Gift, Entertainment and Corporate Hospitality Policy

NIBM is dedicated to advancing scientific research and innovation by supporting researchers, industry partners and the broader scientific community. We foster strategic collaborations and conduct all operations with the highest standards of integrity, ethics and good governance.

Gift is defined as any form of cash or cash equivalents, including monetary gifts, shares, stocks and other securities. It also encompasses jewellery, complimentary travel or accommodation, lottery tickets, entertainment expenses, services, club memberships, commissions, hampers, promotional merchandise, gift cards, vouchers or certificates. Additionally, loans, transportation, vacations, tickets to events such as sports, music, or cultural performances, as well as movable or immovable properties, home renovations, decorative items, high-value goods, and any form of compensation or benefit, are considered gifts under NIBM’s policies.

Entertainment refers to any activity that involves the participation of both NIBM employees or representatives and a third party, such as a current or potential collaborator, research partner, supplier, or public/government official. This includes, but is not limited to, business meals, official travel, concerts, recreational activities, sporting events and vacations.

Corporate Hospitality refers to any item or benefit exchanged between organisations, where designated employees or representatives of each entity participate in giving and/or receiving. This includes promotional materials distributed by any involved parties or items provided at public events, scientific conferences, research symposiums, industry exhibitions or other professional networking and branding activities. Such items are given openly and transparently with the implicit or explicit approval of all parties involved and typically feature the giver’s name and logo. Examples include diaries, pens, table calendars, badges, notepads, plaques, bags, keychains and flags.

This Policy applies to NIBM Board Members and their immediate family members, all NIBM employees and their immediate family members, as well as agents acting on behalf of NIBM.

  • Immediate family members are defined as a person’s spouse, siblings, siblings of the spouse or any direct ascendant or descendant of the person.

Gifts may be perceived as bribes which could damage NIBM’s reputation or lead to potential violations of anti-bribery and corruption laws. Board of Trustees, employees and external collaborators are to avoid any conflicts of interest at all times, especially during ongoing or potential business engagements.