ) (164,117 ) (279,027 ) (75,631 ) (118,755 ) (178,846 ) (407,282 ) (71,058 ) ) (155,734 ) (164,117 ) (365,024 ) (75,631 (167,683 ) ) (86,017 (2,056,046 ) (3,213,712 ) (2,223,729 ) ) (3,299,729 1,218,319 287,082 (1,076,589) (2,341,489) 141,730 (2,054,407) 1,218,319 287,082 (1,076,589 ) (2,341,489 ) 141,730 ) (2,054,407 41,356,340 41,069,258 23,899,564 26,241,053 65,255,904 67,310,311 42,574,659 41,356,340 22,822,975 23,899,564 65,397,634 65,255,904 – – 444,044 444,044 444,044 444,044 Total capital and accumulated surplus 42,574,659 41,356,340 23,267,019 24,343,608 65,841,678 65,699,948 Represented by: Property, plant and equipment Heritage assets Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss Cash and cash equivalents Trade and other receivables Derivative financial instruments Trade and other
 payables – – – – (39,312 ) ) (1,685,172 (142,064 ) (374,849 ) (181,376 ) ) (2,060,021 42,574,659 41,356,340 23,267,019 24,343,608 65,841,678 65,699,948 1Donations received relate to tax-deductible and non-tax deductible donations for The Library Fund amounting to $642,275 (2016/2017: $648,607) and $7,329 (2016/2017: $36,594) respectively.
3232 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 8.

Net assets of trust funds 8.

Net assets of trust funds (cont’d) The trust fund comprises one international fund (2016/2017: two local and international funds) managed The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (“IFLA-RSCAO”) (cont’d) by the Board on behalf of other agencies.
The nature of the trust fund as at 31 March 2018 is as follows: The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (“IFLA-RSCAO”) IFLA-RSCAO is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users.

The expenditure for IFLA Regional Office of Asia and Oceania is recorded under this project fund.
Details of the trust fund are set out below and have been prepared from the records of the trust fund and reflect only transactions handled by the Group and the Board: Statement of comprehensive income of trust funds Income Grant income Interest income Other income Expenditure Other expenses Net deficit for the financial year Accumulated surplus at 1 April Group and Board 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ – 1 2 3 7,808 – – 7,808 (2,518 ) (42,776 ) (2,515 ) 4,490 (34,968 ) 39,458 Accumulated surplus at 31 March 1,975 4,490 Statement of financial position of trust funds Equity Accumulated surplus Represented by: Assets Cash and cash equivalents Other receivables Liabilities Accruals for operating expenses Other payables Net assets Group and Board 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 1,975 4,490 11,975 – 14,205 331 11,975 14,536 – 10,000 10,000 46 10,000 10,046 1,975 4,490 33 3434 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 9.
Property, plant and equipment Group Cost At 1 April 2016 Additions Disposals/write-offs Transfer Shared building costs, building Leasehold premises $ Motor vehicles $ improvements Furniture and renovation $ and fittings $ Office equipment $ Computer hardware and software $ Works-of-art $ Projects-in- progress $ Total $ 249,935,889 1,122,078 192,438,294 18,055,930 22,443,622 101,295,649 3,676,229 54,268,986 643,236,677 – – – 50,219 4,225,661 427,502 1,564,938 9,792,706 – – (2,129,400 ) (195,596 ) (1,080,893 ) (2,061,136 ) 7,410,538 – – 4,192,071 – – – 46,301,486 62,362,512 – (5,467,025 ) (11,602,609 ) – At 31 March 2017 and 1 April 2017 249,935,889 1,172,297 201,945,093 18,287,836 22,927,667 113,219,290 – – – – – – 18,002,923 394,025 10,021,598 10,371,491 3,676,229 1,005,000 88,967,863 700,132,164 19,768,782 59,563,819 (10,646,520 ) (424,665 ) (2,307,954 ) (3,204,378 ) (71,779 ) – (16,655,296 ) 92,161,940 – 870,270 3,762,477 – (96,794,687 ) – 249,935,889 1,172,297 301,463,436 18,257,196 31,511,581 124,148,880 4,609,450 11,941,958 743,040,687 65,652,843 5,035,957 – 70,688,800 5,035,957 – 225,047 234,459 165,388,042 16,179,872 14,535,147 8,285,934 418,059 2,850,598 85,459,903 9,435,513 – (2,129,400 ) (192,984 ) (1,078,301 ) (2,061,136 ) 459,506 234,459 171,544,576 16,404,947 16,307,444 21,305,090 467,646 2,856,915 92,834,280 8,597,884 – (10,633,628 ) (423,118 ) (2,288,406 ) (3,204,379 ) – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 347,440,854 26,260,520 (5,461,821 ) 368,239,553 38,497,951 (16,549,531 ) 390,187,973 At 31 March 2018 75,724,757 693,965 182,216,038 16,449,475 16,875,953 98,227,785 Net book value At 31 March 2017 179,247,089 712,791 30,400,517 1,882,889 6,620,223 20,385,010 3,676,229 88,967,863 331,892,611 At 31 March 2018 174,211,132 478,332 119,247,398 1,807,721 14,635,628 25,921,095 4,609,450 11,941,958 352,852,714 3535 Additions Disposals/write-offs Transfer At 31 March 2018 Accumulated depreciation At 1 April 2016 Depreciation for the financial year Disposals/write-offs At 31 March 2017 and 1 April 2017 Depreciation
 for the financial year Disposals/write-offs NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 9.
Property, plant and equipment (cont’d) Board Cost At 1 April 2016 Additions Disposals/write-offs Transfer Shared building costs, building Leasehold premises $ Motor vehicles $ improvements Furniture and renovation $ and fittings $ Office equipment $ Computer hardware and software $ Works-of-art $ Projects-in- progress $ Total $ 249,935,889 1,122,078 192,438,294 18,055,930 22,428,202 101,129,158 3,676,229 54,061,148 642,846,929 – – – 50,219 4,225,661 427,502 1,564,098 9,668,554 – – (2,129,400 ) (195,596 ) (1,080,893 ) (2,061,136 ) 7,410,538 – – 3,984,233 – – – 46,301,486 62,237,520 – (5,467,025 ) (11,394,771 ) – At 31 March 2017 and 1 April 2017 249,935,889 1,172,297 201,945,093 18,287,836 22,911,407 112,720,809 18,002,923 394,025 10,021,598 10,342,291 3,676,229 1,005,000 88,967,863 699,617,424 19,768,782 59,534,619 – – – – – – (10,646,520 ) (424,665 ) (2,307,954 ) (3,119,615 ) (71,779 ) – (16,570,533 ) 92,161,940 – 870,270 3,762,477 – (96,794,687 ) – Additions Disposals/write-offs Transfer At 31 March 2018 Accumulated depreciation At 1 April 2016 Depreciation for the financial year Disposals/write-offs At 31 March 2017 and 1 April 2017 Depreciation for the financial year Disposals/write-offs At 31 March 2018 Net book value At 31 March 2017 At 31 March 2018 249,935,889 1,172,297 301,463,436 18,257,196 31,495,321 123,705,962 4,609,450 11,941,958 742,581,510 65,652,843 5,035,957 – 70,688,800 5,035,957 – 225,047 234,459 165,418,178 16,179,872 14,532,556 8,285,934 418,059 2,847,306 85,272,508 9,389,876 – (2,129,400 ) (192,984 ) (1,078,301 ) (2,061,136 ) 459,506 234,459 171,574,712 16,404,947 16,301,561 21,305,090 467,646 2,853,484 92,601,248 8,507,823 – (10,633,628 ) (423,118 ) (2,288,406 ) (3,119,616 ) 75,724,757 693,965 182,246,174 16,449,475 16,866,639 97,989,455 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 347,281,005 26,211,591 (5,461,821 ) 368,030,775 38,404,459 (16,464,768 ) 389,970,466 179,247,089 712,791 30,370,381 1,882,889 6,609,846 20,119,561 3,676,229 88,967,863 331,586,649 174,211,132 478,332 119,217,262 1,807,721
 14,628,682 25,716,507 4,609,450 11,941,958 352,611,044 3636 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 10.
Investments in subsidiaries 11.
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (cont’d) Board 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ Unquoted ordinary shares, at cost 506 506 Details of the subsidiaries are as follows: Name of subsidaries Principle activities Place of incorporation 2017/2018 % 2016/2017 % 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ Effective equity interest held Cost of investment Cybrarian Ventures Pte Ltd [1] Asian Film Archive [1] Provision of Singapore 100 100 1 1 library consultancy services Preservation of film heritage of Singapore and Asia Singapore 100 100 505 505 [1] Audited by Ernst & Young LLP, Singapore.
11.
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss Quoted debt securities managed by fund managers - Fixed interest rates Quoted debt securities held by subsidiary Quoted equity securities managed by fund managers Quoted unit trusts Group Board Note 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 24 24 24 42,954,512 43,643,233 42,954,512 43,643,233 774,375 772,500 – – 4,740,977 4,259,133 4,740,977 4,259,133 407,282,038 306,266,971 407,282,038 306,266,971 455,751,902 354,941,837 454,977,527 354,169,337 The quoted debt securities managed by fund manager earned fixed interest rates ranging from 1.55% to 4.85% (2016/2017: 1.55% to 4.88%) per annum as at the balance sheet date.
Interest was received on a semi-annual basis.

The maturity dates ranged from October 2019 to April 2022 (2016/2017: April 2017 to April 2022).

The quoted debt securities held by subsidiary earned fixed interest rate of 4.25% (2016/2017: 4.25%) per annum for financial year ended 31 March 2018.

Interest is receivable on a semi-annual basis.

There is no maturity date for the debt securities.

12.
Trade and other receivables Trade receivables from: Non-related parties Subsidiaries Trade receivables-net Grant receivables Equity funding receivables Deposits Book fines and lost book charges (Note 13) Accrued receivables Other receivables Interest and dividend receivables Prepayments Group Board 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 484,005 381,224 260,456 – – – 251,063 104,808 484,005 381,224 260,456 355,871 4,205,272 5,817,646 4,205,272 5,817,646 880,000 834,698 – 824,686 880,000 832,598 – 824,586 620,210 669,359 620,210 669,359 1,182,410 1,709,905 1,095,202 1,655,841 23,403 45,135 – – 1,365,943 1,064,448 1,344,172 1,051,445 2,052,027 2,605,070 2,020,084 2,584,589 Trade and other receivables 11,647,968 13,117,473 11,257,994 12,959,337 Add: Cash and cash equivalents 143,021,993 109,573,412 140,515,987 106,601,860 Less: Prepayments (2,052,027) (2,605,070) (2,020,084) (2,584,589) Loans and receivables 152,617,934 120,085,815 149,753,897 116,976,608 37 3838 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 12.
Trade and other receivables (cont’d) 13.
Book fines and lost book charges (a) Impairment losses The aging of trade, grant and equity funding receivables at the balance sheet date is: Group and Board 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ Group Board 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ Book fines and lost book charges Less: Allowance for doubtful book fines and lost book charges 5,924,934 6,436,067 (5,304,724) (5,766,708) 620,210 669,359 5,338,118 6,187,779 5,338,118 6,163,363 Movement in allowance for doubtful book fines and lost book charges during the financial year is as Not past due Past due < 30 days Past due 30 - 60 days Past due 61 - 90 days Past due 91 - 120 days Past due > 120 days 225,058 5,848 98 – 155 1,371 8,393 – 402 925 5,521 1,836 98 – 155 836 8,393 – – 925 5,569,277 6,198,870 5,345,728 6,173,517 Based on historical default rates, management believes that no impairment allowance is necessary in respect of these receivables.
These receivables are mainly attributable to debtors that have a good payment record with the Group.

Concentration of credit risk relating to trade and grant receivables is limited due to the Group’s many varied customers.

These customers mainly consist of government statutory boards.

The recorded allowance is based on the Group’s historical experience in the collection of accounts receivable.
Due to these factors, management believes that no additional credit risk beyond amounts considered for collection losses is inherent in the Group’s trade receivables.

(b) Source of estimation uncertainty The Group maintains an allowance for doubtful receivables at a level considered adequate to provide for potential uncollectible receivables.

The level of this allowance is evaluated by the Group on the basis of factors that affect the collectibility of the receivables.
These factors include, but are not limited to, the length of the Group’s relationship with debtors, their payment behaviour and known market factors.

The Group reviews the age and status of receivables, and identifies accounts which require allowance to be made on a continuous basis.

The amount and timing of recorded expenses for any period would differ if the Group made different judgement or utilised different estimates.
An increase in the Group’s allowance for doubtful receivables would increase the Group’s recorded operating expenses and decrease trade receivables.
follows: At 1 April Allowance made Allowance utilised At 31 March Group and Board 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ (5,766,708 ) (5,406,060 ) (481,096 ) (577,805 ) 943,080 217,157 (5,304,724 ) (5,766,708 ) Allowance for doubtful book fines and lost book charges The aging of doubtful book fines and lost book charges at the balance sheet date is: Gross amounts: Past due 1 - 90 days Past due 91 - 180 days Past due 181 - 270 days Past due 271 - 365 days More than 365 days Less: Allowance for impairment Group and Board 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 423,217 330,818 236,053 210,918 452,453 353,515 258,796 242,499 4,723,928 5,128,804 5,924,934 6,436,067 (5,304,724 ) (5,766,708 ) 620,210 669,359 The allowance for doubtful book fines and lost book charges is computed based on the historical trend for the rate of default payment pattern.
Concentration of credit risk relating to doubtful book fines and lost book charges is limited due to the Group’s many varied customers.

These customers mainly consist of individual library patrons.

The recorded allowance is based on Group’s historical experience in the collection of book fines and lost book charges.
Due to these factors, management believes that no additional credit risk beyond amounts provided for the impairment losses is inherent in the Group’s book fines and lost book charges receivables.

39 4040 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 14.

Derivative financial instruments 16.


Trade and other payables Group and Board Contract notional Fair value amount $ Asset $ Liability $ 49,797,658 57,115 67,988,634 525,729 – – 2017/2018 Currency swaps 2016/2017 Currency swaps Currency swaps are entered into by the fund manager to hedge highly probable forecasted transactions denominated in foreign currencies expected to occur at various dates within 1 month (2016/2017: 1 month) from the balance sheet date.

15.
Cash and cash equivalents Group Board 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ Cash at bank and on hand 142,037,190 108,591,421 140,515,987 106,601,860 Fixed deposits 984,803 981,991 – – 143,021,993 109,573,412 140,515,987 106,601,860 Group Board 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ Trade payables Accrued operating expenses Provision for restoration costs Retention payable Receipts-in-advance 12,325,390 9,716,514 12,323,662 9,539,647 56,824,738 34,117,997 56,601,440 33,922,966 19,586,255 18,894,730 19,586,255 18,894,730 86,478 206,908 321,012 370,357 86,478 175,362 321,012 343,644 Security and other deposits 3,228,172 2,017,101 3,233,722 2,023,701 Other payable relating to investment transactions Other payables to: - Subsidiaries - Third parties 46,023 1,972,884 46,023 1,972,884 – – – 396,090 133,797 36,769 38,659 7,316 92,437,761 67,447,364 92,091,601 67,421,990 Less: Provision for restoration costs (19,586,255 ) (18,894,730 ) (19,586,255 ) (18,894,730 ) Less: Receipts-in-advance (206,908 ) (370,357 ) (175,362 ) (343,644 ) Total financial liabilities at amortised cost 72,644,598 48,182,277 72,329,984 48,183,616 Other payables to subsidiaries are unsecured, non-interest bearing and repayable on demand.
The fixed deposits are placed with financial institutions and mature on varying dates within one to two 17.

Provision for retirement benefits (2016/2017: one to two) years from the financial year end.

The weighted average effective interest rate related to fixed deposits at year-end is 1.0% (2016/2017: 1.2%) per annum.
Interest rates are repriced at The Board operates an unfunded defined retirement benefit plan for certain employees under the provisions of the intervals of one to six months, upon roll over of fixed deposits on maturity.

Pension Act (Chapter 225).


Benefits are payable based on the last drawn salaries of the respective employees and the employees’ cumulative service period with the Board at the time For the purpose of presenting the consolidated statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents of retirement.

comprise the following: Group Note 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ The Board performed an actuarial valuation to determine the liability of the Board in respect of its defined retirement benefit plans.
Based on the actuarial valuation performed by Milliman Private Limited, the present value of unfunded obligations is recognised.
Cash and bank balances (as above) Less: Cash managed by fund manager 143,021,993 109,573,412 24 (923,790 ) (1,375,795 ) Cash and cash equivalents per consolidated statement of cash flows 142,098,203 108,197,617 41 4242 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 17.

Provision for retirement benefits (cont’d) 17.
Provision for retirement benefits (cont’d) The amounts recognised in the statement of financial position are as follows: (c) The amounts charged to other comprehensive income are as follows: Present value of unfunded obligations 5,689,265 5,747,656 Remeasurement gain on defined benefits pension plans – (437,017) Group and Board 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ Group and Board 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ Comprised: - Current provision - Non-current provision 200,496 734,583 5,488,769 5,013,073 5,689,265 5,747,656 (d) Principal actuarial assumptions used are as follows: The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation is 11 years (2016/2017: 11 years).
(a) Movement in the defined benefit obligations is as follows: Discount rate Future salary increment Group and Board 2017/2018 % 2016/2017 % 2.3 1 2.3 1 At 1 April Current service costs and interest cost Remeasurement gain on defined benefits pension plans Retirement benefits paid Group and Board 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 5,747,656 6,925,128 131,286 – (189,677 ) 165,000 (437,017 ) (905,455 ) At 31 March 5,689,265 5,747,656 (b) The amounts charged to profit or loss are as follows: Current service cost Interest cost Group and Board 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 7,538 123,748 37,000 128,000 131,286 165,000 The mortality rate assumed for pensioners at age 60, based on the latest published Singapore mortality table S04/08 is as follows: Female Male Group and Board 2017/2018 % 2016/2017 % 0.234 0.402 0.234 0.402 This means that out of 10,000 pensioners, it is assumed that 23 females and 40 males will pass on before their 60th birthday (2016/2017: 23 females and 40 males).
This defined retirement benefit plan provides a lump sum benefit or a lifetime pension or a mix that are both defined by salary and length of service.

This plan exposes the Board to risks such as life expectancy and interest rate used for discounting in the principal actuarial assumptions.

43 4444 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 17.
Provision for retirement benefits (cont’d) 18.
Development grants (receivables)/received in advance (d) Principal actuarial assumptions used are as follows (cont’d): The sensitivity of the provision for retirement benefits to changes in the principal actuarial assumptions is as follows: Discount rate 0.5% (2016/2017: 0.5%) increase 0.5% (2016/2017: 0.5%) decrease Future salary increment 0.5% (2016/2017: 0.5%) increase 0.5% (2016/2017: 0.5%) decrease Life expectancy 1 year increase 1 year decrease Group and Board Impact on provision for retirement benefits 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ (281,913 ) (293,143 ) 298,258 321,657 3,344 (3,327 ) 15,242 (15,006 ) 133,753 152,311 (144,042 ) (162,573 ) At 1 April Development grants received during the financial year Less: Development grants refundable Group and Board Note 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ (107,665 ) (563,700 ) 1,220,752 1,976,406 1,113,087 1,412,706 – (48,856 ) Amount transferred to deferred capital grants 19 (1,322,919 ) (1,464,664 ) Amount transferred to operating grants Development grants utilised during the financial year At 31 March Development grants utilised comprise: Maintenance and other property expenses Other expenses (17,705 ) – – (6,851 ) (227,537 ) (107,665 ) – – – 5,588 1,263 6,851 The above sensitivity analysis is based on a change in an assumption while holding all other The development grants of $1,220,752 (2016/2017: $1,976,406) received during the financial year assumptions constant.
When calculating the sensitivity of the provision for retirement benefits were disbursed by the Ministry of Finance.

to significant actuarial assumptions, the same method has been applied as when calculating the provision for retirement benefits recognised within the statement of financial position.

The methods and types of assumptions used in preparing the sensitivity analysis did not change 19.

Deferred capital grants compared to the previous period.
(e) Historical information are as follows: Group and Board 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 2015/2016 $ 2014/2015 $ 2013/2014 $ Present value of the unfunded obligation 5,689,265 5,747,656 6,925,128 7,019,713 7,411,228 At 1 April Amount transferred from development grants Amount transferred from operating grants Less: Deferred capital grants amortised during the financial year At 31 March Comprised: Current Non-current Group and Board Note 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 18 21 204,135,540 213,278,588 1,322,919 1,464,664 4,778,039 7,642,459 210,236,498 222,385,711 (14,768,838 ) (18,250,171 ) 195,467,660 204,135,540 14,022,641 13,001,348 181,445,019 191,134,192 195,467,660 204,135,540 45 4646 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 20.
Manpower and staff welfare 23.

Income tax expense Group Board 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ The Group is tax exempted under the provision of the Income Tax Act except for one of its subsidiaries, which is subject to tax under Singapore income tax legislation.
Board members’ allowances 181,366 226,017 178,551 223,202 Wages and salaries Employer’s contribution to Central Provident Fund 86,143,935 83,020,702 85,023,669 81,851,188 11,254,703 14,573,266 11,078,144 14,414,789 Retirement benefits (Note 17(b)) 131,286 165,000 131,286 165,000 Other employee benefits 6,444,914 5,462,784 6,427,002 5,441,652 Group Board 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ Reconciliation of effective tax rate (Deficit)/surplus before tax (9,646,390 ) 948,595 (9,029,479 ) (232,153 ) 104,156,204 103,447,769 102,838,652 102,095,831 Tax calculated at tax rate of 17% (1,639,886 ) 161,261 (1,535,011 ) (39,466 ) 21.
Operating grants Group and Board Note 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ Operating grants received during the financial year Operating grant receivables as at 31 March 251,027,498 221,975,525 191,802 3,687,811 Less: Amount transferred to deferred capital grants 19 (4,778,039 ) (7,642,459 ) Operating grants utilised during the financial year 246,441,261 218,020,877 Effects of: - Deficit/(surplus) exempted from tax 1,651,441 (140,030 ) 1,535,011 39,466 - Non-deductible expenses - Statutory stepped income exemption - Income not subject to tax - Utilisation of previously unrecognised 1,220 (1,275 ) (1,084 ) 1,231 (1,275 ) (2,379 ) tax losses (10,416 ) (18,808 ) – – – – – – – – – – – – At the balance sheet date, a subsidiary of the Group has unutilised tax losses amounting to $252,605 (2016/2017: $313,878) available for set off against future taxable income subject to the provisions of the The operating grants of $246,441,261 (2016/2017: $218,020,877) utilised during the financial year were Income Tax Act and agreement by the relevant authority, for which deferred tax assets have not been disbursed by Ministry of Communications and Information and Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.
recognised.

The tax losses have no expiry date.

22.
Investment income - net The following items have been included in arriving at the investment income for the year: Group Board 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 1,024,101 613,156 1,024,101 613,156 153,165 53,067 153,165 53,067 1,105,174 90,631 1,105,174 90,631 (160,599 ) (31,007 ) (160,599 ) (31,007 ) Interest income from - Quoted debt securities Dividend income from quoted equity securities Gain/(loss) from sale of investments - Quoted equity securities - Quoted debt securities Net gain from financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 11,410,183 10,774,710 11,408,308 10,768,590 Foreign exchange gain/(loss) - net 1,102,795 (599,304 ) 1,102,795 (599,304 ) 14,634,819 10,901,253 14,632,944 10,895,133 47 4848 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 24.
Investments with fund managers 25.

Commitments The Group placed its surplus funds with fund managers.

The fund managers are given discretion in (a) Operating lease commitments - where the Board is a lessee managing their respective portfolios, subject to the investment guidelines and the mandate set out in the external fund management agreements.

The Board leases certain properties under non-cancellable operating lease agreements.

These leases have no purchase options.


These leases, most of which have renewal options, expire at As part of its risk management activities, the fund manager managing the segregated mandate use various dates up to the year 2034 and contain provisions for rental adjustments and provisions to currency swaps for hedging purposes.

They are not used for speculative purposes.

restrict the Board to the usage of the premises.
As at the balance sheet date, the funds managed by fund managers comprise the following assets and The future minimum lease payables under non-cancellable operating leases contracted for at the liabilities: balance sheet date but not recognised as liabilities, are as follows: Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss - Quoted debt securities - Quoted equity securities Cash balances Net other receivable/(payable) relating to investment transactions Currency swaps Group and Board Note 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 11 11 15 14 42,954,512 43,643,233 4,740,977 923,790 4,259,133 1,375,795 789,938 (1,759,122 ) 57,115 525,729 49,466,332 48,044,768 Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss - Quoted unit trusts 11 407,282,038 306,266,971 456,748,370 354,311,739 Not later than one year Between one and five years Later than five years Group and Board 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 20,653,242 13,012,119 27,094,558 20,208,098 19,070,183 19,578,205 66,817,983 52,798,422 (b) Operating lease commitments - where the Board is a lessor The Board leases out certain commercial property space to non-related parties under non- cancellable operating leases.
The non-cancellable leases have remaining non-cancellable lease terms of between one and five years.

The future minimum lease receivables under non-cancellable operating leases contracted for at The investments with fund managers are designated at fair value through profit or loss as the Group the balance sheet date but not recognised as receivables, are as follows: manages such investments based on their fair value in accordance with the Group’s documented investment strategy.
Investments with fund managers include quoted debt securities issued by statutory boards and organs of states of $13,746,314 (2016/2017: $16,131,413).

Sales and redemption of debt securities, and purchases of investments carried out by the fund managers with statutory boards amounted to $9,744,759 (2016/2017: $6,064,201) and $7,467,875 (2016/2017: $22,475,420) respectively.
Not later than one year Between one and five years Group and Board 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 2,935,267 4,043,359 963,636 504,220 3,898,903 4,547,579 49 5050 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 25.
Commitments (cont’d) (c) Collection commitment Purchase order on book collections approved by the Board at the balance sheet date but not provided for in the financial statements is as follows: Group and Board 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ Amount approved and contracted 2,066,482 2,119,610 (d) Capital commitments Capital expenditures contracted for at the balance sheet date but not recognised in the financial statements are as follows: Group and Board 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ Amount approved and contracted 35,811,366 14,970,892 26.
Related party transactions In addition to the information disclosed elsewhere in the financial statements, the following significant transactions took place between the Group and related parties at terms agreed between the parties: (a) Transactions with Ministries, Organs of State, Statutory Boards, Educational Institutions and other Government Agencies Consultancy service income Professional service income Rental income Rental expenses IT services Disbursement of project funds Group 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 4,337,176 1,698,117 2,589,412 4,518,590 2,696,497 2,574,995 (11,980,555 ) (10,816,704 ) (5,574,518 ) (2,905,647 ) (5,668,546 ) – Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 26.
Related party transactions (cont’d) (b) Transactions with subsidiaries Consultancy and other services Rental income General and administrative expenses Agency and other professional fees Disbursement of grant (c) Key management personnel compensation Board 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 253,340 90,065 (7,876 ) (1,450 ) 196,412 97,433 (10,841 ) (1,550 ) (1,307,326 ) (2,088,112 ) Key management personnel are those persons having the authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group.
The chief executive and the group heads are considered by the Group to be key management personnel.
The key management personnel compensation is as follows: Salaries, bonuses and other short-term benefits Employer’s contribution to defined contribution plans, including Central Provident Fund Group Board 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 1,822,114 1,726,256 1,495,701 1,412,027 105,573 92,853 73,467 61,019 1,927,687 1,819,109 1,569,168 1,473,046 51 5252 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 27.
Financial risk management 27.

Financial risk management (cont’d) The Group’s principal financial instruments comprise cash and cash equivalents, unit trusts as well (a) Credit risk as debt securities, equity securities and currency swaps managed by fund managers.
The Group has various other financial assets and liabilities such as trade receivables and trade payables, which are Credit risk refers to the risk that counterparties to financial instruments will default on its contractual directly attributable to its operations.

The Group does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments obligations resulting in financial loss to the Group.

The major classes of financial assets of the for trading purposes.
The Group’s exposure to risk predominantly arises from its fund placed with fund Group and the Board are unit trusts, investment in debt securities, cash and cash equivalents and managers.

Funds with fund managers trade and other receivables, which are subject to credit risk.
For investments in debt securities managed by professional fund managers, the Group adopts the policy of dealing only with counterparties of a minimum credit rating of “A-” (Standard and Poor) or The Group established an investment policy which governs the overall investment guidelines including equivalent, further subject to industry and geographical limits.

the overarching investment objectives as well as asset allocations and restrictions with an appropriate risk management framework.
The investment contracts with the fund managers were established based For financial instruments, the management regularly monitors the recoverability of its financial on approved policies and guidelines.

Regular investment performance reports are sent to the members assets and believes that it has adequately provided for any exposure to potential losses.

of the Finance Committee and Board for monitoring purposes.

Review sessions with the fund managers are held once in every six months.
For cash and fixed deposits, the Group adopts the policy of dealing only with regulated high credit quality counterparties.

The appointed fund managers are held responsible in achieving the investment objectives set forth in their respective fund manager agreements entered into with the Group.

All income and realised capital At the balance sheet date, there is no significant concentration of credit risk.

The maximum gains are to be reinvested by the fund managers unless otherwise instructed by the Group.
exposure to credit risk for each class of financial instruments is the carrying amount of that class The fund managers’ overall risk management program seeks to maximise the returns derived for the level of risk to which they are exposed and seeks to minimise the potential adverse effects on the fund Please see details of aging of trade and grant receivables and book fines and lost book charges, managers’ financial performance.
including the movement in the related allowance for impairment in Notes 12 and 13 to the financial of financial instruments presented on the statement of financial position.

The investment risks undertaken by the fund managers is managed and governed by the mandate set forth in the fund managers’ agreements approved by the Group’s Finance Committee.

The mandate (b) Liquidity risk statements.


provides written principles for overall risk management, as well as written policies covering specific areas, such as foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk and credit risk.

Liquidity risk arises in the general funding of the Group’s operating activities.

It includes the risks of not being able to fund operating activities in a timely manner.
To manage liquidity risk, the The Finance Committee has reviewed and agreed on policies for managing each of these risks in Group places majority of its surplus funds with the Accountant-General’s Department which are relation to the funds with fund managers.

readily available when required.

53 5454 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 27.
Financial risk management (cont’d) 27.

Financial risk management (cont’d) (c) Market risk (cont’d) (i) Price risk (c) Market risk (cont’d) (ii) Interest rate risk The Group is exposed to price risk arising from quoted equity securities and unit trusts held Exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to the Group’s investment portfolio managed by by the fund managers.

Where non-monetary financial instruments such as equity securities are fund managers and the fixed deposits placed with banks.
denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the Group, the price initially expressed in foreign currency and then converted into the functional currency will also fluctuate The Group relies on fund managers to monitor and mitigate the adverse effects of interest rate because of changes in foreign exchange rates.

To manage its price risk, the Group diversifies its portfolio.

Diversification of the portfolio is done changes on its investment portfolios.
The fund managers have absolute discretion in managing the funds within the agreed investment guidelines.

A portfolio diversification approach is adopted.

in accordance with the limits in the agreements with the fund managers.

At the balance sheet date, the profile of the interest-earning financial instruments is as follows: The overall market position of these investments is reviewed on a semi-annual basis by the Finance Committee.
Compliance with the limits in the agreement with the fund managers are reported by the fund managers on a monthly basis.
At the balance sheet date, a 3% (2016/2017: 3%) increase in the underlying prices of the unit trusts and 4% (2016/2017: 4%) increase in the prices of the underlying debt and equity securities would increase portfolio gains and the fair value of the equity securities and unit trusts in profit or loss by the following amounts: Group Board Net surplus for the Net surplus for the financial year financial year 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss - Quoted unit trusts - Quoted debt securities - Quoted equity securities 12,218,461 9,188,009 12,218,461 9,188,009 1,749,155 1,776,629 1,718,180 1,745,729 189,639 170,365 189,639 170,365 Fixed rate instruments Fixed deposits at bank Quoted debt securities Group Board Carrying amount Carrying amount 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 984,803 981,991 – – 43,728,887 44,415,733 42,954,512 43,643,233 44,713,690 45,397,724 42,954,512 43,643,233 Fair value sensitivity analysis for fixed rate instruments Changes in interest rates do not affect fixed rate instruments (i.e.
fixed deposits managed by fund managers and fixed deposits at bank) measured at amortised costs.

Debt securities are the only fixed rate instruments which are accounted for at fair value through profit or loss by the Group.

This analysis assumes that all other variables remain constant and there is an inverse linear relationship between interest rates and bond prices.
An increase of 75 (2016/2017: 75) basis points in interest rate would decrease the fair value of The above sensitivity analysis assumes that all other variables are held constant.
debt securities and net surplus as follows: Group Board 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ Debt securities 327,967 333,118 322,159 327,324 55 5656 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 27.

Financial risk management (cont’d) 27.
Financial risk management (cont’d) (c) Market risk (cont’d) (iii) Currency risk (cont’d) At 31 March 2017 Financial assets Quoted debt securities SGD $ USD $ Others $ Total $ 16,903,912 26,535,365 976,456 44,415,733 Trade and other receivables 10,298,641 Cash and cash equivalents 109,469,301 192,549 90,516 21,213 13,595 10,512,403 109,573,412 136,671,854 26,818,430 1,011,264 164,501,548 Financial liabilities Trade and other payables (47,357,682 ) (539,430 ) (285,165 ) (48,182,277 ) (47,357,682 ) (539,430 ) (285,165 ) (48,182,277 ) Net financial assets 8 9,3 1 4 ,17 2 2 6,2 7 9 ,00 0 726,099 116,319,271 Less: Currency swaps Less: Net financial – (21,770,193 ) (1,240,435 ) (23,010,628 ) assets in functional currency (89,314,172 ) – – (89,314,172 ) Currency exposure of financial assets/(liabilities) net of those denominated in the functional currency – 4,508,807 (514,336) 3,994,471 (c) Market risk (cont’d) (iii) Currency risk The Group operates in Singapore and income and expenditure are primarily incurred in its functional currency.
Currency risk arises when transactions are denominated in foreign currencies such as the United States Dollar (“USD”).

To manage the currency risk, the Group enters into currency swaps through fund manager.

Please see details disclosed in Note 14 to the financial statements.

In addition, the Group is exposed to currency translation risk on financial assets or liabilities denominated in foreign currencies.
The Group’s currency exposure based on the information provided to key management is as follows: SGD $ USD $ Others $ Total $ At 31 March 2018 Financial assets Quoted debt securities 14,520,689 28,184,113 1,024,085 43,728,887 Trade and other receivables 8,966,973 Cash and cash equivalents 142,494,661 47,731 304,905 581,237 222,427 9,595,941 143,021,993 165,982,323 28,536,749 1,827,749 196,346,821 Financial liabilities Trade and other payables (72,456,389 ) (167,166 ) (21,043 ) (72,644,598 ) (72,456,389 ) (167,166 ) (21,043 ) (72,644,598 ) Net financial assets 93,5 25 ,934 28 ,36 9,5 83 1, 806 ,706 12 3,7 0 2,2 2 3 Less: Currency swaps Less: Net financial – (24,408,158 ) assets in functional currency (93,525,934 ) – – – (24,408,158 ) (93,525,934 ) Currency exposure of financial assets net of those denominated in the functional currency – 3,961,425 1,806,706 5,768,131 57 5858 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 27.
Financial risk management (cont’d) 27.
Financial risk management (cont’d) (c) Market risk (cont’d) (iii) Currency risk (cont’d) The Board’s currency exposure based on the information provided to key management is as follows: SGD $ USD $ Others $ Total $ (c) Market risk (cont’d) (iii) Currency risk (cont’d) At 31 March 2017 Financial assets Quoted debt securities SGD $ USD $ Others $ Total $ 16,131,412 26,535,365 976,456 43,643,233 At 31 March 2018 Financial assets Quoted debt securities 13,746,314 28,184,113 1,024,085 42,954,512 Trade and other receivables 10,160,986 Cash and cash equivalents 106,567,709 192,549 20,556 21,213 13,595 10,374,748 106,601,860 Trade and other receivables 8,608,942 Cash and cash equivalents 140,054,373 47,731 239,187 581,237 222,427 9,237,910 140,515,987 132,860,107 26,748,470 1,011,264 160,619,841 162,409,629 28,471,031 1,827,749 192,708,409 Financial liabilities Trade and other payables (47,380,343 ) (518,108 ) (285,165 ) (48,183,616 ) Financial liabilities Trade and other payables (72,163,097 ) (145,844 ) (21,043 ) (72,329,984 ) (47,380,343 ) (518,108 ) (285,165 ) (48,183,616 ) (72,163,097 ) (145,844 ) (21,043 ) (72,329,984 ) Net financial assets 8 5,4 7 9, 76 4 2 6,2 3 0 ,36 2 726,099 112,436,225 Net financial assets 90,2 46 ,532 28 ,32 5,1 87 1, 806 ,706 12 0,3 7 8,4 2 5 Less: Currency swaps Less: Net financial – (24,408,158 ) assets in functional currency (90,246,532 ) – – – (24,408,158 ) (90,246,532 ) Currency exposure of financial assets net of those denominated in the functional currency – 3,917,029 1,806,706 5,723,735 Less: Currency swaps Less: Net financial – (21,770,193 ) (1,240,435 ) (23,010,628 ) assets in functional currency (85,479,764 ) – – (85,479,764 ) Currency exposure of financial assets/(liabilities) net of those denominated in the functional currency – 4,460,169 (514,336 ) 3,945,833 59 6060 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 27.
Financial risk management (cont’d) 27.
Financial risk management (cont’d) (c) Market risk (cont’d) (iii) Currency risk (cont’d) (d) Fair value measurements (cont’d) If the USD changes against SGD by 5% (2016/2017: 5%), with all other variables including interest rates being held constant, the effects on the accumulated surplus is as follows: Group USD against SGD Strengthened Weakened Board USD against SGD Strengthened Weakened (d) Fair value measurements Increase/(Decrease) in accumulated surplus 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 198,071 225,440 (198,071 ) (225,440 ) 195,851 223,008 (195,851 ) (223,008 ) The Group and the Board categorise fair value measurements using a fair value hierarchy that is dependent on the valuation inputs used as follows: • • • Level 1 - quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 - inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e.
as prices) or indirectly (i.e.

derived from prices); and Level 3 - inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
Group At 31 March 2018 Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss - Quoted debt securities - Quoted equity securities - Quoted unit trusts Derivative financial instruments At 31 March 2017 Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss - Quoted debt securities - Quoted equity securities - Quoted unit trusts Derivative financial instruments Level 1 $ Level2 $ Level 3 $ Total $ 43,728,887 4,740,977 407,282,038 – – – – 57,115 455,751,902 57,115 44,415,733 4,259,133 306,266,971 – – – – 525,729 354,941,837 525,729 – – – – – – – – – 43,728,887 4,740,977 407,282,038 57,115 455,809,017 44,415,733 4,259,133 306,266,971 525,729 355,467,566 61 6262 NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 Notes to the financial statements For the financial year ended 31 March 2018 27.
Financial risk management (cont’d) 27.
Financial risk management (cont’d) (d) Fair value measurements (cont’d) (e) Financial instruments by category Level 1 $ Level2 $ Level 3 $ Total $ The carrying amount of the different categories of financial instruments is as disclosed on the face of the statement of financial position and in Note 11 and Note 14 to the financial statements, except for the following: Board At 31 March 2018 Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss - Quoted debt securities - Quoted equity securities - Quoted unit trusts Derivative financial instruments At 31 March 2017 Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss - Quoted debt securities - Quoted equity securities - Quoted unit trusts Derivative financial instruments 42,954,512 4,740,977 407,282,038 – – – – 57,115 454,977,527 57,115 43,643,233 4,259,133 306,266,971 – – – – 525,729 354,169,337 525,729 – – – – – – – – – 42,954,512 4,740,977 407,282,038 57,115 455,034,642 43,643,233 4,259,133 306,266,971 525,729 354,695,066 There were no transfers between Level 1 and 2 during the financial year.
Group Board 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ 2017/2018 $ 2016/2017 $ Loans and receivables Financial liabilities at amortised cost 152,617,934 120,085,815 149,753,897 116,976,608 72,644,598 48,182,277 72,329,984 48,183,616 (f) Offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities The Group and Board have the following financial instruments subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or similar agreement as follows: Related amounts set off in the balance sheet Gross amounts - financial assets (a) $ - financial liabilities (b) $ Net amounts - financial assets presented in balance sheet (c) = (a)-(b) $ 24,919,233 (24,862,118) 57,115 34,257,503 (33,731,774) 525,729 Derivative financial instruments – currency swaps At 31 March 2018 At 31 March 2017 The fair values of financial instruments traded in active markets (such as exchange traded and over-the- counter securities and derivatives) are based on quoted market prices at the statement of financial position date.
The quoted market prices used for financial assets held by the Group are the current bid prices.

28.

Comparative figures The fair values of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market are determined by using The financial statements for the financial year ended 31 March 2017 were audited by another firm of valuation techniques.

The Group uses a variety of methods and makes assumptions based on market Public Accountants and Chartered Accountants.
conditions existing at each statement of financial position date.

Quoted market prices or dealer quotes for similar instruments are used, where appropriate.

Other techniques, such as discounted cash flow analysis, 29.

Authorisation of financial statements are used to determine fair value of the remaining financial instruments.

These financial statements were authorised for issue by the Members of the Board on 19 June 2018.
The fair value of currency swaps is determined using actively quoted currency rates.

The fair value of current financial assets and liabilities carried at amortised cost approximate their carrying amounts.

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