PRESS RELEASE
EMBARGOED UNTIL 16 JANUARY 2026, 9.00AM
SID Chairpersons Guild by Singapore Institute of Directors to build a community of practice for board chairs of listed companies, offer learning and peer support for value creation
Singapore, 16 January 2026 – Singapore Institute of Directors (SID) launched the SID Chairpersons Guild for board chairs of all companies listed on SGX Stock Exchange (SGX), creating a community of practice with access to expert insights, learning, peer support and networking opportunities.
Supported by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and SGX, the SID Chairpersons Guild complements the national effort to strengthen the development of Singapore’s equities market. The programme launch was officiated by Chee Hong Tat, Minister for National Development and Deputy Chair of MAS in a gong-striking ceremony at SGX to mark the start of market trading for the day.
An advisory panel will provide guidance to the development of the programme. Members of the SID Chairpersons Guild Advisory Panel include Chairman of SGX Group Koh Boon Hwee, Founder and Executive Chairman of Banyan Group Ho Kwon Ping, Board Chair of HSBC Bank (Singapore) Penny Goh, Chairman of Singapore Institute of Management Euleen Goh, and Chairman and Managing Director of Wing Tai Holdings Cheng Wai Keung.
“Strong boards are critical to unlocking long-term value amid rising global competition and investor sophistication. For over two decades, SGX Group has championed governance excellence in partnership with the Singapore Institute of Directors to build board capability. The SID Chairpersons Guild advances this agenda by delivering curated and valuable resources that enable board chairs to strengthen their listed companies and reinforce Singapore’s position as a leading international marketplace,” said Koh Boon Hwee.
“Having worked with and learnt from many excellent chairs of companies, I appreciate the expertise in building strong organisations and navigating the complex challenges of today’s environment. This is a timely initiative by SID to facilitate networking amongst fellow chairs, learning from industry experts and gaining from experiences of seasoned practitioners. We can all benefit by tapping into the resources provided to take our respective companies forward and to increase market value,” said Euleen Goh.
SID will offer complimentary membership to all board chairs of SGX-listed companies so they can tap on the Institute's existing offerings, programmes and networks. This includes thought leadership publications such as the Singapore Directorship Report, exclusive events for SID members, and discounted rates for professional development programmes such as the Chairperson Accelerator Programme. SID will also organise ad hoc briefings and dialogues with regulators, policymakers, industry leaders and prominent chairpersons, and create opportunities for board chairs to form peer groups for learning and mutual support.
“As the national association for company directors, SID aims to forge a strong community of practice among chairpersons of public listed boards to enhance the value of their respective companies and collectively uplift Singapore’s position as a trusted and thriving global business hub. The SID Chairpersons Guild is the Institute’s contribution to complement the Equities Market Development Programme, and one of the first of its kind in the world,” said Yeoh Oon Jin, Chair of SID.
The SID Chairpersons Guild programme will also feature events co-curated with knowledge partners such as Heidrick & Struggles, McKinsey & Company and UBS, leveraging their networks and resources to bring global perspectives and expert insights to help board leaders shape their company strategies to thrive sustainably.
“The chair, as first among equals, is the guiding force that shapes a board’s effectiveness and sets the tone for value creation. In an environment that is more complex and fast-changing than ever, the demands on chairpersonship have never been greater – nor the opportunity for impact more profound. Heidrick & Struggles, in partnership with SID, is honoured to support SGX-listed board chairs in elevating their leadership so they can inspire stronger boards and unlock greater value for the organisations they steward,” said Tonny Loh, Partner and Head of Singapore Heidrick Consulting.
“Drawing on our work with boards globally, the imperative today is for boards to move beyond oversight toward sharper strategic dialogue and capability building. This is what enables organisations to build the foresight, responsiveness, and adaptability needed to navigate global shifts and shocks, from geopolitical volatility to AI-driven disruption. We see the goal as not only performance uplift and stewardship, but sustained value creation over time. In this context, we’re pleased to collaborate with SID and like-minded partners to support Singapore’s chairpersons in their leadership of boards,” said Kaushik Das, Senior Partner and Global Co-Leader of Board Services, McKinsey & Company.
“As the world’s leading global wealth manager, UBS is well-positioned as a trusted knowledge partner for chairpersons of SGX-listed entities, supporting initiatives that drive shareholder value. Through our global connectivity, UBS empowers board leaders to unlock new opportunities and foster growth within Singapore’s equities market. Our Chief Investment Office rates Singapore equities as attractive,” said Dominique Boer, Managing Director, Head of Private Wealth and Australia International, UBS Global Wealth Management APAC.
Launch of SID Board Academy
To meet the rising demand for board capability building, the SID Board Academy was launched on the same day. The Academy provides an additional avenue for boards to access customised development programmes on topics such as directors' duties, sustainability, digital governance and strategic leadership. These programmes help boards strengthen oversight, understand emerging issues and build capabilities necessary for value creation.
As the Academy evolves, it may expand into areas such as board assessments and advisory work, creating an even more comprehensive support ecosystem for Singapore's director community.
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About Singapore Institute of Directors
The Singapore Institute of Directors is the national association for company directors in Singapore. Its mission is to empower directors and transform boards to achieve its vision of “Every Director A Champion of Good Governance”. Since 1998, the Institute has been advancing thought leadership and advocacy through publications, research and awards; building competencies through professional development and director accreditation; and connecting and strengthening the ecosystem through networking and board appointment services. As an independent nonprofit organisation, its work is supported by partners of the SID Governance for Good Alliance and more than 5,500 members, 80% of whom are directors.
www.sid.org.sg
About Heidrick &Struggles
Heidrick & Struggles is the world’s premier provider of executive search, leadership advisory, and on-demand talent solutions. For more than 70 years, the firm has partnered with clients to help build strong leadership teams and organisations by identifying, developing, and aligning leadership talent with business strategy.
www.heidrick.com
About McKinsey & Company
McKinsey & Company is a global management consulting firm committed to helping organizations accelerate sustainable and inclusive growth. We work with clients across the private, public, and social sectors to solve complex problems and create positive change for all their stakeholders. We combine bold strategies and transformative technologies to help organizations innovate more sustainably, achieve lasting gains in performance, and build workforces that will thrive for this generation and the next.
www.mckinsey.com
About UBS
UBS is a leading and truly global wealth manager and the leading universal bank in Switzerland. It also provides diversified asset management solutions and focused investment banking capabilities. UBS manages 6.9 trillion dollars of invested assets as per the third quarter 2025. UBS helps clients achieve their financial goals through personalized advice, solutions and products. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, the firm is operating in more than 50 markets around the globe. UBS Group shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
www.ubs.com
ANNEX 1: SID Chairpersons Guild 2026 Programme Highlights
1. Complimentary SID Membership for one year (www.sid.org.sg/value).
2. Peer groups for learning and mutual support – details to be announced.
3. Special invitations to SID and knowledge partner events.
ANNEX 2: SID Chairpersons Guild Advisory Panel Bios
Cheng Wai Keung
Chairman, Wing Tai Holdings
Mr Cheng Wai Keung is Chairman and Managing Director of Wing Tai Holdings, with interests in property, hospitality and retail across the region. He is also Chairman of Singapore Health Services, Deputy Chairman of Temasek Capital (China) Holdings, Vice Chairman of Singapore-Suzhou Township Development, and Director of MOH Holdings. Mr Cheng has extensive experience in corporate leadership across multiple sectors both locally and internationally, and has contributed to national boards and committees on economic development, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, productivity and land policy. He is also actively involved in community service.
Euleen Goh
Chairman, Singapore Institute of Management
Ms Euleen Goh is the Chairman of the Singapore Institute of Management, and non-executive and independent director of HSBC Bank and Jebsen & Jessen. She is a member of the Public Service Commission, and a Fellow of Singapore Institute of Directors and Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants. She is a former Chairman of SATS, DBS Foundation, Singapore International Foundation, International Enterprise Singapore and Accounting Standards Council. She has held. non-executive roles on various boards, including as Deputy Chairman and senior independent director of Royal Dutch Shell, DBS Holdings and DBS Bank. In addition, she has served on the boards of Temasek Trustees, the NUS Business School Management Advisory Board and as Rector of NUS Cinnamon College.
Ho Kwon Ping
Executive Chairman, Banyan Group
Mr Ho Kwon Ping is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Banyan Group and Laguna Resorts and Hotels, and Executive Chairman of Thai Wah Public Company. All three family-owned companies are listed in Singapore and Thailand. He was the founding Chairman of Singapore Management University and a former Chairman of Singapore Power and MediaCorp Singapore. He has also served on the boards of Standard Chartered Bank, Diageo, Singapore Airlines and GIC. Honoured for his contributions and accomplishments in entrepreneurship and particularly in the hotel industry, Mr Ho has been conferred honorary doctorates by Johnson & Wales
University, Hong Kong Poly University, and Singapore Management University.
Koh Boon Hwee
Chairman, Singapore Exchange Group
Mr Koh Boon Hwee is the Chairman of Singapore Exchange Group. He is the Founder and Chairman of Sunningdale Tech, and also serves as Chairman of Agilent Technologies, Altara Ventures, Rippledot Capital Advisers and the Securities Industry Council. Mr Koh is a board member of GIC, and a former Chairman of Wuthelam Group, Singapore Telecom Group, Singapore Airlines, DBS Bank and AAC Technologies. He has served on the board of Temasek Holdings and was also Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Nanyang Technological University. A former Managing Director of Hewlett Packard Singapore, he was a director of the Hewlett Foundation in the US and Chairman of its investment committee until his retirement.
Penny Goh
Chairman, HSBC Bank Singapore
Mrs Penny Goh is Senior Adviser of Allen & Gledhill where she was the firm’s Co-Chairman before her retirement. She is the non-executive Chairman of HSBC Bank (Singapore) and a member of its audit and risk committees. Mrs Goh is a board member of Keppel, serving on its audit and risk committees, and Chairman of its remuneration committee. She is also a director of Singapore Totalisator Board Management and Co-Chair of its grant approval committee. Mrs Goh is a former non-executive Chairman of Keppel REIT Management and former lead independent of Mapletree Logistics Trust Management. Her other current appointments include
serving as honorary legal adviser to the Real Estate Developers’ Association Singapore and Honorary Consul of Latvia to Singapore.