Annual Report 2019

168 Transport International Holdings Limited 2019 Annual Report Notes to the Financial Statements (Expressed in Hong Kong dollars unless otherwise indicated) 1 Significant accounting policies (continued) (x) Employee benefits (i) Short-term employee benefits and contributions to defined contribution retirement plans Salaries, annual bonuses, paid annual leave, contributions to defined contribution retirement plans and the cost of non-monetary benefits are accrued in the year in which the associated services are rendered by employees. Where payment or settlement is deferred and the effect would be material, these amounts are stated at their present values. (ii) Defined benefit retirement plan obligations The Group’s net obligation in respect of defined benefit retirement plans is calculated separately for each plan by estimating the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods; that benefit is discounted to determine the present value and the fair value of any plan assets is deducted. The calculation is performed by a qualified actuary using the projected unit credit method. When the calculation results in a benefit to the Group, the recognised asset is limited to the present value of economic benefits available in the form of any future refunds from the plan or reductions in future contributions to the plan. Service cost and net interest expense (income) on the net defined benefit liability (asset) are recognised in profit or loss. Current service cost is measured as the increase in the present value of the defined benefit obligation resulting from employee service in the current period. When the benefits of a plan are changed, or when a plan is curtailed, the portion of the changed benefit related to past service by employees, or the gain or loss on curtailment, is recognised as an expense in profit or loss at the earlier of when the plan amendment or curtailment occurs and when related restructuring costs or termination benefits are recognised. Net interest expense (income) for the period is determined by applying the discount rate used to measure the defined benefit obligation at the beginning of the reporting period to the net defined benefit liability (asset). The discount rate is the yield at the end of the reporting period on high quality corporate bonds (where there is no deep market in such corporate bonds, government bonds) that have maturity dates approximating the terms of the Group’s obligations. Remeasurements arising from defined benefit retirement plans are recognised in other comprehensive income and reflected immediately in retained earnings. Remeasurements comprise actuarial gains and losses, the return on plan assets (excluding amounts included in net interest on the net defined benefit liability (asset)) and any change in the effect of the asset ceiling (excluding amounts included in net interest on the net defined benefit liability (asset)). (iii) Lump sum long service amounts payable on cessation of employment The Group’s net obligation in respect of lump sum long service amounts payable on cessation of employment in certain circumstances under the Hong Kong Employment Ordinance is the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods. The obligation is calculated using the projected unit credit method, discounted to its present value and reduced by entitlements accrued under the Group’s retirement plans that are attributable to contributions made by the Group. The discount rate is the yield at the end of the reporting period on high quality corporate bonds (where there is no deep market in such corporate bonds, government bonds) that have maturity dates approximating the terms of the Group’s obligations.