SUSTAINABILITY POLICY ON DONATIONS AND FUNDING
| Document Reference | BAC-SFDP-2025-002 |
| Version | 1.0 |
| Effective Date | 1 July 2025 |
| Approved By | Board of Directors, BAC Education Group |
| Review Cycle | Every Two (2) Years |
| Classification | Official / Internal |
DOCUMENT CONTROL
| Version | Date | Description | Prepared By | Approved By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 01/07/2025 | Initial Issue | Group Finance & Compliance Office | Board of Directors |
DOCUMENT DISTRIBUTION
| Copy No. | Institution | Copy Holder | Date Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BAC Education Group (Group Level) | Group Chief Executive Officer | 01/07/2025 |
| 2 | Brickfields Asia College | Principal / Chief Executive | 01/07/2025 |
| 3 | IACT College | Principal / Chief Executive | 01/07/2025 |
| 4 | Reliance College | Principal / Chief Executive | 01/07/2025 |
| 5 | Veritas University College | Vice Chancellor / President | 01/07/2025 |
| 6 | UNIMY | Vice Chancellor / President | 01/07/2025 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART A: PRELIMINARY
- Preamble and Introduction
- Vision, Mission and Guiding Principles
- Scope and Application
- Definitions
- Legislative and Regulatory Framework
PART B: SUSTAINABLE FUNDING
- Sustainable Funding Strategy
- Permissible and Impermissible Funding Sources
- Tuition Fees and Student Financing
- Government Grants and Public Funding
- Commercial Revenue and Ancillary Income
- International and Cross-Border Funding
PART C: DONATIONS, ENDOWMENTS AND PHILANTHROPY
- Donations Policy — General Principles
- Categories and Types of Donations
- Donor Due Diligence
- Naming Rights and Recognition
- Restricted and Unrestricted Donations
- Endowment Fund Management
- Refusal and Return of Donations
PART D: GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY
- Governance Structure
- Financial Management and Transparency
- Reporting and Disclosure
- Anti-Money Laundering Compliance
PART E: FORMS AND SOPs
- SOP 1: Donation Receipt and Processing Procedure
- SOP 2: Donor Due Diligence Procedure
- FORM 1: Donation / Gift Offer and Acceptance Form (DGAF-001)
- FORM 2: Donor Due Diligence Declaration (DDDD-002)
- FORM 3: Naming Rights and Recognition Agreement (NRRA-003)
- FORM 4: Annual Funding and Donations Disclosure (AFDD-004)
PART A: PRELIMINARY
1. PREAMBLE AND INTRODUCTION
BAC Education Group (the ‘Group’) is committed to ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of its five institutions — Brickfields Asia College, IACT College, Reliance College, Veritas University College and UNIMY — while upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency and social responsibility in the way it raises, receives and manages funds.
This Sustainable Funding and Donations Policy (‘Policy’) establishes the principles, criteria and procedures that govern how the Group and its institutions source, accept, manage and report on funding and donations. It ensures that all funding relationships serve the Group’s academic mission, comply with Malaysian law and regulation, and are free from undue influence or reputational risk.
This Policy is grounded in the recognition that private higher education institutions occupy a position of public trust. Funding decisions have the potential to affect academic freedom, institutional independence, the integrity of research, and the reputation of the institutions. This Policy therefore applies a sustainable, ethical and risk-based lens to all funding activities.
This Policy is to be read alongside the BAC Education Group Ethics Policy (BAC-EP-2025-001), the Sustainable Investing Policy (BAC-SIP-2025-003), and all applicable Malaysian laws and regulatory requirements.
2. VISION, MISSION AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES
2.1 Vision
To build a financially resilient, diversified and ethically governed funding base that enables the Group to fulfil its academic mission for generations to come.
2.2 Mission
To raise, accept and manage funds transparently, sustainably and in full alignment with the Group’s values — ensuring that no funding relationship compromises academic independence, institutional integrity or the welfare of students and staff.
2.3 Guiding Principles
| Principle | Description |
|---|---|
| Mission Alignment | All funding must support and be consistent with the Group’s educational mission and strategic objectives. |
| Independence | No funder or donor shall exercise undue influence over academic content, research outcomes, admissions, staffing or governance. |
| Transparency | All significant funding sources and donations shall be disclosed in accordance with this Policy and applicable law. |
| Sustainability | Funding strategies shall be diversified, long-term and resilient to ensure financial stability across all institutions. |
| Ethical Integrity | No funding shall be accepted from sources that are illegal, reputationally damaging or incompatible with the Group’s values. |
| Accountability | All funds received shall be managed prudently, reported accurately and applied for their intended purpose. |
| Inclusivity | Funding and donations shall not create conditions that disadvantage or discriminate against any student or group. |
3. SCOPE AND APPLICATION
This Policy applies to:
- All institutions within the Group: Brickfields Asia College, IACT College, Reliance College, Veritas University College and UNIMY.
- All staff involved in fundraising, donor relations, grant applications, fee setting or financial management.
- All members of the Board of Directors, Board of Governors and Academic Boards.
- All third parties acting as fundraising agents or intermediaries on behalf of any institution.
This Policy applies to all categories of funding including tuition fees, government grants, corporate sponsorships, private donations, endowments, research grants, zakat contributions, waqf funds and any other form of financial support received by the Group or any of its institutions.
4. DEFINITIONS
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Donation | A voluntary gift of money, property, securities or in-kind contribution made to an institution without expectation of commercial return. |
| Endowment | A donation or accumulated fund the principal of which is maintained in perpetuity and the income from which is applied for specified purposes. |
| Grant | Funding provided by a government body, foundation or other organisation for a specific project, programme or purpose, usually subject to conditions. |
| Restricted Donation | A donation the use of which is limited by the donor to a specific purpose, programme or activity. |
| Unrestricted Donation | A donation the use of which is at the discretion of the institution for any purpose consistent with its mission. |
| Naming Rights | The right granted to a donor to have their name or a nominated name associated with a building, facility, scholarship, chair or programme. |
| Donor Due Diligence | The process of assessing the identity, source of funds and reputation of a prospective donor. |
| Waqf | An Islamic endowment of property, funds or assets dedicated in perpetuity for charitable or religious purposes. |
| Zakat | Mandatory Islamic charitable giving; when received by an institution as a donation, subject to the conditions of this Policy. |
| AML | Anti-Money Laundering — measures to prevent the proceeds of crime being introduced into legitimate financial systems. |
| Fundraising | Any activity undertaken by the Group or its agents to solicit or attract donations, sponsorships or philanthropic support. |
| Sustainable Funding | A diversified, ethically sound and long-term approach to financing the Group’s operations and strategic ambitions. |
5. LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
| Legislation / Guideline | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996 (Act 555) & Amendments | Financial management, governance and regulatory oversight of private HEIs. |
| Malaysian Qualifications Agency Act 2007 (Act 679) | Quality assurance requirements including financial sustainability for programme delivery. |
| Companies Act 2016 (Act 777) | Corporate governance, financial reporting and director duties for Group entities. |
| Income Tax Act 1967 (Act 53) — Section 44 | Tax exemption for approved institutions; conditions for deductibility of donations. |
| Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA) | Obligations to conduct donor due diligence and report suspicious transactions. |
| Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 (Act 694) | Prohibition of corrupt donations; gifts and hospitality rules. |
| Wakaf (State) Enactments / Waqf Legislation | Requirements applicable to waqf funds and Islamic charitable endowments. |
| Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (Act 709) | Data protection obligations in respect of donor information. |
| Financial Reporting Standards (MFRS / MPERS) | Accounting and disclosure standards for donated assets and endowments. |
| MOHE / MQA Financial Sustainability Guidelines | Regulatory expectations for financial stability and diversity of income for private HEIs. |
PART B: SUSTAINABLE FUNDING
6. SUSTAINABLE FUNDING STRATEGY
6.1 Funding Philosophy
The Group adopts a diversified, mission-aligned approach to sustainable funding. No single source of funding shall be so dominant as to create financial dependency or expose any institution to undue influence. The Group shall maintain a funding portfolio that is balanced, resilient and oriented toward long-term institutional health.
6.2 Income Diversification Framework
| Income Stream | Target Portfolio Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees and Student Charges | 50% – 70% | Core revenue; to be managed with fee transparency and student affordability in mind. |
| Government Grants and Subsidies | 5% – 15% | Including PTPTN, JPA, MARA, research grants and MoE allocations. |
| Corporate Sponsorships and Partnerships | 5% – 15% | Subject to independence safeguards in this Policy. |
| Private Donations and Endowments | 5% – 10% | Subject to donor due diligence and acceptance criteria. |
| Research Grants (local and international) | 5% – 10% | Including competitive research funding. |
| Ancillary / Commercial Revenue | 2% – 8% | Rental income, executive education, consultancy, events. |
| Islamic Financing (Waqf, Zakat, Sukuk) | 2% – 5% | Subject to Shariah compliance review where applicable. |
The Board of Directors, on the recommendation of the Group Finance Committee, shall review and adjust the target portfolio ranges as part of the Group’s annual strategic and financial planning cycle.
6.3 Long-Term Financial Sustainability
Each institution shall maintain sufficient financial reserves to sustain at least six (6) months of operating expenditure. The Group shall conduct an annual financial sustainability assessment, with results reported to the Board, MOHE and MQA as required.
7. PERMISSIBLE AND IMPERMISSIBLE FUNDING SOURCES
7.1 Permissible Funding Sources
The Group and its institutions may accept funding from the following sources, subject to the due diligence and approval requirements of this Policy:
- Students’ tuition fees, programme fees, examination fees and other student charges.
- Malaysian government ministries, agencies and statutory bodies (e.g. MOHE, MoF, MARA, JPA).
- State government bodies and state development corporations.
- Recognised private corporations and businesses, provided independence conditions are met.
- Foundations, trusts and philanthropic organisations with verifiable good standing.
- Individual donors — subject to donor due diligence.
- International organisations, development banks and foreign foundations (e.g. UN agencies, World Bank, British Council) — subject to foreign funding review.
- Competitive research grants from recognised domestic and international funding bodies.
- Waqf and zakat institutions duly constituted under Malaysian law.
7.2 Impermissible Funding Sources
The Group shall not accept, solicit or retain funding from:
| Category | Rationale |
|---|---|
| Individuals or entities subject to sanctions under Malaysian or international law | Legal compliance; AML/CFT obligations. |
| Entities or persons known to be involved in criminal activity, corruption or terrorism | Reputational and legal risk; AMLATFPUAA obligations. |
| Tobacco, gambling, alcohol or weapons industries (direct funding) | Incompatible with institutional values and educational mission. |
| Donors who seek to control, direct or unduly influence academic content, research outcomes or admissions decisions | Preservation of academic independence. |
| Anonymous donors giving more than RM 50,000 in a single transaction | AML/CFT compliance; inability to conduct adequate due diligence. |
| Politically partisan donors who attach political conditions to funding | Institutional independence and neutrality. |
| Entities under investigation for financial crime or fraud | Reputational and legal risk. |
7.3 Grey-Area Funding
Where a proposed funding source does not clearly fall within either category above, the Head of Finance shall refer the matter to the Sustainable Funding and Donations Committee (SFDC) for determination. The SFDC shall apply a risk-based assessment using the Donor Due Diligence framework in Section 14 of this Policy.
8. TUITION FEES AND STUDENT FINANCING
8.1 Fee Setting
- Tuition fees shall be set by the Board of Directors on the recommendation of the Group Finance Committee, in accordance with MOHE/MQA requirements and market benchmarking.
- Fee structures shall be transparent, published in advance and applied consistently.
- Any proposed fee increase of more than 5% shall require Board approval and advance notice to enrolled students of at least one (1) academic year.
8.2 Student Financial Assistance
Each institution shall maintain a portfolio of financial assistance mechanisms including:
- Merit-based and need-based scholarships funded by the institution.
- PTPTN loan facilitation and information services.
- JPA, MARA, state government and corporate bursary programmes.
- Flexible instalment payment plans.
- Emergency hardship funds for students in genuine financial difficulty.
8.3 Affordability Commitment
The Group commits to ensuring that financial hardship is not a barrier to accessing quality higher education. Each institution shall annually review the accessibility of its fee structure and financial assistance portfolio and report findings to the Board.
9. GOVERNMENT GRANTS AND PUBLIC FUNDING
- All applications for government grants shall be approved by the Head of Finance and the Head of Institution prior to submission.
- Grant applications shall accurately represent the institution’s capacity, plans and use of funds.
- Government grants shall be applied strictly for their designated purpose; any proposed variation in use shall be communicated to the granting authority and documented.
- All conditions and reporting obligations attached to government grants shall be fulfilled accurately and on time.
- Government grant income and expenditure shall be separately tracked and reported in the institution’s financial accounts.
10. COMMERCIAL REVENUE AND ANCILLARY INCOME
Ancillary and commercial income streams (including rental of facilities, executive education programmes, consultancy services, and events) are permitted provided they:
- Do not interfere with the primary academic mission of the institution.
- Are conducted at arm’s length on commercial terms.
- Do not create conflicts of interest or reputational risk.
- Are properly accounted for and reported.
Corporate partnerships that include research collaboration, curriculum co-development or placement programmes shall be governed by a written agreement approved by the Head of Institution and the Group Legal Advisor, incorporating academic independence safeguards.
11. INTERNATIONAL AND CROSS-BORDER FUNDING
Funding from foreign sources — including foreign governments, international foundations, overseas corporations and non-resident individuals — shall be subject to the following additional requirements:
- Compliance with all Malaysian laws governing foreign funding to educational institutions.
- Disclosure to MOHE where required under applicable regulations.
- Enhanced donor due diligence (Level 2 — see Section 14).
- SFDC approval for any single foreign donation exceeding RM 100,000.
- Assessment of whether any foreign funding conditions could compromise the Group’s obligations under Malaysian law or regulatory requirements.
PART C: DONATIONS, ENDOWMENTS AND PHILANTHROPY
12. DONATIONS POLICY — GENERAL PRINCIPLES
The Group welcomes philanthropic support for its institutions, programmes, scholarships, research and facilities. All donations shall be managed in accordance with the following principles:
| Principle | Application |
|---|---|
| Voluntary | No person shall be coerced, pressured or misled into making a donation. |
| Purposeful | Each donation shall be directed toward a clear institutional purpose that is agreed with the donor. |
| Independent | No donation shall grant a donor the right to direct academic decisions, influence governance or determine outcomes. |
| Transparent | All significant donations shall be disclosed in accordance with this Policy. |
| Accountable | Donated funds shall be applied for their stated purpose; donors shall receive appropriate stewardship reports. |
| Sustainable | Donations shall be invested or applied in ways that generate long-term benefit for the institution and its students. |
13. CATEGORIES AND TYPES OF DONATIONS
| Category | Description | Minimum Threshold for Formal Process |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Donation | Direct monetary gift by bank transfer, cheque or electronic payment. | Any amount (Form DGAF-001 required for RM 1,000 and above) |
| In-Kind Donation | Non-cash gifts including equipment, books, software, artwork, laboratory materials. | Fair value RM 1,000 and above |
| Scholarship / Bursary Fund | Donation restricted for provision of student financial assistance. | RM 5,000 and above (minimum to establish a named fund) |
| Research Grant (Philanthropic) | Donation to support a specific research project or programme — distinct from competitive grants. | Any amount; formal agreement required |
| Capital / Infrastructure Donation | Donation for construction, renovation, purchase or upgrade of physical facilities. | Any amount; capital acceptance process applies |
| Endowment | Donation the principal of which is maintained in perpetuity; income applied for designated purpose. | RM 50,000 minimum to establish a named endowment |
| Waqf | Islamic perpetual endowment; subject to Shariah advisory review. | As specified by the relevant Waqf authority |
| Planned / Legacy Gift | Bequest, life insurance nomination or trust arrangement in favour of the institution. | As agreed in estate or trust documents |
| Corporate Sponsorship (Philanthropic) | Corporate donation without commercial quid pro quo (distinguished from commercial sponsorship). | RM 5,000 and above |
14. DONOR DUE DILIGENCE
14.1 Requirement
All prospective donors shall be subject to due diligence before any donation is formally accepted. The level of due diligence required is risk-tiered as follows:
| Level | Applicable Donors | Minimum Due Diligence Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 — Standard | Individual donors giving less than RM 50,000; established Malaysian public companies or government agencies. | Verify identity (IC/passport); confirm source of gift is personal/business income; screen against sanctions lists. |
| Level 2 — Enhanced | Individual donors giving RM 50,000 – RM 500,000; private companies; foreign donors; foundations; donors with political connections. | Level 1 steps PLUS: source of wealth declaration; beneficial ownership verification; adverse media check; SFDC review. |
| Level 3 — Intensive | Donors giving more than RM 500,000; anonymous donors (refused above RM 50,000); donors from high-risk jurisdictions; donors in sensitive industries. | Level 2 steps PLUS: independent legal / compliance review; Board approval; formal legal agreement; enhanced monitoring. |
14.2 Screening
All donors shall be screened against:
- The United Nations Security Council Consolidated Sanctions List.
- Bank Negara Malaysia’s list of designated entities under AMLATFPUAA.
- MACC and other domestic enforcement databases (where accessible).
- Adverse media searches via reputable databases.
14.3 Red Flags
The following shall trigger escalation to Level 3 due diligence or outright refusal:
- Donor insists on anonymity for a gift exceeding RM 50,000.
- Source of funds is unclear or inconsistent with known donor profile.
- Donation is structured as multiple smaller payments to avoid disclosure thresholds.
- Donor attaches conditions that could compromise academic or institutional independence.
- Donor is subject to regulatory investigation, sanctions or adverse media.
15. NAMING RIGHTS AND RECOGNITION
15.1 Policy
The Group recognises that naming rights — the association of a donor’s name with a building, facility, scholarship, professorial chair or programme — are a meaningful form of recognition and a valuable tool for major gift fundraising. Naming rights shall be governed by the following:
| Type of Naming | Minimum Donation Threshold | Approval Authority | Agreement Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scholarship / Award / Prize | RM 10,000 | Head of Institution | NRRA-003 |
| Professorial Chair or Lectureship | RM 250,000 | Board of Governors + SFDC | NRRA-003 + Legal Agreement |
| Laboratory / Teaching Space / Room | RM 100,000 | Board of Governors | NRRA-003 |
| Building / Major Facility | RM 1,000,000 | Board of Directors | NRRA-003 + Legal Agreement |
| Programme / Faculty / School | RM 5,000,000 | Board of Directors + MOHE (if regulatory approval required) | NRRA-003 + Legal Agreement |
15.2 Conditions on Naming Rights
- Naming rights do not confer any governance role, academic influence or decision-making authority.
- The institution reserves the right to remove or suspend naming recognition if the donor’s conduct becomes incompatible with institutional values.
- Naming rights agreements shall specify a duration (typically 10–25 years for facilities) after which renewal may be negotiated.
16. RESTRICTED AND UNRESTRICTED DONATIONS
16.1 Restricted Donations
A restricted donation shall be used only for the purpose agreed with the donor and documented in the relevant form or agreement. If the agreed purpose becomes impractical, impossible or contrary to institutional policy, the institution shall notify the donor and seek their consent to redirect the funds to a cognate purpose. If consent cannot be obtained, the institution shall seek legal advice on the appropriate disposition.
16.2 Unrestricted Donations
Unrestricted donations provide the institution with the greatest flexibility to apply funds where they are most needed. The SFDC, on the recommendation of the Head of Finance, shall determine the application of unrestricted donations in alignment with institutional strategic priorities.
16.3 Stewardship
All donors of RM 5,000 and above shall receive:
- A formal receipt and tax exemption letter (where applicable under Section 44 of the Income Tax Act 1967).
- An annual stewardship report on the use of their donation.
- Appropriate recognition in institutional publications (unless the donor has requested anonymity).
17. ENDOWMENT FUND MANAGEMENT
17.1 Establishment
An endowment fund may be established upon receipt of a minimum gift of RM 50,000, subject to Board approval and the execution of an endowment agreement specifying the purpose, investment mandate and distribution policy.
17.2 Investment
Endowment funds shall be invested in accordance with the BAC Education Group Sustainable Investing Policy (BAC-SIP-2025-003). Investment decisions shall be made by the Group Finance Committee with advice from the appointed investment manager. The principal of each endowment shall be preserved; only the investment return (subject to a spending policy) shall be distributed.
17.3 Spending Policy
The annual distribution from each endowment shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the average fund value over the preceding three years, unless the Board approves an exception in extraordinary circumstances. Any undistributed return shall be reinvested to protect the real value of the endowment against inflation.
17.4 Reporting
An annual endowment report shall be provided to each endowment donor, the Board and, where required, to MOHE. The report shall include the fund’s market value, investment return, distributions made and cumulative impact.
18. REFUSAL AND RETURN OF DONATIONS
The Head of Institution, with SFDC endorsement, may refuse any proposed donation at any stage of the process. The Group may return a donation already received where:
- Due diligence reveals that the donor does not meet the acceptance criteria.
- The donation was made on the basis of false or misleading representations.
- Acceptance or retention of the donation would violate Malaysian law.
- The donor subsequently attempts to impose conditions that compromise institutional independence.
- Retaining the donation would cause significant reputational harm.
The return of a donation shall be documented and the reasons noted in the SFDC minutes. Legal advice shall be obtained where the return of the donation may give rise to a legal dispute.
PART D: GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY
19. GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE
19.1 Sustainable Funding and Donations Committee (SFDC)
The Board of Directors shall establish a Sustainable Funding and Donations Committee (SFDC) with the following composition:
| Position | Role |
|---|---|
| Board Member (Non-Executive) — Chair | Independent oversight and final decision authority on donations above RM 100,000. |
| Group Chief Executive Officer | Strategic oversight; institutional perspective. |
| Group Chief Financial Officer (or equivalent) | Financial assessment; stewardship. |
| Group Legal Advisor / Compliance Officer | Legal due diligence; AML compliance. |
| Head of Finance (each institution, rotating) | Institutional representation. |
| Independent Member (external appointment) | Philanthropic sector expertise; objectivity. |
The SFDC shall meet at least quarterly and shall be responsible for: approving donations above defined thresholds; overseeing donor due diligence; managing the endowment portfolio; reviewing funding strategy; and reporting to the Board on the Group’s funding sustainability.
19.2 Institutional Funding Officers
Each institution shall designate a Funding Officer (typically the Head of Finance or equivalent) responsible for day-to-day management of donations, grant administration, donor relations and compliance with this Policy at the institutional level.
20. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND TRANSPARENCY
- All donations and funding receipts shall be recorded in the institution’s financial accounts in accordance with applicable Malaysian Financial Reporting Standards (MFRS / MPERS).
- Donated assets shall be valued at fair value at the date of receipt and recognised as income (or deferred income for restricted donations) in accordance with MFRS.
- Endowment funds shall be maintained as separate investment portfolios and reported separately in the Group’s consolidated financial statements.
- No donation or funding receipt shall be received in cash in excess of RM 10,000; payments above this threshold shall be by bank transfer, cheque or other traceable means.
- The Group’s external auditors shall have full access to all donation and funding records.
21. REPORTING AND DISCLOSURE
| Report | Content | Frequency | Recipients |
|---|---|---|---|
| SFDC Activity Report | Donations received, refused or returned; due diligence outcomes; endowment performance. | Quarterly | Board of Directors |
| Annual Funding Sustainability Report | Income diversity; funding portfolio analysis; endowment report; stewardship summary. | Annual | Board, MOHE, MQA (where required) |
| Donor Stewardship Reports | Individual reports to donors of RM 5,000 and above on use of their donation. | Annual | Individual Donors |
| Tax Exemption Letters | Confirmation for Section 44 deductibility where applicable. | Per donation | Relevant Donors |
| AML Suspicious Transaction Reports | Reports of suspicious transactions as required under AMLATFPUAA. | As required | Bank Negara Malaysia |
22. ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING COMPLIANCE
The Group is committed to ensuring that its fundraising activities are not used to launder the proceeds of crime or finance terrorism. In accordance with AMLATFPUAA 2001:
- All donations above RM 1,000 shall be received by bank transfer or other traceable means.
- All donors shall be identified and their identity verified before a donation is accepted.
- The Group shall maintain records of all donations, donor identification and due diligence for a minimum of seven (7) years.
- Any suspected money laundering or terrorism financing activity shall be reported to the Financial Intelligence Unit of Bank Negara Malaysia without tipping off the donor.
- Staff involved in fundraising and donations management shall receive annual AML/CFT awareness training.
PART E: STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES AND FORMS
SOP 1: DONATION RECEIPT AND PROCESSING PROCEDURE
| SOP Reference | BAC-SOP-DON-001 |
| Applies To | All Staff Involved in Donations — All Institutions |
| Owner | SFDC / Group Finance Office |
| Version | 1.0 | Effective 01 July 2025 |
Purpose
To establish a consistent, compliant and auditable procedure for receiving, processing, recording and acknowledging donations across all institutions within the Group.
| Step | Action | Responsible | Timeline | Document |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prospective donor expresses interest in making a donation (by phone, email, meeting or referral). | Funding Officer | Upon contact | — |
| 2 | Funding Officer provides donor with an overview of the institution’s funding priorities and donation categories, and issues Form DGAF-001 for completion. | Funding Officer | Within 3 working days | DGAF-001 |
| 3 | Donor completes and returns Form DGAF-001 together with supporting due diligence documents (Form DDDD-002 for donations ≥ RM 10,000). | Donor | Per donor’s timeline | DGAF-001, DDDD-002 |
| 4 | Funding Officer conducts initial due diligence screening (Level 1, 2 or 3 as applicable — see Section 14). Any red flags escalated to SFDC immediately. | Funding Officer + Compliance Officer | Within 5 working days of receipt | Due Diligence Report |
| 5a | Donation below RM 100,000 and due diligence clear: Head of Institution approves acceptance. | Head of Institution | Within 5 working days | Approval Record |
| 5b | Donation RM 100,000 – RM 500,000: SFDC review and approval required. | SFDC | Within 15 working days | SFDC Minutes |
| 5c | Donation above RM 500,000 or naming rights involved: Board approval required. | Board / Board Committee | Within 30 working days | Board Resolution |
| 6 | Upon approval, formal acceptance communicated to donor in writing. | Funding Officer | Within 3 working days of approval | Acceptance Letter |
| 7 | Donation received by bank transfer to designated institutional account. Cash prohibited above RM 1,000. | Finance Office | Per donor | Bank Records |
| 8 | Donation recorded in financial accounts; receipt and tax exemption letter issued to donor (if applicable). | Finance Office | Within 5 working days of receipt | Official Receipt / Tax Letter |
| 9 | For restricted donations: separate fund code created; use restricted per agreed purpose. | Finance Office | Immediately upon receipt | Fund Ledger |
| 10 | Stewardship: annual report on donation use sent to donor. | Funding Officer | Annual | Stewardship Report |
SOP 2: DONOR DUE DILIGENCE PROCEDURE
| SOP Reference | BAC-SOP-DDD-002 |
| Applies To | Funding Officers and Compliance Officers — All Institutions |
| Owner | SFDC / Group Compliance Office |
| Version | 1.0 | Effective 01 July 2025 |
Purpose
To provide detailed guidance on the conduct of donor due diligence at each risk level, ensuring compliance with AMLATFPUAA and the Group’s Sustainable Funding and Donations Policy.
| Step | Level 1 (Standard) | Level 2 (Enhanced) | Level 3 (Intensive) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identity Verification | Copy of NRIC / Passport; Company registration (for entities). | All Level 1 steps. | All Level 2 steps. |
| Source of Funds | Confirmation that gift is from personal/business income; no further documentation required. | Signed Source of Wealth Declaration; bank statement excerpt; latest financial statements for entities. | Independent verification of source of wealth; legal opinion; full AML audit trail. |
| Beneficial Ownership | N/A (individual) or basic company search. | Beneficial ownership register; declaration of ultimate beneficial owner. | Full beneficial ownership verification including offshore structures. |
| Sanctions Screening | UNSC and BNM lists. | UNSC, BNM, MACC, Interpol and adverse media search. | All Level 2 screening PLUS specialist AML service provider report. |
| Political Exposure | N/A | Check if donor is a Politically Exposed Person (PEP) or associate. | Enhanced PEP review; source of wealth for PEPs is mandatory. |
| Approval Required | Head of Finance | SFDC | Board of Directors + Legal Review |
| Monitoring | Standard stewardship. | Annual re-screening for ongoing relationships. | Ongoing monitoring; bi-annual re-screening. |
Where a donor declines to provide information necessary for due diligence, the donation shall be declined. Where a suspicious transaction is identified during due diligence, the Compliance Officer shall file a Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) with Bank Negara Malaysia’s Financial Intelligence Unit without delay and without tipping off the donor.
FORM 1: DONATION / GIFT OFFER AND ACCEPTANCE FORM
| Form Reference | DGAF-001 | Version 1.0 |
| Version / Date | 01 July 2025 |
| Institution | ☐ Brickfields Asia College ☐ IACT College ☐ Reliance College ☐ Veritas University College ☐ UNIMY |
SECTION A: DONOR DETAILS
Full Name / Organisation Name: ____________________________________________________________
NRIC / Passport No. / Company Registration No.: ____________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________
Contact Email: ____________________________________________________________
Contact Phone: ____________________________________________________________
Type of Donor:
- ☐ Individual
- ☐ Private Company
- ☐ Public Listed Company
- ☐ Foundation / Trust / Association
- ☐ Government / Statutory Body
- ☐ Foreign Entity / International Organisation
- ☐ Other: ___________________________
SECTION B: DONATION DETAILS
Type of Donation: ____________________________________________________________
Category (refer to Section 13 of Policy):
- ☐ Cash Donation
- ☐ In-Kind Donation (specify below)
- ☐ Scholarship / Bursary Fund
- ☐ Research Grant (Philanthropic)
- ☐ Capital / Infrastructure Donation
- ☐ Endowment
- ☐ Waqf
- ☐ Planned / Legacy Gift
- ☐ Corporate Sponsorship (Philanthropic)
Amount / Estimated Fair Value: RM ____________________________
Description of In-Kind Donation (if applicable): ____________________________________________________________
Donation Type:
- ☐ Unrestricted — I wish the institution to apply this donation at its discretion.
- ☐ Restricted — I wish this donation to be applied for the following specific purpose:
Proposed Donation Date / Schedule: ____________________________________________________________
SECTION C: NAMING AND RECOGNITION
Do you wish to be recognised for this donation?
- ☐ Yes — please acknowledge my/our donation as follows: ___________________________
- ☐ No — I/we prefer to remain anonymous.
Do you wish to apply for naming rights (see Section 15 of Policy)?
- ☐ Yes — please contact me to discuss (Form NRRA-003 will be required).
- ☐ No.
SECTION D: SOURCE OF FUNDS DECLARATION
I confirm that the funds or assets offered as a donation are from legitimate sources and are not derived from any unlawful activity. I understand that the Group is required by law to conduct donor due diligence and to report suspicious transactions to the relevant authorities.
Source of Funds: (e.g. personal savings, business income, inheritance, sale of property)
SECTION E: DECLARATION AND SIGNATURE
I/We declare that the information provided in this form is true and accurate. I/We understand and agree that the Group reserves the right to refuse or return this donation in accordance with its Sustainable Funding and Donations Policy.
| Signature | |
| Name (Block Letters) | |
| Designation | |
| Date |
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY:
| Date Received | Due Diligence Level | Approval Authority | Decision | Date of Decision |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L1 / L2 / L3 | Accepted / Declined |
FORM 2: DONOR DUE DILIGENCE DECLARATION
| Form Reference | DDDD-002 | Version 1.0 |
| Version / Date | 01 July 2025 |
| Institution | ☐ Brickfields Asia College ☐ IACT College ☐ Reliance College ☐ Veritas University College ☐ UNIMY |
This form must be completed by all donors making a donation of RM 10,000 or above, or as otherwise required under the Group’s donor due diligence framework.
SECTION A: DONOR IDENTITY
Full Legal Name: ____________________________________________________________
Date of Birth / Date of Incorporation: ____________________________________________________________
Nationality / Country of Incorporation: ____________________________________________________________
NRIC / Passport / Company Registration No.: ____________________________________________________________
Registered Address: ____________________________________________________________
SECTION B: BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP (for entities)
Please list all persons who ultimately own or control more than 25% of the donating entity:
| Name of Beneficial Owner | Nationality | % Ownership / Control | NRIC / Passport No. |
|---|---|---|---|
SECTION C: SOURCE OF WEALTH
Please describe the source of the funds or assets being donated:
- ☐ Business income / profits (specify business): ___________________________
- ☐ Employment income
- ☐ Investment returns / dividends
- ☐ Sale of property or assets
- ☐ Inheritance or gift
- ☐ Other (specify): ___________________________
Supporting Documentation Attached: ____________________________________________________________
SECTION D: POLITICAL EXPOSURE
Are you, or is any beneficial owner, a Politically Exposed Person (PEP) — i.e. a person who holds or has held a prominent public function (e.g. government minister, senior official, judge, military officer, political party officer)?
- ☐ No
- ☐ Yes — please provide details: ___________________________
SECTION E: DECLARATION
I/We declare that the information provided is true and complete. I/We confirm that the funds or assets to be donated are from legitimate sources and are not the proceeds of any unlawful activity. I/We consent to the Group verifying this information through independent checks as part of its due diligence process.
| Signature | |
| Name (Block Letters) | |
| Designation | |
| Date |
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY — Due Diligence Outcome:
| Screened By | Date | Sanctions Clear? | PEP Check | Outcome | Escalated to SFDC? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ☐ Y ☐ N | ☐ Y ☐ N | Pass / Refer / Fail | ☐ Y ☐ N |
FORM 3: NAMING RIGHTS AND RECOGNITION AGREEMENT
| Form Reference | NRRA-003 | Version 1.0 |
| Version / Date | 01 July 2025 |
| Institution | ☐ Brickfields Asia College ☐ IACT College ☐ Reliance College ☐ Veritas University College ☐ UNIMY |
This agreement records the terms under which naming rights are granted by the Institution to the Donor in recognition of a significant philanthropic contribution.
SECTION A: PARTIES
Institution: ____________________________________________________________
Donor / Naming Party: ____________________________________________________________
Donation Amount: RM ____________________________
SECTION B: NAMING DETAILS
Name to be Applied: ____________________________________________________________
Type of Naming:
- ☐ Scholarship / Prize / Award
- ☐ Professorial Chair / Lectureship
- ☐ Laboratory / Teaching Space
- ☐ Building / Major Facility
- ☐ Programme / School / Faculty
Specific Facility / Programme / Award to be Named: ____________________________________________________________
Duration of Naming Rights: From: ____________ To: ____________ (or perpetual if endowment)
SECTION C: CONDITIONS AND RESERVATIONS
The parties agree to the following conditions:
- The naming rights granted under this agreement do not confer on the Donor any right to participate in or influence the governance, academic decisions, admissions, hiring or research activities of the Institution.
- The Institution reserves the right to remove or suspend the naming recognition if the Donor’s conduct becomes materially incompatible with the Institution’s values, as determined by the Board.
- In the event that the named facility is substantially modified, relocated or decommissioned, the Institution shall consult the Donor and use reasonable efforts to find an appropriate alternative recognition.
- The Donor’s name and details may be used in institutional publications, websites and promotional materials for recognition purposes.
- This agreement is governed by the laws of Malaysia.
SECTION D: SIGNATURES
Signed on behalf of the Institution:
| Signature | |
| Name (Block Letters) | |
| Designation | |
| Date |
Signed by the Donor:
| Signature | |
| Name (Block Letters) | |
| Designation | |
| Date |
FORM 4: ANNUAL FUNDING AND DONATIONS DISCLOSURE
| Form Reference | AFDD-004 | Version 1.0 |
| Version / Date | 01 July 2025 |
| Institution | ☐ Brickfields Asia College ☐ IACT College ☐ Reliance College ☐ Veritas University College ☐ UNIMY |
This form shall be completed by the Head of Finance of each Institution and submitted to the Group Finance Office by 31 March each year for the preceding financial year.
SECTION A: INSTITUTION DETAILS
Institution Name: ____________________________________________________________
Financial Year: 1 January ________ to 31 December ________
Prepared By: ____________________________________________________________
Date of Preparation: ____________________________________________________________
SECTION B: FUNDING SUMMARY
| Income Stream | Budgeted (RM) | Actual (RM) | % of Total Income | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees and Student Charges | ||||
| Government Grants and Subsidies | ||||
| Corporate Sponsorships / Partnerships | ||||
| Private Donations (cash) | ||||
| In-Kind Donations (fair value) | ||||
| Research Grants (philanthropic) | ||||
| Endowment Income | ||||
| Ancillary / Commercial Revenue | ||||
| Islamic Financing (Waqf / Zakat) | ||||
| Other | ||||
| TOTAL | 100% |
SECTION C: SIGNIFICANT DONATIONS (RM 5,000 AND ABOVE)
| Donor Name / Anonymous | Amount (RM) | Type | Restricted/Unrestricted | Purpose (if Restricted) | SFDC/Board Approved? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SECTION D: DONATIONS REFUSED OR RETURNED
| Donor (or ‘Anonymous’) | Amount (RM) | Reason for Refusal / Return | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
SECTION E: ENDOWMENT FUND SUMMARY
| Fund Name | Purpose | Opening Value (RM) | Contributions (RM) | Investment Return (RM) | Distributions (RM) | Closing Value (RM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SECTION F: DECLARATION
I declare that the information provided in this Annual Funding and Donations Disclosure is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge, and that the Institution has complied with the BAC Education Group Sustainable Funding and Donations Policy during the period covered.
| Signature | |
| Name (Block Letters) | |
| Designation | |
| Date |
REVIEWED AND ENDORSED BY:
| Signature | |
| Name (Block Letters) | |
| Designation | |
| Date |
POLICY APPROVAL AND SIGN-OFF
This Sustainable Funding and Donation Policy was reviewed, approved and adopted by the Board of Directors of BAC Education Group as well as all related Public Higher Education Institution (PHEI) and shall be open for review on 1 July 2027