asln-ex41_8.htm



Exhibit 4.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASLAN PHARMACEUTICALS LIMITED

2020 Equity Incentive Plan

 

Adopted by the Board of Directors:  December 10, 2020 

 

 

 

 

 



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CONTENTS

 

ClausePage

 


	
1.
	
PURPOSE1
	
 





	
2.
	
ELIGIBILITY1
	
 





	
3.
	
ADMINISTRATION AND DELEGATION1
	
 





	
4.
	
SHARES AVAILABLE FOR AWARDS.1
	
 





	
5.
	
OPTIONS AND SHARE APPRECIATION RIGHTS.2
	
 





	
6.
	
RESTRICTED SHARES; RESTRICTED SHARE UNITS; PERFORMANCE SHARE UNITS4
	
 





	
7.
	
OTHER SHARE BASED AWARDS5
	
 





	
8.
	
ADJUSTMENTS FOR CHANGES IN SHARES AND CERTAIN OTHER EVENTS5
	
 





	
9.
	
GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO AWARDS7
	
 





	
10.
	
MISCELLANEOUS8
	
 





	
11.
	
DEFINITIONS12
	
 





	
Appendix 1 OPTION GRANT NOTICE
	
17
	
 





	
Appendix 2 RESTRICTED SHARE UNIT GRANT NOTICE
	
25
	
 





	
Appendix 3 PERFORMANCE SHARE UNIT GRANT NOTICE
	
34
	
 




 

 

 



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1.
	
PURPOSE




The Plan’s purpose is to enhance the Company’s ability to attract, retain and motivate persons who make (or are expected to make) important contributions to the Company by providing these individuals with equity ownership opportunities. Capitalized terms used in the Plan are defined in Section 11.


	
2.
	
ELIGIBILITY




Service Providers are eligible to be granted Awards under the Plan, subject to the limitations described herein.


	
3.
	
ADMINISTRATION AND DELEGATION




(a)Administration.  The Plan is administered by the Administrator. The Administrator has authority to determine which Service Providers receive Awards, grant Awards, set Award terms and conditions, and designate whether such Awards will cover Ordinary Shares or ADSs, subject to the conditions and limitations in the Plan. The Administrator also has the authority to take all actions and make all determinations under the Plan, to interpret the Plan and Award Agreements and to adopt, amend and repeal Plan administrative rules, guidelines and practices as it deems advisable. The Administrator may correct defects and ambiguities, supply omissions and reconcile inconsistencies in the Plan or any Award as it deems necessary or appropriate to administer the Plan and any Awards. The Administrator’s determinations under the Plan are in its sole discretion and will be final and binding on all persons having or claiming any interest in the Plan or any Award. 

All actions and decisions of the Administrator will be taken in a fair and reasonable manner.

(b)Appointment of Committees.  To the extent Applicable Laws permit, the Board may delegate any or all of its powers under the Plan to one or more Committees or officers of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. The Board may abolish any Committee or re-vest in itself any previously delegated authority at any time.


	
4.
	
SHARES AVAILABLE FOR AWARDS




(a)Number of Shares.  Subject to adjustment under Section 8 and the terms of this Section 4, Awards may be made under the Plan representing an aggregate amount of up to 20,676,974 Ordinary Shares (including as part of the process for the issue of new ADSs) (the “Share Reserve”). In addition, the Share Reserve will automatically increase on January 1st of the year following the year in which the Company’s Board approve the Plan and ending on (and including) January 1, 2030, in an amount equal to 4% of the total number of Ordinary Shares outstanding on December 31st of the preceding calendar year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may act prior to January 1st of a given year to provide that there will be no January 1st increase in the Share Reserve for such year or that the increase in the Share Reserve for such year will be a lesser number of Shares than would otherwise occur pursuant to the preceding sentence.

(b)Share Recycling.  If all or any part of an Award or Awards granted under the Plan expires, lapses or is terminated, exchanged for cash, surrendered, repurchased or cancelled without having been fully exercised, or is withheld to satisfy a tax withholding obligation in connection with an Award or to satisfy a purchase or exercise price of an Award, the unused Shares covered or represented by the Award or Awards granted under the Plan will become or again be available for Awards granted under the Plan. 

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(c)Incentive Stock Option Limitations.  Subject to adjustment under Section 8 and to the overall Share Reserve, no more than 62,030,922 Ordinary Shares (including as part of the process for the issue of new ADSs) may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options.

(d)Substitute Awards.  In connection with an entity’s merger or consolidation with the Company or the Company’s acquisition of an entity’s property or stock, the Administrator may grant Awards in substitution for any options or other equity or equity-based awards granted before such merger or consolidation by such entity or its affiliate. Substitute Awards may be granted on such terms as the Administrator deems appropriate, notwithstanding limitations on Awards in the Plan. Substitute Awards will not count against the Share Reserve (nor shall Shares subject to a Substitute Award be added to the Shares available for Awards under the Plan as provided above), except that Shares acquired by exercise of substitute Incentive Stock Options will count against the maximum number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options under the Plan. Additionally, in the event that a company acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary or with which the Company or any Subsidiary combines has shares available under a pre-existing plan not adopted in contemplation of such acquisition or combination, the shares available for grant pursuant to the terms of such pre-existing plan (as adjusted, to the extent appropriate, using the exchange ratio or other adjustment or valuation ratio or formula used in such acquisition or combination to determine the consideration payable to the holders of ordinary shares or common stock (as applicable) of the entities party to such acquisition or combination) may be used for Awards under the Plan and shall not reduce the Shares authorized for grant under the Plan (and Shares subject to such Awards shall not be added to the Shares available for Awards under the Plan as provided above); provided that Awards using such available shares shall not be made after the date awards or grants could have been made under the terms of the pre-existing plan, absent the acquisition or combination, and shall only be made to individuals who were not Employees or Directors prior to such acquisition or combination.

(e)Date of Grant.  Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, the date of grant of an Award shall be the date of the Administrator’s approval of that Award.


	
5.
	
OPTIONS AND SHARE APPRECIATION RIGHTS.




(a)General.  The Administrator may grant Options or Share Appreciation Rights to Service Providers subject to the limitations in the Plan, including any limitations in the Plan that apply to Incentive Stock Options. The Administrator will determine the number of Shares covered by each Option and “Share Appreciation Right”, the exercise price of each Option and Share Appreciation Right and the conditions and limitations applicable to the exercise of each Option and Share Appreciation Right. A Share Appreciation Right will entitle the Participant (or other person entitled to exercise the Share Appreciation Right) to receive from the Company upon exercise of the exercisable portion of the Share Appreciation Right an amount determined by multiplying the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of one Share on the date of exercise over the exercise price per Share of the Share Appreciation Right by the number of Shares with respect to which the Share Appreciation Right is exercised, subject to any limitations of the Plan or that the Administrator may impose and payable in cash, Shares valued at Fair Market Value or a combination of the two as the Administrator may determine or provide in the Award Agreement.  A Participant will have no rights of a shareholder with respect to Shares subject to any Option or Share Appreciation Right unless and until any Shares are delivered in settlement of the Option or Share Appreciation Right.

(b)Exercise Price.  The Administrator will establish each Option’s and Share Appreciation Right’s exercise price and specify the exercise price in the Award Agreement. The exercise price will not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value on the grant date of the Option or Share Appreciation Right.

(c)Duration.  Each Option or Share Appreciation Right will be exercisable at such times and as specified in the Award Agreement, provided that the term of an Option or Share Appreciation 

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Right will not exceed ten years. Notwithstanding the foregoing and unless determined otherwise by the Company, in the event that on the last business day of the term of an Option or Share Appreciation Right (other than an Incentive Stock Option) (i) the exercise of the Option or Share Appreciation Right is prohibited by Applicable Laws, as determined by the Company, or (ii) Shares may not be purchased or sold by the applicable Participant due to any Company insider trading or dealing policy (including blackout periods), the term of the Option or Share Appreciation Right shall be extended until the date that is thirty (30) days after the end of the legal prohibition, black-out period, as determined by the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Participant, prior to the end of the term of an Option or Share Appreciation Right, violates the non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality or other similar restrictive covenant provisions of any employment contract, confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, the right of the Participant and the Participant’s transferees to exercise any Option or Share Appreciation Right issued to the Participant shall terminate immediately upon such violation, unless the Company otherwise determines. In addition, if, prior to the end of the term of an Option or Share Appreciation Right, the Participant is given notice by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of the Participant’s Termination of Service by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for Cause, and the effective date of such Termination of Service is subsequent to the date of the delivery of such notice, the right of the Participant and the Participant’s transferees to exercise any Option or Share Appreciation Right issued to the Participant shall be suspended from the time of the delivery of such notice until the earlier of (i) such time as it is determined or otherwise agreed that the Participant’s service as a Service Provider will not be terminated for Cause as provided in such notice or (ii) the effective date of the Participant’s Termination of Service by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for Cause (in which case the right of the Participant and the Participant’s transferees to exercise any Option or Share Appreciation Right issued to the Participant will terminate immediately upon the effective date of such Termination of Service).

(d)Exercise.  Options and Share Appreciation Rights may be exercised by delivering to the Company a written notice of exercise, in a form the Administrator approves (which may be electronic), signed by the person authorized to exercise the Option or Share Appreciation Right, together with, as applicable, payment in full (i) as specified in Section 5(e) for the number of Shares for which the Award is exercised and (ii) as specified in Section 9(e) for any applicable taxes. Unless the Administrator otherwise determines, an Option or Share Appreciation Right may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

(e)Payment Upon Exercise.  Subject to any Company insider trading or dealing policy (including blackout periods) and Applicable Laws, the exercise price of an Option must be paid by:

(i)cash, wire transfer of immediately available funds or by check payable to the order of the Company, provided that the Company may limit the use of one of the foregoing payment forms if one or more of the payment forms below is permitted;

(ii)if there is a public market for Shares at the time of exercise, unless the Company otherwise determines, (A) delivery (including telephonically to the extent permitted by the Company) of an irrevocable and unconditional undertaking by a broker acceptable to the Company to deliver promptly to the Company sufficient funds to pay the exercise price, or (B) the Participant’s delivery to the Company of a copy of irrevocable and unconditional instructions to a broker acceptable to the Company to deliver promptly to the Company cash or a check sufficient to pay the exercise price; provided that such amount is paid to the Company at such time as may be required by the Administrator;

(iii)to the extent permitted by the Administrator, delivery (either by actual delivery or attestation) of Shares owned by the Participant which, when valued at their Fair Market Value on the exercise date, have a value sufficient to pay the exercise price;

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(iv)to the extent permitted by the Administrator, except with respect to Incentive Stock Options, surrendering Shares then issuable upon the Option’s exercise which, when valued at their Fair Market Value on the exercise date; have a value sufficient to pay the exercise price;

(v)to the extent permitted by the Administrator, delivery of a promissory note or any other property that the Administrator determines is good and valuable consideration; or

(vi)to the extent permitted by the Company, any combination of the above payment forms approved by the Administrator.


	
6.
	
RESTRICTED SHARES; RESTRICTED SHARE UNITS; PERFORMANCE SHARE UNITS




(a)General.  The Administrator may grant Restricted Shares, or the right to purchase Restricted Shares, to any Service Provider, subject to the Company’s right to repurchase all or part of such shares at their issue price or other stated or formula price from the Participant (or to require forfeiture of such shares) if conditions the Administrator specifies in the Award Agreement are not satisfied before the end of the applicable restriction period or periods that the Administrator establishes for such Award. In addition, the Administrator may grant to Service Providers Restricted Share Units, which may be subject to vesting and forfeiture conditions during the applicable restriction period or periods, as set forth in an Award Agreement. The Administrator will determine and set forth in the Award Agreement the terms and conditions for each Restricted Share and Restricted Share Unit Award, subject to the conditions and limitations contained in the Plan.

(b)Duration.  Each Restricted Share, Restricted Share Unit or Performance Share Unit will vest at such times and as specified in the Award Agreement, provided that the vesting schedule of a Restricted Share, Restricted Share Unit or Performance Share Unit will not exceed ten years. Notwithstanding the foregoing and unless determined otherwise by the Company, in the event that on the normal vesting date of a Restricted Share, Restricted Share Unit or Performance Share Unit (i) the vesting of the Restricted Share, Restricted Share Unit or Performance Share Unit is prohibited by Applicable Laws, as determined by the Company, or (ii) Shares may not be purchased or sold by the applicable Participant due to any Company insider trading or dealing policy (including blackout periods), the vesting date of the Restricted Share, Restricted Share Unit or Performance Share Unit shall be deferred until the end of the legal prohibition, black-out period, as determined by the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Participant, prior to the vesting date of a Restricted Share, Restricted Share Unit or Performance Share Unit, violates the non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality or other similar restrictive covenant provisions of any employment contract, confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, the right of the Participant and the Participant’s transferees to receive Shares on the vesting of the Restricted Share, Restricted Share Unit or Performance Share Unit issued to the Participant shall terminate immediately upon such violation, unless the Company otherwise determines. In addition, if, prior to the vesting date of a Restricted Share, Restricted Share Unit or Performance Share Unit, the Participant is given notice by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of the Participant’s Termination of Service by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for Cause, and the effective date of such Termination of Service is subsequent to the date of the delivery of such notice, the right of the Participant and the Participant’s transferees to receive Shares on the vesting of the Restricted Share, Restricted Share Unit or Performance Share Unit issued to the Participant shall be suspended from the time of the delivery of such notice until the earlier of (i) such time as it is determined or otherwise agreed that the Participant’s service as a Service Provider will not be terminated for Cause as provided in such notice or (ii) the effective date of the Participant’s Termination of Service by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for Cause (in which case the right of the Participant and the Participant’s transferees to receive Shares on the vesting of the Restricted Share, Restricted Share Unit or Performance Share Unit issued to the Participant will terminate immediately upon the effective date of such Termination of Service).

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(c)Restricted Shares.

(i)Dividends.

Participants holding Restricted Shares will be entitled to all ordinary cash dividends paid with respect to such Shares, unless the Administrator provides otherwise in the Award Agreement. In addition, unless the Administrator provides otherwise, if any dividends or distributions are paid in Shares, or consist of a dividend or distribution to holders of Restricted Shares of property other than an ordinary cash dividend, the Shares or other property will be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Restricted Shares with respect to which they were paid.

(ii)Certificates.  The Company may require that the Participant deposit in escrow with the Company (or its designee) any certificates issued in respect of Restricted Shares, together with a stock transfer form endorsed in blank.

(d)Restricted Share Units.

(i)Settlement.  The Administrator may provide that settlement of Restricted Share Units will occur upon or as soon as reasonably practicable after the Restricted Share Units vest or will instead be deferred, on a mandatory basis or at the Participant’s election.

(ii)Shareholder Rights.  A Participant will have no rights of a shareholder with respect to Shares subject to any Restricted Share Unit unless and until the Shares are delivered in settlement of the Restricted Share Unit.

(e)Performance Share Units.

(i)Settlement.  The Administrator may provide that settlement of Performance Share Units will occur upon or as soon as reasonably practicable after the Performance Share Units vest or will instead be deferred, on a mandatory basis or at the Participant’s election.

(ii)Shareholder Rights.  A Participant will have no rights of a shareholder with respect to Shares subject to any Performance Share Unit unless and until the Shares are delivered in settlement of the Performance Share Unit.


	
7.
	
OTHER SHARE BASED AWARDS




Other Share Based Awards may be granted to Participants, including Awards entitling Participants to receive Shares to be delivered in the future (whether based on specified Performance Criteria or otherwise), in each case subject to any conditions and limitations in the Plan. Such Other Share Based Awards will also be available as a payment form in the settlement of other Awards, as standalone payments and as payment in lieu of compensation to which a Participant is otherwise entitled. Other Share Based Awards may be paid in Shares or other property, as the Administrator determines. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Administrator will determine the terms and conditions of each Other Share Based Award, including any purchase price, performance goal (which may be based on the Performance Criteria), transfer restrictions, and vesting conditions, which will be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.


	
8.
	
ADJUSTMENTS FOR CHANGES IN SHARES AND CERTAIN OTHER EVENTS




(a)Equity Restructuring.  In connection with any Equity Restructuring, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 8, the Administrator will equitably adjust the Share Reserve, the number of Shares available for the grant of Incentive Stock Options under Section 4(c) above and each outstanding Award as it deems appropriate to reflect the Equity Restructuring, which may include 

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adjusting the number and type of securities subject to each outstanding Award and/or the Award’s exercise price or grant price (if applicable), granting new Awards to Participants, and making a cash payment to Participants.

(b)Adjustments; Corporate Events.  

(i)In the event of any Equity Restructuring, the Administrator, on such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate, is hereby authorized to make adjustments in the number and type of shares (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding Awards and/or with respect to which Awards may be granted under the Plan (including, but not limited to, adjustments of the limitations in Section 4 hereof on the maximum number and kind of shares which may be issued) and/or in the terms and conditions of (including the grant or exercise price), and the criteria included in, outstanding Awards.

(ii)In the event of any merger, combination, amalgamation, sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or sale or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company or a Change in Control (any “Corporate Event”) all Awards shall automatically become fully vested and exercisable and be released from any repurchase or forfeiture rights (other than repurchase rights exercisable at Fair Market Value) for all of the Shares (or other consideration) at the time represented by such Award, immediately prior to the specified effective date of such Corporate Event. 

(iii)In the event of any reorganization, consolidation, repurchase, recapitalization, liquidation or dissolution, the Administrator on such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate, is hereby authorized to take any one or more of the following actions whenever the Administrator determines that such action is appropriate:

(1)To provide for the cancellation of any such Award in exchange for either an amount of cash or other property with a value equal to the amount that could have been obtained upon the exercise or settlement of the vested portion of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights under the vested portion of such Award, as applicable; provided that, if the amount that could have been obtained upon the exercise or settlement of the vested portion of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights, in any case, is equal to or less than zero (as determined by the Administrator in its discretion), then the Award may be terminated without payment.  In addition, such payments under this provision may, in the Administrator’s discretion, be delayed to the same extent that payment of consideration to the holders of Shares in connection with the Corporate Event is delayed as a result of escrows, earn outs, holdbacks or any other contingencies;

(2)To provide that such Award shall vest and, to the extent applicable, be exercisable as to all Shares covered thereby, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or the provisions of such Award;

(3)To provide that such Award be assumed by the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or Subsidiary thereof, or shall be substituted for by awards covering the equity securities of the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or Subsidiary thereof, with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and/or applicable exercise or purchase price, in all cases, as determined by the Administrator;

(4)To replace such Award with other rights or property selected by the Administrator with a value at least equal to the amount that could have been obtained upon the exercise or settlement of the vested portion of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights under the vested portion of such Award; and/or

(5)To provide that the Award will terminate and cannot vest, be exercised or become payable after the applicable transaction or event.

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The Administrator need not take the same action or actions with respect to all Awards or portions thereof or with respect to all Participants.  The Administrator may take different actions with respect to the vested and unvested portions of an Award.

(c)Administrative Stand Still.  In the event of any pending Corporate Event or other similar transaction, for administrative convenience, the Administrator may refuse to permit the exercise of any Award for up to sixty days before or after such Corporate Event or other similar transaction.

(d)General.   The existence of the Plan, any Award Agreements and the Awards granted hereunder will not affect or restrict in any way the Company’s right or power to make or authorize (i) any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the Company’s capital structure or its business, (ii) any Corporate Event or (iii) sale or issuance of securities, including securities with rights superior to those of the Shares or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Shares. The Administrator may treat Participants and Awards (or portions thereof) differently under this Section 8. 


	
9.
	
GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO AWARDS




(a)Transferability.  Except as the Administrator may determine or provide in an Award Agreement or otherwise for Awards other than Incentive Stock Options, Awards may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered, either voluntarily or by operation of law, except to a Designated Beneficiary by will or the laws of descent and distribution, or, subject to the Administrator’s consent, pursuant to a domestic relations order, and, during the life of the Participant, will be exercisable only by the Participant. References to a Participant, to the extent relevant in the context, will include references to a Participant’s authorized transferee that the Administrator specifically approves.

(b)Documentation.  Each Award will be evidenced in an Award Agreement, which may be written or electronic, as the Administrator determines. Each Award may contain terms and conditions in addition to (or a variation of or effecting a disapplication of) those set forth in the Plan.

(c)Discretion.  Except as the Plan otherwise provides, each Award may be made alone or in addition or in relation to any other Award. The terms of each Award to a Participant need not be identical, and the Administrator need not treat Participants or Awards (or portions thereof) uniformly.

(d)Termination of Status.  The Administrator will determine how the disability, death, retirement, authorized leave of absence or any other change or purported change in a Participant’s Service Provider status affects an Award and the extent to which, and the period during which, the Participant, the Participant’s legal representative, conservator, guardian or Designated Beneficiary may exercise rights under the Award, if applicable.

(e)Withholding of Taxes.  Each Participant must pay the Company, or make provision satisfactory to the Administrator for payment of, any taxes (which includes any social security contributions or the like including but not limited to, if applicable, all liability to primary (employee) and secondary (employer) national insurance contributions) required by law to be withheld or paid by the Company or by any Subsidiary that is the employing entity of the Participant or which Participant has agreed to pay in connection with such Participant’s Awards by the date of the event creating the tax liability. The Company may deduct an amount sufficient to satisfy such tax obligations based on the minimum statutory withholding rates (or such other rate as may be determined by the Company after considering any accounting consequences or costs) from any payment of any kind otherwise due to a Participant. Subject to any Company insider trading or dealing policy (including blackout periods), Participants may satisfy such tax obligations (i) in cash, by wire transfer of immediately available funds, by check made payable to the order of the Company, provided that the Company may limit the use of the foregoing payment forms if one or more of the payment forms below is permitted, (ii) to the extent permitted by the Administrator, in whole or in part by delivery of Shares, including Shares retained 

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from the Award creating the tax obligation, valued at their Fair Market Value, (iii) if there is a public market for Shares at the time the tax obligations are satisfied, unless the Company otherwise determines, (A) delivery (including telephonically to the extent permitted by the Company) of an irrevocable and unconditional undertaking by a broker acceptable to the Company to deliver promptly to the Company sufficient funds to satisfy the tax obligations, or (B) delivery by the Participant to the Company of a copy of irrevocable and unconditional instructions to a broker acceptable to the Company to deliver promptly to the Company cash or a check sufficient to satisfy the tax and/or social security withholding, provided that such amount is paid to the Company at such time as may be required by the Administrator, or (iv) to the extent permitted by the Company, any combination of the foregoing payment forms approved by the Administrator. If any tax and/or social security withholding obligation will be satisfied under clause (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence by the Company’s retention of Shares from the Award creating the tax obligation and there is a public market for Shares at the time the tax obligation is satisfied, the Company may elect to instruct any brokerage firm determined acceptable to the Company for such purpose to sell on the applicable Participant’s behalf some or all of the Shares retained and to remit the proceeds of the sale to the Company or its designee, and each Participant’s acceptance of an Award under the Plan will constitute the Participant’s authorization to the Company and instruction and authorization to such brokerage firm to complete the transactions described in this sentence.

(f)Amendment of Award; Repricing.  The Administrator may amend, modify or terminate any outstanding Award, including by substituting another Award of the same or a different type, reducing the exercise price, changing the exercise or settlement date, converting an Incentive Stock Option to a Non-Qualified Option, or by amending, waiving or relaxing any Performance Condition. The Participant’s consent to such action will be required unless (i) the action, taking into account any related action, does not materially and adversely affect the Participant’s rights under the Award, or (ii) the change is permitted under Section 8 or pursuant to Section 10(f). 

(g)Conditions on Delivery of Shares.  The Company will not be obligated to deliver any Shares under the Plan or remove restrictions from Shares previously delivered under the Plan until (i) all Award conditions have been met or removed to the Company’s satisfaction, (ii) as determined by the Company, all other legal matters regarding the issuance and delivery of such Shares (including payment of nominal value) have been satisfied, including any applicable securities laws and stock exchange or stock market rules and regulations, and (iii) the Participant has executed and delivered to the Company such representations or agreements as the Administrator deems necessary or appropriate to satisfy any Applicable Laws. The Company’s inability to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which the Administrator determines is necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any securities, will relieve the Company of any liability for failing to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority has not been obtained.

(h)Acceleration.  The Administrator may at any time provide that any Award will become immediately vested and fully or partially exercisable, free of some or all restrictions or conditions, or otherwise fully or partially realizable.


	
10.
	
MISCELLANEOUS




(a)No Right to Employment or Other Status.  No person will have any claim or right to be granted an Award, and the grant of an Award will not be construed as giving a Participant the right to continued employment or any other relationship with the Company. The Company expressly reserves the right at any time to dismiss or otherwise terminate its relationship with a Participant free from any liability or claim under the Plan or any Award, except as expressly provided in an Award Agreement.

(b)No Rights as Shareholder; Certificates.  Subject to the Award Agreement, no Participant or Designated Beneficiary will have any rights as a shareholder with respect to any Shares to be distributed under an Award until becoming the record holder of such Shares. Notwithstanding any 

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other provision of the Plan, unless the Administrator otherwise determines or Applicable Laws require, the Company will not be required to deliver to any Participant certificates evidencing Shares issued in connection with any Award and instead such Shares may be recorded in the books of the Company (or, as applicable, its transfer agent or stock plan administrator). The Company may place legends on certificates issued under the Plan that the Administrator deems necessary or appropriate to comply with Applicable Laws.

(c)Effective Date and Term of Plan.  The Plan will become effective on the day it is adopted by the Board (the “Effective Date”) and, unless earlier terminated by the Board, will remain in effect until the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date, but Awards previously granted may extend beyond that date in accordance with the Plan. In relation to Incentive Stock Options, if the Plan is not approved by the Company’s shareholders within 12 months of the Effective Date, all Incentive Stock Options will be treated as Non-Qualified Options.  

(d)Amendment of Plan.  The Administrator may amend, suspend or terminate the Plan at any time; provided that no amendment, other than an increase to the Share Reserve, may materially and adversely affect any Award outstanding at the time of such amendment without the affected Participant’s consent. No Awards may be granted under the Plan during any suspension period or after Plan termination. Awards outstanding at the time of any Plan suspension or termination will continue to be governed by the Plan and the Award Agreement, as in effect before such suspension or termination. The Board will obtain shareholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary to comply with Applicable Laws.

(e)Provisions for Foreign Participants.  The Administrator may modify Awards granted to Participants who are nationals of, or employed in, a jurisdiction outside Singapore and the United States or establish subplans or procedures under the Plan to address differences in laws, rules, regulations or customs of such international jurisdictions with respect to tax, securities, currency, employee benefit or other matters, including as may be necessary in the Administrator’s discretion to grant Awards under any tax-favorable regime that may be available in any jurisdiction.

(f)Section 409A.  The following provisions only apply to Participants subject to tax in the United States:

(i)General.  The Company intends that all Awards be structured to comply with, or be exempt from, Section 409A, such that no adverse tax consequences, interest, or penalties under Section 409A apply. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan or any Award Agreement to the contrary, the Administrator may, without a Participant’s consent, amend this Plan or Awards, adopt policies and procedures, or take any other actions (including amendments, policies, procedures and retroactive actions) as are necessary or appropriate to preserve the intended tax treatment of Awards, including any such actions intended to (A) exempt this Plan or any Award from Section 409A, or (B) comply with Section 409A, including regulations, guidance, compliance programs and other interpretative authority that may be issued after an Award’s grant date. The Company makes no representations or warranties as to an Award’s tax treatment under Section 409A or otherwise. The Company will have no obligation under this Section 10(f) or otherwise to avoid the taxes, penalties or interest under Section 409A with respect to any Award and will have no liability to any Participant or any other person if any Award, compensation or other benefits under the Plan are determined to constitute noncompliant “nonqualified deferred compensation” subject to taxes, penalties or interest under Section 409A.

(ii)Separation from Service.  If an Award constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A, any payment or settlement of such Award upon a termination of a Participant’s Service Provider relationship will, to the extent necessary to avoid taxes under Section 409A, be made only upon the Participant’s “separation from service” (within the meaning of Section 409A), whether such “separation from service” occurs upon or after the termination of the Participant’s 

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Service Provider relationship. For purposes of this Plan or any Award Agreement relating to any such payments or benefits, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms means a “separation from service.”

(iii)Payments to Specified Employees.  Notwithstanding any contrary provision in the Plan or any Award Agreement, any payment(s) of “nonqualified deferred compensation” required to be made under an Award to a “specified employee” (as defined under Section 409A and as the Administrator determines) due to his or her “separation from service” will, to the extent necessary to avoid taxes under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, be delayed for the six-month period immediately following such “separation from service” (or, if earlier, until the specified employee’s death) and will instead be paid (as set forth in the Award Agreement) on the day immediately following such six-month period or as soon as administratively practicable thereafter (without interest). Any payments of “nonqualified deferred compensation” under such Award payable more than six months following the Participant’s “separation from service” will be paid at the time or times the payments are otherwise scheduled to be made.

(iv)10% Stockholders. The Administrator may grant Incentive Stock Options only to employees of the Company, any of its present or future parent or subsidiary corporations, as defined in Sections 424(e) or (f) of the Code, respectively, and any other entities the employees of which are eligible to receive Incentive Stock Options under the Code. If an Incentive Stock Option is granted to a Greater Than 10% Shareholder, the exercise price will not be less than 110% of the Fair Market Value on the Option’s grant date, and the term of the Option will not exceed five years. All Incentive Stock Options will be subject to and construed consistently with Section 422 of the Code. By accepting an Incentive Stock Option, the Participant agrees to give prompt notice to the Company of dispositions or other transfers (other than in connection with a Change in Control) of Shares acquired under the Option made within (i) two years from the grant date of the Option or (ii) one year after the transfer of such Shares to the Participant, specifying the date of the disposition or other transfer and the amount the Participant realized, in cash, other property, assumption of indebtedness or other consideration, in such disposition or other transfer. Neither the Company nor the Administrator will be liable to a Participant, or any other party, if an Incentive Stock Option fails or ceases to qualify as an “incentive stock option” under Section 422 of the Code. Any Incentive Stock Option or portion thereof that fails to qualify as an “incentive stock option” under Section 422 of the Code for any reason, including becoming exercisable with respect to Shares having a fair market value exceeding the $100,000 limitation under Treasury Regulation Section 1.422-4, will be a Non-Qualified Option.

(g)Limitations on Liability.  Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan, no individual acting as a director, officer, other employee or agent of the Company or any Subsidiary will be liable to any Participant, former Participant, spouse, beneficiary, or any other person for any claim, loss, liability, or expense incurred in connection with the Plan or any Award, and such individual will not be personally liable with respect to the Plan because of any contract or other instrument executed in his or her capacity as an Administrator, director, officer, other employee or agent of the Company or any Subsidiary. The Company will indemnify and hold harmless each director, officer, other employee and agent of the Company or any Subsidiary that has been or will be granted or delegated any duty or power relating to the Plan’s administration or interpretation, against any cost or expense (including attorneys’ fees) or liability (including any sum paid in settlement of a claim with the Administrator’s approval) arising from any act or omission concerning this Plan unless arising from such person’s own fraud or bad faith.

(h)Data Privacy.  


	
 
	
(i)
	
As a condition for receiving any Award, each Participant acknowledges that the Company and any Subsidiary may collect, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, personal data as described in this section by and among the Company and its Subsidiaries and affiliates exclusively for implementing, administering and managing the Participant’s participation in the Plan. The Company (as above) may hold certain 




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personal information about a Participant, including the Participant’s name, address and telephone number; birthdate; social security, insurance number or other identification number; salary; nationality; job title(s); any Shares held in the Company (as above); and Award details, to implement, manage and administer the Plan and Awards (the “Data”). The Company (as above) may transfer the Data amongst themselves as necessary to implement, administer and manage a Participant’s participation in the Plan, and the Company (as above) may transfer the Data to third parties assisting the Company with Plan implementation, administration and management. These recipients may be located in the Participant’s country, or elsewhere, and the Participant’s country may have different data privacy laws and protections than the recipients’ country. By accepting an Award, each Participant acknowledges that such recipients may receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, to implement, administer and manage the Participant’s participation in the Plan, including any required Data transfer to a broker or other third party with whom the Company or the Participant may elect to deposit any Shares. The Data related to a Participant will be held only as long as necessary to implement, administer, and manage the Participant’s participation in the Plan. A Participant may, at any time, view the Data that the Company holds regarding such Participant, request additional information about the storage and processing of the Data regarding such Participant and recommend any necessary corrections to the Data regarding the Participant in writing, without cost, by contacting the local human resources representative.





	
 
	
(ii)
	
For the purpose of operating the Plan in the European Union, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, the Company will collect and process information relating to Participants in accordance with the privacy notice which is provided to each Participant. 




(i)Severability.  If any portion of the Plan or any action taken under it is held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity will not affect the remaining parts of the Plan, and the Plan will be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provisions had been excluded, and the illegal or invalid action will be null and void.

(j)Governing Documents.  If any contradiction occurs between the Plan and any Award Agreement the Plan will govern, unless it is expressly specified in such Award Agreement or other written document that a specific provision of the Plan will not apply.

All Awards will be subject to Applicable Laws on insider trading and dealing and any specific insider trading or dealing policy adopted by the Company.

(k)Governing Law and Jurisdiction.  The Plan and all Awards, including any non-contractual obligations arising in connection therewith, will be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware and the courts of the State of Delaware shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear any dispute.

(l)Claw-back Provisions.  All Awards (including any proceeds, gains or other economic benefit the Participant actually or constructively receives upon receipt or exercise of any Award or the receipt or resale of any Shares underlying the Award) will be subject to any Company claw-back policy adopted from time to time to the extent such policy applies to the relevant Participant and has been adopted to comply with Applicable Laws (including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder) as set forth in such claw-back policy or the Award Agreement.

(m)Other Group Company policies.  All Awards (including any proceeds, gains or other economic benefit the Participant actually or constructively receives upon receipt or exercise of any Award or the receipt or resale of any Shares underlying the Award) will be subject to any relevant 

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Company or Group Company policy to the extent such policy applies to the relevant Participant, including but not limited to any remuneration policy and/or share retention, ownership, or holding policy that may be adopted from time to time.

(n)Titles and Headings.  The titles and headings in the Plan are for convenience of reference only and, if any conflict, the Plan’s text, rather than such titles or headings, will control.

(o)Conformity to Applicable Laws.  Participant acknowledges that the Plan is intended to conform to the extent necessary with Applicable Laws. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Plan and all Awards will be administered only in conformance with Applicable Laws. To the extent Applicable Laws permit, the Plan and all Award Agreements will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to Applicable Laws and may be unilaterally cancelled by the Company (with the effect that all Participant’s rights thereunder lapse with immediate effect) if the Administrator determines in its reasonable discretion that such conformity is not possible or practicable.

(p)Relationship to Other Benefits.  No payment under the Plan will be taken into account in determining any benefits under any pension, retirement, savings, profit sharing, group insurance, welfare or other benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary except as expressly provided in writing in such other plan or an agreement thereunder.

(q)Broker-Assisted Sales.  In the event of a broker-assisted sale of Shares in connection with the payment of amounts owed by a Participant under or with respect to the Plan or Awards, including amounts to be paid under the final sentence of Section 9(e): (a) any Shares to be sold through the broker-assisted sale will be sold (subject in all cases to the Administrator having regard to the orderly marketing and disposal of such Shares, and having the discretion to delay broker-assisted sales for such reasons) on the day the payment first becomes due, or as soon thereafter as practicable; (b) such Shares may be sold as part of a block trade with other Participants in the Plan in which all Participants receive an average price; (c) the applicable Participant will be responsible for all broker’s fees and other costs of sale, and by accepting an Award, each Participant agrees to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any losses, costs, damages, or expenses relating to any such sale; (d) to the extent the Company or its designee receives proceeds of such sale that exceed the amount owed, the Company will pay such excess in cash to the applicable Participant as soon as reasonably practicable; (e) the Company and its designees are under no obligation to arrange for such sale at any particular price; and (f) in the event the proceeds of such sale are insufficient to satisfy the Participant’s applicable obligation, the Participant may be required to pay immediately upon demand to the Company or its designee, or the Company or any Subsidiary may withhold from any payment to be made to the Participant (including but not limited to that Participant’s salary), an amount in cash sufficient to satisfy any remaining portion of the Participant’s obligation.


	
11.
	
DEFINITIONS




As used in the Plan, the following words and phrases will have the following meanings:

(a)“ADSs” means American Depositary Shares, representing Ordinary Shares on deposit with a U.S. banking institution selected by the Company and which are registered pursuant to a Form F-6.

(b)“Administrator” means the Board or a Committee to the extent that the Board’s powers or authority under the Plan have been delegated to such Committee.

(c)“Applicable Laws” means any applicable laws, including without limitation: (a) the requirements relating to the administration of equity incentive plans under the laws of the Cayman Islands, the Republic of Singapore, U.S. federal and state securities, tax and other applicable laws, rules and regulations, the applicable rules of any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Shares are 

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listed or quoted and the applicable laws and rules of any other country or jurisdiction where Awards are granted; and (b) corporate, securities, tax or other laws, statutes, rules, requirements or regulations, whether under the laws of the Cayman Islands, the Republic of Singapore, U.S. federal, state, local or foreign, applicable in the Cayman Islands, the Republic of Singapore, United States or any other relevant jurisdiction.

(d)“Award” means, individually or collectively, a grant under the Plan of Options, Share Appreciation Rights, Restricted Shares, Restricted Share Units or Other Share Based Awards.

(e)“Award Agreement” means a written agreement evidencing an Award, which may be electronic, that contains such terms and conditions as the Administrator determines, consistent with and subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

(f)“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

(g)“Cause” means (i) if a Participant is a party to a written employment or consulting agreement with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or an Award Agreement in which the term “cause” is defined (a “Relevant Agreement”), “Cause” as defined in the Relevant Agreement, and (ii) if no Relevant Agreement exists, (A) the Administrator’s determination that the Participant failed to substantially perform the Participant’s duties (other than a failure resulting from the Participant’s Disability); (B) the Administrator’s determination that the Participant failed to carry out, or comply with any lawful and reasonable directive of the Board or the Participant’s immediate supervisor; (C) the occurrence of any act or omission by the Participant that could reasonably be expected to result in (or has resulted in) the Participant’s conviction, plea of no contest, plea of nolo contendere, or imposition of unadjudicated probation for any felony or indictable offence or crime involving moral turpitude (or equivalent in any jurisdiction); (D) the Participant’s unauthorized use or disclosure of any proprietary information or trade secrets of the Company or of any other party to whom the Participant owed an obligation of nondisclosure as a result of his/her relationship with the Company; (E) the Participant’s unlawful use (including being under the influence) or possession of illegal drugs on the premises of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or while performing the Participant’s duties and responsibilities for the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; or (F) the Participant’s commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, misconduct, or breach of fiduciary duty against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

(h) “Change in Control” means and includes each of the following:

(i)a Sale; or

(ii)a change in ownership or control of the Company effected through the direct or indirect acquisition by any person or related group of persons (other than an acquisition from or by the Company or by a Company-sponsored employee benefit plan or by a person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Company) of beneficial ownership of securities possessing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of the Company’s outstanding securities.

(i)“Code” means the US Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations issued thereunder.

(j)“Committee” means one or more committees or subcommittees of the Board, which may include one or more Company directors or executive officers, to the extent Applicable Laws permit. To the extent required to comply with the provisions of Rule 16b-3, it is intended that each member of the Committee will be, at the time the Committee takes any action with respect to an Award that is subject to Rule 16b-3, a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3; however, a Committee member’s failure to qualify as a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-

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3 will not invalidate any Award granted by the Committee that is otherwise validly granted under the Plan.

(k)“Company” means ASLAN Pharmaceuticals Limited or any successor.

(l)“Consultant” means any person, including any adviser, engaged by the Company or any Group Company to render services to such entity if the consultant or adviser: (i) renders bona fide services to the Company or any Group Company; (ii) renders services not in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction and does not directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for the Company’s securities; and (iii) is a natural person.

(m)“Corporate Event” has the meaning given to it in Section 8(b)(ii).

(n) “Designated Beneficiary” means: (i) a Participant’s personal representative appointed on Participant’s death; or (ii) if the Administrator permits from time to time in its discretion, the beneficiary or beneficiaries a Participant designates, in a manner the Administrator determines, to receive amounts due or exercise the Participant’s rights if the Participant dies or becomes incapacitated.

(o)“Director” means a director of the Company.

(p)“Disability” means a permanent and total disability under Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, as amended.

(q)“Effective Date” has the meaning given to it in Section 10(c).

(r)“Employee” means any employee of the Company or its Subsidiaries.

(s)“Equity Restructuring” means a transaction between the Company and its shareholders, such as a share dividend, share split, spin-off, rights offering, re-designation, consolidation or recapitalization through a large, nonrecurring cash dividend, that affects the number or kind of Shares (or other Company securities) or the price of Shares (or other Company securities) and causes a change in the per share value of the Shares underlying outstanding Awards.

(t)“Exchange Act” means the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(u)“Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of Shares determined as follows: (i) if the Shares are listed on any established stock exchange, its Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for Shares as quoted on such exchange for the last day preceding such date during which a sale occurred, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or another source the Administrator deems reliable; (ii) if the Shares are not traded on a stock exchange but is quoted on a national market or other quotation system, the closing sales price on the last date preceding such date during which a sale occurred, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or another source the Administrator deems reliable; or (iii) without an established market for the Shares, the Administrator will determine the Fair Market Value in its discretion. 

(v)“Greater Than 10% Shareholder” means an individual then owning (within the meaning of Section 424(d) of the Code) more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of equity securities of the Company or its parent or subsidiary corporation, as defined in Section 424(e) and (f) of the Code, respectively.

(w)“Group” means the Company and its Subsidiaries (references to “Group Company” shall be construed accordingly).

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(x)“Incentive Stock Option” means an Option intended to qualify as an “incentive stock option” as defined in Section 422 of the Code.

(y) “Non-Qualified Option” means an Option not intended or not qualifying as an Incentive Stock Option.

(z)“Option” means an option to purchase Shares.

(aa)“Ordinary Share” means an ordinary share of a nominal or par value of US$0.01 in the capital of the Company.

(bb)“Other Share Based Awards” means awards of Shares, and other awards valued wholly or partially by referring to, or are otherwise based on, Shares or other property.

(cc)“Own,” “Owned,” “Owner,” “Ownership”  A person or entity will be deemed to “Own,” to have “Owned,” to be the “Owner” of, or to have acquired “Ownership” of securities if such person or entity, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares voting power, which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting, with respect to such securities.

(dd)“Participant” means a Service Provider who has been granted an Award.

(ee)“Performance Criteria” mean the criteria (and adjustments) that the Administrator may select for an Award to establish performance goals for a performance period. 

(ff)“Performance Share Unit” means an unfunded, unsecured right to receive, on the applicable settlement date, one Share or an amount in cash or other consideration determined by the Administrator to be of equal value as of such settlement date, subject to certain performance related vesting conditions and other restrictions.

(gg)“Plan” means this 2020 Equity Incentive Plan.

(hh) “Restricted Shares” means Shares awarded to a Participant under Section 6 subject to certain vesting conditions and other restrictions.

(ii)“Restricted Share Unit” means an unfunded, unsecured right to receive, on the applicable settlement date, one Share or an amount in cash or other consideration determined by the Administrator to be of equal value as of such settlement date, subject to certain vesting conditions and other restrictions.

(jj)“Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.

(kk)“Sale” means the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.

(ll)“Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and all regulations, guidance, compliance programs and other interpretative authority thereunder.

(mm)“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(nn)“Service Provider” means an Employee, a Director or a Consultant.

(oo)“Share” means an Ordinary Share or an ADS.

(pp)“Share Appreciation Right” means a Share Appreciation right granted under Section 5.

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(qq)“Share Reserve” has the meaning given to it in Section 4(a).

(rr) “Subsidiary” means, with respect to the Company, (i) any corporation of which more than 50% of the outstanding share capital having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether, at the time, stock of any other class or classes of such corporation will have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency) is at the time, directly or indirectly, Owned by the Company, and (ii) any partnership, limited liability company or other entity in which the Company has a direct or indirect interest (whether in the form of voting or participation in profits or capital contribution) of more than 50%.

(ss)“Substitute Awards” means Awards granted or Shares issued by the Company in assumption of, or in substitution or exchange for, awards previously granted, or the right or obligation to make future awards, in each case by a company acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary or with which the Company or any Subsidiary combines.

(tt)“Termination of Service” means the date the Participant ceases to be a Service Provider.

 

 




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Appendix 1
OPTION GRANT NOTICE

ASLAN PHARMACEUTICALS LIMITED
2020 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN 

Capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Option Grant Notice (the “Grant Notice”) have the meanings given to them in the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended from time to time, the “Plan”) of ASLAN Pharmaceuticals Limited (the “Company”).

The Company has granted to the participant listed below (“Participant”) the option described in this Grant Notice (the “Option”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Option Agreement attached as Exhibit A (the “Agreement”), both of which are incorporated into this Grant Notice by reference.


	
Participant:
	
 

	
Grant Date:
	
 

	
Exercise Price per Share:
	
 

	
Shares Subject to the Option:
	
 

	
Final Expiration Date:
	
 

	
Vesting Commencement Date:
	
 

	
Vesting Schedule1:
	
[1/4 of the total number of Shares under Option shall vest on the first anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date, and 1/36th of the remaining number of Shares under Option shall vest monthly thereafter, subject to Participant remaining continuously a Service Provider as of each such date].

	
Type of Option2
	
[Incentive Stock Option3/Non-Qualified Option4]




By Participant’s signature below, Participant agrees to be bound by the terms of this Grant Notice, the Plan, the Agreement and any Group Company policy that may be applicable to the Participant and the Option from time to time (the “Policies”).  Participant has reviewed the Plan, this Grant Notice, the Agreement and the Policies in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Grant Notice and fully understands all provisions of the Plan, this Grant Notice, the Agreement and the Policies. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan, this Grant Notice or the Agreement.


	
ASLAN Pharmaceuticals Limited
	
PARTICIPANT




	
	 





	
1 
	
 Selection of applicable vesting schedule, or determination that a different vesting schedule shall apply, subject to discretion of Administrator.





	
2 
	
 If this is an Incentive Option, it (plus other outstanding Incentive Options) cannot be first exercisable for more than $100,000 in value (measured by exercise price) in any calendar year.  Any excess over $100,000 is a Nonstatutory Stock Option.





	
3 
	
 For US taxpayer employees.





	
4 
	
 For all other Service Providers.




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By:
	

 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
Name
	
 
	
[Participant Name]

	
 
	
Title:
	
 
	
 




 

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Exhibit A

OPTION AGREEMENT

Capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Agreement have the meanings specified in the Grant Notice or, if not defined in the Grant Notice, in the Plan.


	
1.
	
GENERAL





	
1.1.
	
Grant of Option 




The Company has granted to Participant the Option effective as of the grant date set forth in the Grant Notice (the “Grant Date”).


	
1.2.
	
Incorporation of Terms of Plan




The Option is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. In the event of any inconsistency between the Plan and this Agreement, the terms of the Plan will control.


	
2.
	
PERIOD OF EXERCISABILITY





	
2.1.
	
Commencement of Exercisability 




The Option will vest and become exercisable according to the vesting schedule in the Grant Notice (the “Vesting Schedule”) except that any fraction of a Share as to which the Option would be vested or exercisable will be accumulated and will vest and become exercisable only when a whole Share has accumulated. Notwithstanding anything in the Grant Notice, the Plan or this Agreement to the contrary, except as otherwise determined by the Administrator or provided in a binding written agreement between Participant and the Company, the Option will immediately expire and be forfeited as to any portion that is not vested and exercisable as of Participant’s Termination of Service for any reason.


	
2.2.
	
Duration of Exercisability




The Vesting Schedule is cumulative. Any portion of the Option which vests and becomes exercisable will remain vested and exercisable until the Option expires. The Option will be forfeited immediately upon its expiration.


	
2.3.
	
Expiration of Option




The Option may not be exercised to any extent by anyone after, and will expire on, the first of the following to occur:


	
 
	
(a)
	
The final expiration date in the Grant Notice; 





	
 
	
(b)
	
Except as the Administrator may otherwise approve, and subject to the terms of the Plan, the expiration of four (4) months from the date of Participant’s Termination of Service, unless Participant’s Termination of Service is for Cause or by reason of Participant’s death or Disability;





	
 
	
(c)
	
Except as the Administrator may otherwise approve, the expiration of one (1) year from the date of Participant’s Termination of Service by reason of Participant’s death or Disability; and




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(d)
	
Except as the Administrator may otherwise approve, Participant’s Termination of Service for Cause.





	
3.
	
EXERCISE OF OPTION





	
3.1.
	
Person Eligible to Exercise 




During Participant’s lifetime, only Participant may exercise the Option. After Participant’s death, any exercisable portion of the Option may, prior to the time the Option expires, be exercised by Participant’s Designated Beneficiary as provided in the Plan.


	
3.2.
	
Partial Exercise 




Any exercisable portion of the Option or the entire Option, if then wholly exercisable, may be exercised, in whole or in part, according to the procedures in the Plan at any time prior to the time the Option or portion thereof expires, except that the Option may only be exercised for whole Shares.


	
3.3.
	
Tax Withholding.





	
 
	
(a)
	
The Company has the right and option, but not the obligation, to treat Participant’s failure to provide timely payment in accordance with the Plan of any withholding tax arising in connection with the Option as Participant’s election to satisfy all or any portion of the withholding tax by requesting the Company retain Shares otherwise issuable under the Option.





	
 
	
(b)
	
Participant acknowledges that Participant is ultimately liable and responsible for all taxes owed in connection with the Option, regardless of any action the Company or any Subsidiary takes with respect to any tax and/or social security withholding obligations that arise in connection with the Option. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary makes any representation or undertaking regarding the treatment of any tax and/or social security withholding in connection with the awarding, vesting or exercise of the Option or the subsequent sale of Shares. The Company and the Subsidiaries do not commit and are under no obligation to structure the Option to reduce or eliminate Participant’s tax and/or social security liability.





	
4.
	
OTHER PROVISIONS





	
4.1.
	
Option Not a Service Contract. 




By accepting the Option, Participant acknowledges, understands and agrees that:


	
 
	
(a)
	
the Option is not an employment or service contract, and nothing in the Option will be deemed to create in any way whatsoever any obligation on Participant’s part to continue in the employ of the Company or any Group Company, or of the Company or any Group Company to continue Participant’s employment. In addition, nothing in Participant’s Option will obligate the Company or any Group Company, their respective shareholders, boards of directors, officers or employees to continue any relationship that Participant might have as a Director or Consultant for the Company or any Group Company;





	
 
	
(b)
	
the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature, and may be amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent permitted under the Plan;




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(c)
	
the grant of the Option is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of options (whether on the same or different terms), or benefits in lieu of options, even if options have been granted in the past;





	
 
	
(d)
	
Participant’s options and any Shares acquired under the Plan on exercise of Participant’s options, and the income and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for any purpose, including, without limitation, calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, holiday pay, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments;





	
 
	
(e)
	
the future value of the Shares underlying the Option is unknown, indeterminable, and cannot be predicted with certainty;





	
 
	
(f)
	
neither the Company nor any Group Company shall be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the United States Dollar (or such other currency in which the Exercise Price may be denominated) that may affect the value of Participant’s options or of any amounts due to Participant pursuant to the exercise of the Option or the subsequent sale of any Shares received;





	
 
	
(g)
	
for the purposes of the Option, Participant’s status as a Service Provider will be considered terminated as of the date Participant is no longer actively providing services to the Company or one of its Group Companies (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any), and unless otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or determined by the Company, Participant’s right to vest in the Option under the Plan will terminate as of such date or (if later) the end of any notice period under the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any.





	
4.2.
	
No Advice Regarding Grant




The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding Participant’s participation in the Plan, or his or her acquisition or sale of the underlying Shares.  Participant should consult with his or her own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding his or her participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.


	
4.3.
	
Adjustments 




Participant acknowledges that the Option is subject to adjustment, modification and termination in certain events as provided in this Agreement and the Plan.


	
4.4.
	
Notices




Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to the Company must be in writing and addressed to the Company in care of the Company’s Secretary at the Company’s principal office or the Secretary’s then-current email address. Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to Participant must be in writing and addressed to Participant (or, if Participant is then deceased, to the person entitled to exercise the Option) at Participant’s last known mailing address or email address in the Company’s personnel files. By a notice given pursuant to this Section, either party may designate a different address for notices to be given to that party. Any notice will be deemed duly given: (i) if sent by email, when actually received; and (ii) if sent by certified mail (return receipt requested) and deposited with postage prepaid in the applicable national mail, when delivered by a nationally recognized express shipping company.

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4.5.
	
Titles




Titles are provided herein for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.


	
4.6.
	
Conformity to Applicable Laws




Participant acknowledges that the Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement are intended to conform to the extent necessary with all Applicable Laws and, to the extent Applicable Laws permit, will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to Applicable Laws, and this Option may be unilaterally cancelled by the Company (with the effect that all Participant’s rights hereunder lapse with immediate effect) if the Administrator determines in its reasonable discretion that such conformity is not possible or practicable.


	
4.7.
	
Successors and Assigns




The Company may assign any of its rights under this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement will inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in the Plan, this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.


	
4.8.
	
Limitations Applicable to Section 16 Persons




Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or this Agreement, if Participant is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the Plan, the Grant Notice, this Agreement and the Option will be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any applicable exemptive rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any amendment to Rule 16b-3) that are requirements for the application of such exemptive rule. To the extent Applicable Laws permit, this Agreement will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to such applicable exemptive rule


	
4.9.
	
Entire Agreement




The Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement (including any exhibit hereto) constitute the entire agreement of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof.


	
4.10.
	
Agreement Severable




In the event that any provision of the Grant Notice or this Agreement is held illegal or invalid, the provision will be severable from, and the illegality or invalidity of the provision will not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of the Grant Notice or this Agreement.


	
4.11.
	
Limitation on Participant’s Rights




Participation in the Plan confers no rights or interests other than as herein provided. This Agreement creates only a contractual obligation on the part of the Company as to amounts payable and may not be construed as creating a trust. Neither the Plan nor any underlying program, in and of itself, has any assets. Participant will have only the rights of a general unsecured creditor of the Company with respect to amounts credited and benefits payable, if any, with respect to the Option, and rights no greater than the right to receive the Shares as a general unsecured creditor with respect to the Option, as and when exercised pursuant to the terms hereof.

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4.12.
	
Counterparts




The Grant Notice may be executed in one or more counterparts, including by way of any electronic signature, subject to Applicable Laws, each of which will be deemed an original and all of which together will constitute one instrument.


	
4.13.
	
Incentive Stock Options




If the Option is designated as an Incentive Stock Option:


	
 
	
(a)
	
Participant acknowledges that to the extent the aggregate fair market value of shares (determined as of the time the option with respect to the shares is granted) with respect to which options intended to qualify as “incentive stock options” under Section 422 of the Code, including the Option, are exercisable for the first time by Participant during any calendar year exceeds $100,000 or if for any other reason such options do not qualify or cease to qualify for treatment as “incentive stock options” under Section 422 of the Code, such options (including the Option) will be treated as non-qualified options. Participant further acknowledges that the rule set forth in the preceding sentence will be applied by taking the Option and other options into account in the order in which they were granted, as determined under Section 422(d) of the Code. 





	
 
	
(b)
	
Participant also acknowledges that if the Option is exercised more than three (3) months after Participant’s Termination of Service, other than by reason of death or Disability, the Option will be taxed as a Non-Qualified Option.





	
 
	
(c)
	
Participant will give prompt written notice to the Company of any disposition or other transfer of any Shares acquired under this Agreement if such disposition or other transfer is made (a) within two (2) years from the Grant Date or (b) within one (1) year after the transfer of such Shares to Participant. Such notice will specify the date of such disposition or other transfer and the amount realized, in cash, other property, assumption of indebtedness or other consideration, by Participant in such disposition or other transfer.





	
4.14.
	
Choice of Law




The Agreement and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with it or its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of Delaware.

 




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Appendix 2
RESTRICTED SHARE UNIT GRANT NOTICE

ASLAN PHARMACEUTICALS LIMITED
2020 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN 

Capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Restricted Share Unit Grant Notice (the “Grant Notice”) have the meanings given to them in the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended from time to time, the “Plan”) of ASLAN Pharmaceuticals Limited (the “Company”).

The Company has granted to the participant listed below (“Participant”) the Restricted Share Units (the “RSUs”) described in this Grant Notice (the “Award”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Restricted Share Unit Agreement attached as Exhibit A (the “Agreement”), both of which are incorporated into this Grant Notice by reference.


	
Participant:
	
 

	
Grant Date:
	
 

	
Number of RSUs:
	
 

	
Vesting Commencement Date:
	
 

	
Vesting Schedule5:
	
[1/4 of the total number of Shares under Award shall vest on the first anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date, and 1/36th of the remaining number of Shares under Award shall vest monthly thereafter, subject to Participant remaining continuously a Service Provider as of each such date].

	
Mandatory Sale to Cover Withholding Taxes:
	
[As a condition to acceptance of this award, to the fullest extent permitted under the Plan and Applicable Laws, withholding taxes and other tax related items will be satisfied through the sale of a number of the shares subject to the Award as determined in accordance with Section 3.2 of the Agreement and the remittance of the cash proceeds to the Company. Under the Agreement, the Company is authorized and directed by the Participant to make payment from the cash proceeds of this sale directly to the appropriate taxing authorities in an amount equal to the taxes required to be withheld. The mandatory sale of shares to cover withholding taxes and tax related items is imposed by the Company on the Participant in connection with the receipt of this Award, and it is intended to comply with the requirements of Rule 10b5-1(c)(1)(i)(B) under the Exchange Act and be interpreted to meet the requirements of Rule 10b5-1(c).]




By Participant’s signature below, Participant agrees to be bound by the terms of this Grant Notice, the Plan, the Agreement and any Group Company policy that may be applicable to the Participant and the 

	
	 





	
5 
	
 Selection of applicable vesting schedule, or determination that a different vesting schedule shall apply, subject to discretion of Administrator.




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Award from time to time (the “Policies”). Participant has reviewed the Plan, this Grant Notice, the Agreement and the Policies in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Grant Notice and fully understands all provisions of the Plan, this Grant Notice, the Agreement and the Policies. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan, this Grant Notice or the Agreement.


	
ASLAN PHARMACEUTICALS LIMITED
	
PARTICIPANT

	
By:
	

 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
Name
	
 
	
[Participant Name]

	
 
	
Title:
	
 
	
 




 

 

 

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Exhibit A

RESTRICTED SHARE UNIT AGREEMENT

Capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Agreement have the meanings specified in the Grant Notice or, if not defined in the Grant Notice, in the Plan.


	
1.
	
GENERAL





	
1.1.
	
Award of RSUs




The Company has granted the RSUs to Participant effective as of the grant date set forth in the Grant Notice (the “Grant Date”). Each RSU represents the right to receive one Share or, at the option of the Company, an amount of cash, in either case, as set forth in this Agreement. Participant will have no right to the distribution of any Shares or payment of any cash until the time (if ever) the RSUs have vested.


	
1.2.
	
Incorporation of Terms of Plan




The RSUs are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. In the event of any inconsistency between the Plan and this Agreement, the terms of the Plan will control.


	
1.3.
	
Unsecured Promise




The RSUs will at all times prior to settlement represent an unsecured Company obligation payable only from the Company’s general assets.


	
2.
	
VESTING; FORFEITURE AND SETTLEMENT





	
2.1.
	
Vesting; Forfeiture




The RSUs will vest according to the vesting schedule in the Grant Notice except that any fraction of an RSU that would otherwise be vested will be accumulated and will vest only when a whole RSU has accumulated. In the event of Participant’s Termination of Service for any reason, all unvested RSUs will immediately and automatically be cancelled and forfeited, except as otherwise determined by the Administrator or provided in a binding written agreement between Participant and the Company. 


	
2.2.
	
Settlement





	
 
	
(a)
	
RSUs will be paid in Shares or cash at the Company’s option as soon as administratively practicable after the vesting of the applicable RSU, but in no event more than sixty (60) days after the RSU’s vesting date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent permitted under Applicable Laws, the Company may delay any payment under this Agreement that the Company reasonably determines would violate Applicable Laws until the earliest date the Company reasonably determines the making of the payment will not cause such a violation.





	
 
	
(b)
	
If an RSU is paid in cash, the amount of cash paid with respect to the RSU will equal the Fair Market Value of a Share on the day immediately preceding the payment date. 





	
 
	
(c)
	
If an RSU is paid in Shares, Participant may be required to pay the nominal value thereof in the same manner as provided for Withholding Taxes below.




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3.
	
TAXATION AND TAX WITHHOLDING





	
3.1.
	
Representation




Participant represents to the Company that Participant has reviewed with Participant’s own tax advisors the tax and/or social security consequences of this Award and the transactions contemplated by the Grant Notice and this Agreement. Participant is relying solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company or any of its agents.


	
3.2.
	
Tax Withholding





	
 
	
(a)
	
On each vesting date, and on or before the time Participant receives a distribution of the shares underlying the RSUs, and at any other time as reasonably requested by the Company in accordance with applicable tax laws, Participant hereby authorizes any required withholding from the shares issuable to Participant and/or otherwise agree to make adequate provision in cash for any sums required to satisfy the federal, state, local and foreign tax and/or social security withholding obligations of the Company or any parent or Subsidiary that arise in connection with Participant’s RSU (the “Withholding Taxes”).  Specifically, pursuant to Section 3.2(b), Participant has agreed to a “same day sale” commitment with a broker-dealer that is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (a “FINRA Dealer”) whereby Participant has irrevocably agreed to sell a portion of the shares to be delivered in connection with Participant’s RSUs to satisfy the Withholding Taxes and whereby the FINRA Dealer committed to forward the proceeds necessary to satisfy the Withholding Taxes directly to the Company and/or its parents or subsidiaries.  If, for any reason, such “same day sale” commitment pursuant to Section 3.2(b) does not result in sufficient proceeds to satisfy the Withholding Taxes or would be prohibited by Applicable Laws at the applicable time, Participant hereby authorizes the Company and/or the relevant parent or Subsidiary, or their respective agents, at their discretion, to satisfy the obligations with regard to all Withholding Taxes by one or a combination of the following: (i) withholding from any compensation otherwise payable to Participant by the Company or any parent or Subsidiary; (ii) causing Participant to tender a cash payment (which may be in the form of a check, electronic wire transfer or other method permitted by the Company); or (iii) withholding shares from the shares issued or otherwise issuable to Participant in connection with Participant’s RSUs with a fair market value (measured as of the date shares are issued to Participant) equal to the amount of such Withholding Taxes; provided, however, that the number of such shares so withheld will not exceed the amount necessary to satisfy the required tax and/or social security withholding obligations using the minimum statutory withholding rates for federal, state, local and, if applicable, foreign tax purposes, including payroll taxes, that are applicable to supplemental taxable income; and, provided, further, that to the extent necessary to qualify for an exemption from application of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, if applicable, such share withholding procedure will be subject to the prior approval of the Company’s Remuneration Committee.





	
 
	
(b)
	
Participant hereby acknowledges and agrees to the following:





	
 
	
(i)
	
Participant hereby appoints such FINRA Dealer appointed by the Company for purposes of this Section 3.2(b) as Participant’s agent (the “Agent”), and authorize the Agent:





	
 
	
(A)
	
To sell on the open market at the then prevailing market price(s), on Participant’s behalf, as soon as practicable on or after each date on which the shares underlying Participant’s RSUs vest, the number (rounded up to the next whole number) of the shares to be delivered to 




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Participant in connection with the vesting of those shares sufficient to generate proceeds to cover (A) the Withholding Taxes that Participant is required to pay pursuant to the Plan and this Agreement as a result of the shares vesting (or being issued, as applicable) and (B) all applicable fees and commissions due to, or required to be collected by, the Agent with respect thereto; and





	
 
	
(B)
	
To remit any remaining funds to Participant.





	
 
	
(ii)
	
Participant hereby authorizes the Company and the Agent to cooperate and communicate with one another to determine the number of shares that must be sold pursuant to this Section 3.2(b).





	
 
	
(iii)
	
Participant understands that the Agent may effect sales as provided in this Section 3.2(b) in one or more sales and that the average price for executions resulting from bunched orders will be assigned to Participant’s account. In addition, Participant acknowledges that it may not be possible to sell shares underlying Participant’s RSUs as provided by in this Section 3.2(b) due to (A) a legal or contractual restriction applicable to Participant or the Agent, (B) a market disruption, or (C) rules governing order execution priority on the national exchange where the shares may be traded. In the event of the Agent’s inability to sell shares underlying Participant’s RSUs, Participant will continue to be responsible for the timely payment to the Company of all Withholding Taxes and any other federal, state, local and foreign taxes that are required by Applicable Laws and regulations to be withheld, including but not limited to those amounts specified in this Section 3.2(b).





	
 
	
(iv)
	
Participant acknowledges that regardless of any other term or condition of this Section 3.2(b), the Agent will not be liable to Participant for (A) special, indirect, punitive, exemplary, or consequential damages, or incidental losses or damages of any kind, or (B) any failure to perform or for any delay in performance that results from a cause or circumstance that is beyond its reasonable control.





	
 
	
(v)
	
Participant hereby agrees to execute and deliver to the Agent any other agreements or documents as the Agent reasonably deems necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes and intent of this Section 3.2(b). The Agent is a third-party beneficiary of this Section 3.2(b).





	
 
	
(vi)
	
Participant hereby agrees that if Participant has signed the Grant Notice at a time that Participant is in possession of material non-public information, unless Participant informs the Company in writing within five business days following the date Participant ceases to be in possession of material non-public information that Participant is not in agreement with the provisions of this Section 3.2(b), Participant not providing such written determination shall be a determination and agreement that Participant has agreed to the provisions set forth in this Section 3.2(b) on such date as Participant has ceased to be in possession of material non-public information.





	
 
	
(vii)
	
This Section 3.2(b) shall terminate not later than the date on which all withholding taxes arising in connection with the vesting of Participant’s RSUs have been satisfied.





	
 
	
(c)
	
Participant acknowledges that Participant is ultimately liable and responsible for all taxes owed in connection with the RSUs, regardless of any action the Company or any 




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Subsidiary takes with respect to any tax and/or social security withholding obligations that arise in connection with the RSUs. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary makes any representation or undertaking regarding the treatment of any tax and/or social security withholding in connection with the awarding, vesting or payment of the RSUs or the subsequent sale of Shares. The Company and the Subsidiaries do not commit and are under no obligation to structure the RSUs to reduce or eliminate Participant’s tax and/or social security liability.





	
4.
	
OTHER PROVISIONS





	
4.1.
	
Award Not a Service Contract. 




By accepting the Award, Participant acknowledges, understands and agrees that:


	
 
	
(a)
	
the Award is not an employment or service contract, and nothing in the Award will be deemed to create in any way whatsoever any obligation on Participant’s part to continue in the employ of the Company or any Group Company, or of the Company or any Group Company to continue Participant’s employment. In addition, nothing in Participant’s Award will obligate the Company or any Group Company, their respective shareholders, boards of directors, officers or employees to continue any relationship that Participant might have as a Director or Consultant for the Company or any Group Company;





	
 
	
(b)
	
the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature, and may be amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent permitted under the Plan;





	
 
	
(c)
	
the grant of the Award is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of awards (whether on the same or different terms), or benefits in lieu of awards, even if awards have been granted in the past;





	
 
	
(d)
	
Participant’s Award and any Shares acquired under the Plan on settlement of Participant’s Award, and the income and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for any purpose, including, without limitation, calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, holiday pay, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments;





	
 
	
(e)
	
the future value of the Shares underlying the Award is unknown, indeterminable, and cannot be predicted with certainty;





	
 
	
(f)
	
neither the Company nor any Group Company shall be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the United States Dollar (or such other relevant currency) that may affect the value of Participant’s Award or of any amounts due to Participant pursuant to the settlement of the Award or the subsequent sale of any Shares received;





	
 
	
(g)
	
for the purposes of the Award, Participant’s status as a Service Provider will be considered terminated as of the date Participant is no longer actively providing services to the Company or one of its Group Companies (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any), and unless otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or determined by the Company, Participant’s right to vest in the Award 




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under the Plan will terminate as of such date or (if later) the end of any notice period under the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any. 





	
4.2.
	
No Advice Regarding Grant




The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding Participant’s participation in the Plan, or his or her acquisition or sale of the underlying Shares.  Participant should consult with his or her own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding his or her participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.


	
4.3.
	
Adjustments




Participant acknowledges that the RSUs and the Shares subject to the RSUs are subject to adjustment, modification and termination in certain events as provided in this Agreement and the Plan.


	
4.4.
	
Notices




Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to the Company must be in writing and addressed to the Company in care of the Company’s Secretary at the Company’s principal office or the Secretary’s then-current email address. Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to Participant must be in writing and addressed to Participant at Participant’s last known mailing address or email address. By a notice given pursuant to this Section, either party may designate a different address for notices to be given to that party. Any notice will be deemed duly given: (i) if sent by email, when actually received; and (ii) if sent by certified mail (return receipt requested) and deposited with postage prepaid in the applicable national mail, when delivered by a nationally recognized express shipping company.


	
4.5.
	
Titles




Titles are provided herein for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.


	
4.6.
	
Conformity to Securities Laws




Participant acknowledges that the Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement are intended to conform to the extent necessary with all Applicable Laws and, to the extent Applicable Laws permit, will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to Applicable Laws, and the RSUs may be unilaterally cancelled by the Company (with the effect that all Participant’s rights hereunder lapse with immediate effect) if the Administrator determines in its reasonable discretion that such conformity is not possible or practicable.


	
4.7.
	
Successors and Assigns




The Company may assign any of its rights under this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement will inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in the Plan, this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.


	
4.8.
	
Limitations Applicable to Section 16 Persons




Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or this Agreement, if Participant is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the Plan, the Grant Notice, this Agreement, and the RSUs will 

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be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any applicable exemptive rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any amendment to Rule 16b-3) that are requirements for the application of such exemptive rule. To the extent Applicable Laws permit, this Agreement will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to such applicable exemptive rule.


	
4.9.
	
Entire Agreement




The Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement (including any exhibit hereto) constitute the entire agreement of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof.


	
4.10.
	
Agreement Severable




In the event that any provision of the Grant Notice or this Agreement is held illegal or invalid, the provision will be severable from, and the illegality or invalidity of the provision will not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of the Grant Notice or this Agreement.


	
4.11.
	
Limitation on Participant’s Rights




Participation in the Plan confers no rights or interests other than as herein provided. This Agreement creates only a contractual obligation on the part of the Company as to amounts payable and may not be construed as creating a trust. Neither the Plan nor any underlying program, in and of itself, has any assets. Participant will have only the rights of a general unsecured creditor of the Company with respect to amounts credited and benefits payable, if any, with respect to the RSUs, and rights no greater than the right to receive cash or the Shares as a general unsecured creditor with respect to the RSUs, as and when settled pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.


	
4.12.
	
Counterparts




The Grant Notice may be executed in one or more counterparts, including by way of any electronic signature, subject to Applicable Laws, each of which will be deemed an original and all of which together will constitute one instrument.


	
4.13.
	
Choice of Law




The Agreement and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with it or its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of Delaware.

 




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Appendix 3
PERFORMANCE SHARE UNIT GRANT NOTICE

ASLAN PHARMACEUTICALS LIMITED
2020 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN 

Capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Performance Share Unit Grant Notice (the “Grant Notice”) have the meanings given to them in the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended from time to time, the “Plan”) of ASLAN Pharmaceuticals Limited (the “Company”).

The Company has granted to the participant listed below (“Participant”) the Performance Share Units (the “PSUs”) described in this Grant Notice (the “Award”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Performance Share Unit Agreement attached as Exhibit A (the “Agreement”), both of which are incorporated into this Grant Notice by reference.


	
Participant:
	
 

	
Grant Date:
	
 

	
Target Number of PSUs:
	
 

	
Vesting Commencement Date:
	
 

	
Vesting Schedule6:
	
Subject to the Administrator’s determination as to whether, and the extent to which, the vesting conditions specified on Attachment I to this Grant Notice (the “PSU Vesting Criteria”) have been met:

[1/4 of the total number of Shares under Award shall vest on the first anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date, and 1/36th of the remaining number of Shares under Award shall vest monthly thereafter, subject to Participant remaining continuously a Service Provider as of each such date.]  

	
Mandatory Sale to Cover Withholding Taxes:
	
[As a condition to acceptance of this award, to the fullest extent permitted under the Plan and Applicable Laws, withholding taxes and other tax related items will be satisfied through the sale of a number of the shares subject to the Award as determined in accordance with Section 3.2 of the Agreement and the remittance of the cash proceeds to the Company. Under the Agreement, the Company is authorized and directed by the Participant to make payment from the cash proceeds of this sale directly to the appropriate taxing authorities in an amount equal to the taxes required to be withheld. The mandatory sale of shares to cover withholding taxes and tax related items is imposed by the Company on the Participant in connection with the receipt of this Award, and it is intended to comply with the requirements of Rule 10b5-1(c)(1)(i)(B) under the Exchange Act and be interpreted to meet the requirements of Rule 10b5-1(c).]7




	
	 





	
6 
	
 Selection of applicable vesting schedule, or determination that a different vesting schedule shall apply, subject to discretion of Administrator.





	
7 
	
 Approach TBD.




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The Target Number of PSUs specified herein represents the number of shares that would become issuable pursuant to the Award if the Company were to achieve exactly 100% of the performance metric described in Attachment I to this Grant Notice. The number of shares subject to the Award that may become issuable to you, if any, are subject to increase or decrease based on the Company's actual performance against such performance metric and will be determined in accordance with conditions specified in the PSU Vesting Criteria. 

By Participant’s signature below, Participant agrees to be bound by the terms of this Grant Notice, the Plan, the Agreement and any Group Company policy that may be applicable to the Participant and the Award from time to time (the “Policies”). Participant has reviewed the Plan, this Grant Notice, the Agreement and the Policies in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Grant Notice and fully understands all provisions of the Plan, this Grant Notice, the Agreement and the Policies. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan, this Grant Notice or the Agreement.


	
ASLAN Pharmaceuticals Limited
	
PARTICIPANT

	
By:
	

 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
Name
	
 
	
[Participant Name]

	
 
	
Title:
	
 
	
 




 




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Attachment I

PSU Vesting Criteria 

Performance Metric: 

[To be confirmed]

Performance Target: 

[To be confirmed]

Calculation of final number of shares that may vest:

[To be confirmed]

 

 




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Exhibit A

PERFORMANCE SHARE UNIT AGREEMENT

Capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Agreement have the meanings specified in the Grant Notice or, if not defined in the Grant Notice, in the Plan.


	
1.
	
GENERAL





	
1.1.
	
Award of PSUs




The Company has granted the PSUs to Participant effective as of the grant date set forth in the Grant Notice (the “Grant Date”). Each PSU represents the right to receive one Share or, at the option of the Company, an amount of cash, in either case, as set forth in this Agreement. Participant will have no right to the distribution of any Shares or payment of any cash until the time (if ever) the PSUs have vested.


	
1.2.
	
Incorporation of Terms of Plan 




The PSUs are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. In the event of any inconsistency between the Plan and this Agreement, the terms of the Plan will control.


	
1.3.
	
Unsecured Promise




The PSUs will at all times prior to settlement represent an unsecured Company obligation payable only from the Company’s general assets.


	
2.
	
VESTING; FORFEITURE AND SETTLEMENT





	
2.1.
	
Vesting; Forfeiture




The PSUs will vest according to the vesting schedule in the Grant Notice except that any fraction of a PSU that would otherwise be vested will be accumulated and will vest only when a whole PSU has accumulated. In the event of Participant’s Termination of Service for any reason, all unvested PSUs will immediately and automatically be cancelled and forfeited, except as otherwise determined by the Administrator or provided in a binding written agreement between Participant and the Company.   


	
2.2.
	
Settlement.





	
 
	
(a)
	
PSUs will be paid in Shares or cash at the Company’s option as soon as administratively practicable after the vesting of the applicable PSU, but in no event more than sixty (60) days after the PSU’s vesting date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may delay any payment under this Agreement that the Company reasonably determines would violate Applicable Laws until the earliest date the Company reasonably determines the making of the payment will not cause such a violation.





	
 
	
(b)
	
If a PSU is paid in cash, the amount of cash paid with respect to the PSU will equal the Fair Market Value of a Share on the day immediately preceding the payment date. 





	
 
	
(c)
	
If a PSU is paid in Shares, Participant may be required to pay the nominal value thereof in the same manner as provided for Withholding Taxes below.




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3.
	
TAXATION AND TAX WITHHOLDING





	
3.1.
	
Representation




Participant represents to the Company that Participant has reviewed with Participant’s own tax advisors the tax and/or social security consequences of this Award and the transactions contemplated by the Grant Notice and this Agreement. Participant is relying solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company or any of its agents.


	
3.2.
	
Tax Withholding





	
 
	
(a)
	
On each vesting date, and on or before the time Participant receives a distribution of the shares underlying the PSUs, and at any other time as reasonably requested by the Company in accordance with applicable tax laws, Participant hereby authorizes any required withholding from the shares issuable to Participant and/or otherwise agree to make adequate provision in cash for any sums required to satisfy the federal, state, local and foreign tax and/or social security withholding obligations of the Company or any parent or Subsidiary that arise in connection with Participant’s PSU (the “Withholding Taxes”).  Specifically, pursuant to Section 3.2(b), Participant has agreed to a “same day sale” commitment with a broker-dealer that is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (a “FINRA Dealer”) whereby Participant has irrevocably agreed to sell a portion of the shares to be delivered in connection with Participant’s PSUs to satisfy the Withholding Taxes and whereby the FINRA Dealer committed to forward the proceeds necessary to satisfy the Withholding Taxes directly to the Company and/or its parents or subsidiaries.  If, for any reason, such “same day sale” commitment pursuant to Section 3.2(b) does not result in sufficient proceeds to satisfy the Withholding Taxes or would be prohibited by Applicable Laws at the applicable time, Participant hereby authorizes the Company and/or the relevant parent or Subsidiary, or their respective agents, at their discretion, to satisfy the obligations with regard to all Withholding Taxes by one or a combination of the following: (i) withholding from any compensation otherwise payable to Participant by the Company or any parent or Subsidiary; (ii) causing Participant to tender a cash payment (which may be in the form of a check, electronic wire transfer or other method permitted by the Company); or (iii) withholding shares from the shares issued or otherwise issuable to Participant in connection with Participant’s PSUs with a fair market value (measured as of the date shares are issued to Participant) equal to the amount of such Withholding Taxes; provided, however, that the number of such shares so withheld will not exceed the amount necessary to satisfy the required tax and/or social security withholding obligations using the minimum statutory withholding rates for federal, state, local and, if applicable, foreign tax purposes, including payroll taxes, that are applicable to supplemental taxable income; and, provided, further, that to the extent necessary to qualify for an exemption from application of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, if applicable, such share withholding procedure will be subject to the prior approval of the Company’s Remuneration Committee.





	
 
	
(b)
	
Participant hereby acknowledges and agrees to the following:





	
 
	
(i)
	
Participant hereby appoints such FINRA Dealer appointed by the Company for purposes of this Section 3.2(b) as Participant’s agent (the “Agent”), and authorize the Agent:





	
 
	
(A)
	
To sell on the open market at the then prevailing market price(s), on Participant’s behalf, as soon as practicable on or after each date on which the shares underlying Participant’s PSUs vest, the number (rounded up to the next whole number) of the shares to be delivered to 




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Participant in connection with the vesting of those shares sufficient to generate proceeds to cover (A) the Withholding Taxes that Participant is required to pay pursuant to the Plan and this Agreement as a result of the shares vesting (or being issued, as applicable) and (B) all applicable fees and commissions due to, or required to be collected by, the Agent with respect thereto; and





	
 
	
(B)
	
To remit any remaining funds to Participant.





	
 
	
(ii)
	
Participant hereby authorizes the Company and the Agent to cooperate and communicate with one another to determine the number of shares that must be sold pursuant to this Section 3.2(b).





	
 
	
(iii)
	
Participant understands that the Agent may effect sales as provided in this Section 3.2(b) in one or more sales and that the average price for executions resulting from bunched orders will be assigned to Participant’s account. In addition, Participant acknowledges that it may not be possible to sell shares underlying Participant’s PSUs as provided by in this Section 3.2(b) due to (A) a legal or contractual restriction applicable to Participant or the Agent, (B) a market disruption, or (C) rules governing order execution priority on the national exchange where the shares may be traded. In the event of the Agent’s inability to sell shares underlying Participant’s PSUs, Participant will continue to be responsible for the timely payment to the Company of all Withholding Taxes and any other federal, state, local and foreign taxes that are required by Applicable Laws and regulations to be withheld, including but not limited to those amounts specified in this Section 3.2(b).





	
 
	
(iv)
	
Participant acknowledges that regardless of any other term or condition of this Section 3.2(b), the Agent will not be liable to Participant for (A) special, indirect, punitive, exemplary, or consequential damages, or incidental losses or damages of any kind, or (B) any failure to perform or for any delay in performance that results from a cause or circumstance that is beyond its reasonable control.





	
 
	
(v)
	
Participant hereby agrees to execute and deliver to the Agent any other agreements or documents as the Agent reasonably deems necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes and intent of this Section 3.2(b). The Agent is a third-party beneficiary of this Section 3.2(b).





	
 
	
(vi)
	
Participant hereby agrees that if Participant has signed the Grant Notice at a time that Participant is in possession of material non-public information, unless Participant informs the Company in writing within five business days following the date Participant ceases to be in possession of material non-public information that Participant is not in agreement with the provisions of this Section 3.2(b), Participant not providing such written determination shall be a determination and agreement that Participant has agreed to the provisions set forth in this Section 3.2(b) on such date as Participant has ceased to be in possession of material non-public information.





	
 
	
(vii)
	
This Section 3.2(b) shall terminate not later than the date on which all withholding taxes arising in connection with the vesting of Participant’s PSUs have been satisfied.





	
 
	
(c)
	
Participant acknowledges that Participant is ultimately liable and responsible for all taxes owed in connection with the PSUs, regardless of any action the Company or any 




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Subsidiary takes with respect to any tax and/or social security withholding obligations that arise in connection with the PSUs. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary makes any representation or undertaking regarding the treatment of any tax and/or social security withholding in connection with the awarding, vesting or payment of the PSUs or the subsequent sale of Shares. The Company and the Subsidiaries do not commit and are under no obligation to structure the PSUs to reduce or eliminate Participant’s tax and/or social security liability.





	
4.
	
OTHER PROVISIONS





	
4.1.
	
Award Not a Service Contract. 




By accepting the Award, Participant acknowledges, understands and agrees that:


	
 
	
(a)
	
the Award is not an employment or service contract, and nothing in the Award will be deemed to create in any way whatsoever any obligation on Participant’s part to continue in the employ of the Company or any Group Company, or of the Company or any Group Company to continue Participant’s employment. In addition, nothing in Participant’s Award will obligate the Company or any Group Company, their respective shareholders, boards of directors, officers or employees to continue any relationship that Participant might have as a Director or Consultant for the Company or any Group Company;





	
 
	
(b)
	
the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature, and may be amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent permitted under the Plan;





	
 
	
(c)
	
the grant of the Award is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of awards (whether on the same or different terms), or benefits in lieu of awards, even if awards have been granted in the past;





	
 
	
(d)
	
Participant’s Award and any Shares acquired under the Plan on settlement of Participant’s Award, and the income and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for any purpose, including, without limitation, calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, holiday pay, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments;





	
 
	
(e)
	
the future value of the Shares underlying the Award is unknown, indeterminable, and cannot be predicted with certainty;





	
 
	
(f)
	
neither the Company nor any Group Company shall be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the United States Dollar (or such other relevant currency) that may affect the value of Participant’s Award or of any amounts due to Participant pursuant to the settlement of the Award or the subsequent sale of any Shares received;





	
 
	
(g)
	
for the purposes of the Award, Participant’s status as a Service Provider will be considered terminated as of the date Participant is no longer actively providing services to the Company or one of its Group Companies (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any), and unless otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or determined by the Company, Participant’s right to vest in the Award 




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under the Plan will terminate as of such date or (if later) the end of any notice period under the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any. 





	
4.2.
	
No Advice Regarding Grant




The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding Participant’s participation in the Plan, or his or her acquisition or sale of the underlying Shares.  Participant should consult with his or her own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding his or her participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.


	
4.3.
	
Adjustments




Participant acknowledges that the PSUs and the Shares subject to the PSUs are subject to adjustment, modification and termination in certain events as provided in this Agreement and the Plan.


	
4.4.
	
Notices




Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to the Company must be in writing and addressed to the Company in care of the Company’s Secretary at the Company’s principal office or the Secretary’s then-current email address. Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to Participant must be in writing and addressed to Participant at Participant’s last known mailing address or email address in the Company’s personnel files. By a notice given pursuant to this Section, either party may designate a different address for notices to be given to that party. Any notice will be deemed duly given: (i) if sent by email, when actually received; and (ii) if sent by certified mail (return receipt requested) and deposited with postage prepaid in the applicable national mail, when delivered by a nationally recognized express shipping company.


	
4.5.
	
Titles




Titles are provided herein for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.


	
4.6.
	
Conformity to Applicable Laws




Participant acknowledges that the Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement are intended to conform to the extent necessary with all Applicable Laws and, to the extent Applicable Laws permit, will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to Applicable Laws, and the PSUs may be unilaterally cancelled by the Company (with the effect that all Participant’s rights hereunder lapse with immediate effect) if the Administrator determines in its reasonable discretion that such conformity is not possible or practicable.


	
4.7.
	
Successors and Assigns 




The Company may assign any of its rights under this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement will inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in the Plan, this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.


	
4.8.
	
Limitations Applicable to Section 16 Persons 




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Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or this Agreement, if Participant is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the Plan, the Grant Notice, this Agreement and the PSUs will be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any applicable exemptive rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any amendment to Rule 16b-3) that are requirements for the application of such exemptive rule. To the extent Applicable Laws permit, this Agreement will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to such applicable exemptive rule.


	
4.9.
	
Entire Agreement 




The Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement (including any exhibit hereto) constitute the entire agreement of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof.


	
4.10.
	
Agreement Severable 




In the event that any provision of the Grant Notice or this Agreement is held illegal or invalid, the provision will be severable from, and the illegality or invalidity of the provision will not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of the Grant Notice or this Agreement.


	
4.11.
	
Limitation on Participant’s Rights 




Participation in the Plan confers no rights or interests other than as herein provided. This Agreement creates only a contractual obligation on the part of the Company as to amounts payable and may not be construed as creating a trust. Neither the Plan nor any underlying program, in and of itself, has any assets. Participant will have only the rights of a general unsecured creditor of the Company with respect to amounts credited and benefits payable, if any, with respect to the PSUs, and rights no greater than the right to receive cash or the Shares as a general unsecured creditor with respect to the PSUs, as and when settled pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.


	
4.12.
	
Counterparts




The Grant Notice may be executed in one or more counterparts, including by way of any electronic signature, subject to Applicable Laws, each of which will be deemed an original and all of which together will constitute one instrument.


	
4.13.
	
Choice of Law




The Agreement and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with it or its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of Delaware.

 

 

 

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