A private limited company is requested to appoint a company secretary under Section 171 of the Companies Act in Singapore. The company secretary is not the administrative type of secretary or personal assistant. And, the office of secretary shall not be left vacant for more than 6 months at any one time. You need not appoint chartered accountants or lawyers as your company secretary. However, you still require appointing a company secretary and ought to be a person of public character, preferably a named professional or businessperson with relevant experience. You will soon find out a person without the necessary experience will not know how to guide you on the AGM and resolutions, or provide crucial timely advice.