Celebrating a Year of Achievements

Dear Members,

As we approach the end of the year, we’d like to thank you for your support over the past 12 months.

2024 has been a year of firsts – we launched our Director Accreditation programme, established the Standards and Exams Board, appointed our first woman Honorary Fellow, and inaugurated the Climate Governance Singapore Forum and Nominating and Remuneration Committee Seminar.

We also formed new member Networks (Workplace Wellness and Fellows), conducted training for the inaugural Chairperson Accelerator course and Advanced Programme in Sustainability, revamped and updated our flagship Listed Entity Director programme and worked with various organisations to deliver custom board programmes to enhance professional development and corporate governance.

In partnership with regulators, other institutes of directors, professional associations and ecosystem service providers, we helped raise corporate governance standards and contributed to revised frameworks for the ASEAN Scorecard, Board Performance Evaluation Guide, Sustainability Philanthropy Framework, Guide for Shareholder Meetings and Sustainability Reporting Assurance, among others.

For a summary of 2024 highlights with links to resources, see here.

We are grateful for your support in advancing our mission to lift directors through new learning programmes, impactful collaborations and thought leadership initiatives. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our members, partners and stakeholders.

Looking ahead to 2025

We are preparing for even more exciting events and activities in the new year. Here’s what you can look forward to.

We kick off the year with the launch of the 2025 Singapore Board Diversity Index, a collaboration with WTW and James Cook University. The last report was released in 2021. Based on data collected on listed companies in 2024, the report gives a snapshot of trends in board diversity.

The annual Audit and Risk Committee Seminar will be held in January. Jointly organised by SID, ACRA and SGX, this event brings together regulators and professionals who work with audit and risk committees and corporate governance.

Our flagship Listed Entity Director (LED) programme (scheduled in March, July, and November) has been refreshed and will continue to support directors in their continuous professional development. Alumni of the LED programmes can look forward to exclusive forums in partnership with SGX and enjoy a fee waiver for the Accreditation Exam scheduled in April. A complimentary set of Corporate Governance Guides for Boards in Singapore will be given to those who sign up for all nine modules, whilst stocks last.

Members can also look forward to our annual Golf Tournament on 13 June, combining networking with camaraderie.

The third edition of the Board Readiness programme starts in July. The 10-month course seeks to prepare aspiring and new directors for board roles.

And mark your calendar for the SID Directors Conference happening on 12 September, featuring thought leaders and industry experts.

We are pleased to invite you to our rich lineup of events and activities organised by SID’s chapters and networks, in addition to our member networking events, meet-and-mingle sessions, current topic updates, pit-stops, masterclasses and more to foster learning and connection.

To serve you better, we are taking a year-end break to recharge and refresh. Our office will close from Wednesday, 25 December 2024, to Wednesday, 1 January 2025. Regular business activities will resume on Thursday, 2 January 2025. Online transactions and resources will remain available throughout that time.

Thank you and wishing all a peaceful and joyous end of year.

HIGHLIGHTS

Launch of 2025 Singapore Board Diversity Index
20 January 2025 | 3.00pm – 5.00pm | Frasers Tower

Diversity in boards encourages different perspectives and enhances decision-making. First launched in 2020, Singapore Institute of Directors (SID), WTW and James Cook University (JCU) are pleased to unveil the latest update of the Singapore Board Diversity Index*, charting the progress of listed entities in Singapore. Supported by ACRA and SGX, this year’s index not only highlights the importance of a broader conception of board diversity in driving corporate excellence but also celebrates companies that have made remarkable progress in their diversity journeys. Join us as we recognise how board diversity can help inclusive and forward-thinking companies boost investor confidence and drive innovation.

Audit and Risk Committee Seminar 2025
Elevating Shareholder Value with Good Governance
22 January 2025 | 9.30am – 12.00pm | PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay

In today’s dynamic business environment, the role of Audit and Risk Committees (ARCs) is more critical than ever, not only protecting but enhancing shareholder value. At this event we delve into how the ARC can effectively guide senior management to prioritise sustainable growth by balancing ambitions, risks and governance considerations. Join us for an insightful sharing featuring speakers from SID, ACRA and SGX. Discover how ARCs can drive sustainable development and long-term value creation for your organisation.

Listed Entity Director Programme
11 – 26 March 2025 | 2.00pm – 6.00pm | Online Webcast

The Listed Entity Director Programme is a pre-requisite course supported by the Singapore Exchange for first-time appointees on boards of listed companies. For a limited time only, complete all core and optional modules in one year and get a waiver of accreditation exam fees. Plus, receive a set of Corporate Governance Guides for Boards as well as priority registration for the Audit and Risk Committee Seminar and access to regulatory updates.

So, You Want to be a NonProfit Director
5 February 2025 | 9.00am – 1.00pm | National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre

This course provides an introduction to the duties, liabilities and benefits of directorship in the nonprofit sector. Speakers will share what it means to serve on the board of a charity and what are the key considerations of joining a nonprofit board. With a good understanding of the not-for-profit landscape and how it impacts the roles and responsibilities of a director, participants can make an informed decision before joining a nonprofit board. This course is supported by the Social Service Institute and National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre.

SkillsFuture credits and National Silver Academy grants are applicable (subject to approval).

SID-INSEAD International Directors Programme Preview (Complimentary)
6 February 2024 | 3.00pm – 5.00pm | INSEAD Campus, 1 Ayer Rajah Ave

Since 2014, SID has collaborated with INSEAD to bring its acclaimed International Directors Programme (IDP) to Asia. Lectures, case studies and board simulation exercises conducted by a world-class faculty are tailored for a small group of directors and corporate leaders from across the world. The programme has received stellar reviews from participants. Come find out for yourself at the preview, where the faculty will be on hand to answer your questions.

The IDP 2025 class commences in June.

Board Readiness Programme Preview (Complimentary)
14 February 2025 | 5.00pm – 6.00pm | Online Webcast

SID’s Board Readiness Programme is designed to prepare senior executives and professionals for board directorship positions. This 10-month programme seeks to equip participants with essential board knowledge and skills, and attune them to the risks and opportunities facing boards today. The curriculum incorporates professional training, board simulation exercises, self-assessment, mentorship and professional networking. At this information session, alumni will share their experience and insights.

Registration for the July 2025 course opens on 17 February 2025.

Director Financial Reporting Fundamentals
27 February 2025 | 9.00am – 6.00pm | PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay

Designed for directors with limited or no financial/accounting background, this course provides essential accounting knowledge and practical tips. It equips participants with the key tools and concepts to review company financial statements and stay up-to-date on good financial practices. Participants will learn how to perform high-level reviews of financial statements and undertake financial reporting and filing.

SID Directors Bulletin
How Relevant are Term Limits?

Term limits set a maximum tenure for incumbents and are often employed as a tool for effective governance. Having term limits can help ensure the necessary leadership renewal and ease the transition process. The “nine-year rule” (which comes into effect on 1 January 2025) is, however, not so much about director tenure but rather about director independence. In effect, a director can continue to stay on a board after nine years – as a non-independent director. After all, observes Willie Cheng, it can be difficult for leaders to let go.

SID Directors Bulletin
The Evolving Talent Landscape

Effective CEO succession planning is critical to the organisation. The tenure of CEOs has been steadily decreasing over the years, reflecting a shift in the dynamics of executive leadership. Technological disruption and rapid market changes mean that organisations must adopt a learning culture and invest in developing the right talent. Ooi Huey Tyng explores how a well-executed succession plan showcases the board’s strategic foresight and ability to influence business outcomes through leadership decisions.

SEA Unicorns: Insights on Scaling Growth and Pioneering Exits 
21 November 2024

The sold-out evening organised by the Startups Network brought together entrepreneurs, investors, directors and ecosystem service providers to explore growth strategies that have propelled Southeast Asia's leading unicorns. With special thanks to Reza Behnam, Joe Dische, James Perry and Juliet Zhu for their keen insights, and to Mandala Club for hosting us.

Déjà Vu: When the Sun Rises in the West
22 November 2024

The networking event organised by the Art Network was a cosy gathering of art enthusiasts who braved the monsoon rains for an artfully curated evening. Special thanks to The Private Museum and Netpoleon Singapore for their partnership, to Francis Choo and Ken Chua for their perseverance, and to our members and guests for their presence.

Company of Good Recognition 2025
National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre
Applications are open until 3 March 2025

 Copyright (C) 2024 Singapore Institute of Directors. All rights reserved.

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