Company secretary are responsible for the efficient administration of a company and ensuring that decisions of the Board of Directors are implemented. It is also their responsibility to register and communicate with shareholders, to ensure that dividends are paid, contact with regulatory and external bodies, reports and circulars to shareholders/trustees and to maintain company records, such as lists of directors and shareholders, and annual accounts.

To apply for a company secretary licence, the applicant cannot be a bankrupt, is not a criminal as stated in section 130(1) of the Companies Act 1965. He or she must resides in Malaysia; and must be 18 years and above.

The company secretary must be a member of a professional body or licensed by the Companies Commission of Malaysia pursuant to section 139 of the Companies Act.

Prescribed Professional Bodies

The Minister has approved the following professional bodies as the prescribed professional bodies:

• The Malaysian Association of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (MAICSA)
• Malaysian Association of Company Secretaries
• The Malaysian Bar
• The Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA)
• Malaysian Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA)
• The Sabah Law Association
• The Advocates’ Association of Sarawak

Minimum Academic Qualification

Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia or equivalent (Credit in Bahasa Malaysia or English).

Working Experience

The applicant has to have relevant work experience in company law or company secretarial practice.

Duration of work experience

• For holders of SPM and STPM: 5 years of relevant work experience
• Holders of a Certificate: 3 years of relevant work experience
• Holders of Diploma : 2 years of relevant work experience
• Degree : 1 year of relevant work experience

Relevant working experience include the fields of law, company secretarial practice, management, business administration or accounting.

Interview

Each applicant has to attend an interview where he or she will be assessed on his or her knowledge in relation to company law or company secretarial practices.