Connecting Leaders

Dear Members,

Welcome to our November newsletter.

At our Annual General Meeting (AGM) held last month, we took the opportunity to reflect on the remarkable year for SID. During the AGM, we announced that our membership has grown to 4,465, marking a 23 per cent increase from the previous year.

As part of our council renewal, we welcomed three new council members, elected three members and re-elected another three members. For our full lineup of the 2024-2025 SID Governing Council, see here.

Last month’s Corporate Governance Roundup provided a succinct wrap-up of the year’s trending topics. As we approach the final stretch of 2024, it’s time to reflect on our collective progress and look forward to the journey ahead. This year has underscored the value of connectivity within the director community – building alliances, sharing insights and supporting each other in our pursuit of excellence in governance.

Fresh from the success of our SID Directors Conference last month, we have started planning for next year. The countdown has started, so save the date: 12 September 2025. Early bird specials will be released in April exclusively for members so you can snag discounts of more than 50 per cent off regular rates. Plan ahead and we’ll see you at Suntec Convention Centre next year.

This month, we have curated a lineup of events and resources designed to foster stronger connections and enhance your role as leaders in a fast-evolving landscape.

Our Members Networking event on 14 November at Collective@Dao by Dorsett provides the perfect setting to celebrate a year of achievements. Members can forge new and meaningful connections to enhance their professional networks.

Networking events by our Women Directors’ Chapter, Workplace Wellness Network, Art Network and Startups Network are also happening this month, so book your places to connect with other directors and professionals.

November also brings crucial learning opportunities, such as the Advanced Programme on Sustainability for Listed Entity Directors, crafted in collaboration with SGX and KPMG. This intensive programme is tailored to equip board directors with the knowledge to navigate the expanding scope of sustainability and ESG practices.

For a regional perspective, attend Climate Governance Singapore’s webinar on Understanding Directors' Duties in Climate Risk to learn about government and regulatory approaches to climate change in Singapore and beyond.

We are pleased to announce the kick-off of our much-anticipated Chairperson Accelerator Programme last month where we welcomed 14 participants. This programme is specifically designed to address the needs of experienced directors who are stepping into or have recently assumed chairperson roles. To learn more or register for the next class in May-June 2025, click here.

Finally, the Q4 2024 issue of our SID Directors Bulletin on Directorship in Transition is out now – packed with a selection of articles exploring how the directorship profession is changing and how governance practices are adapting to meet the challenges of a new era. Login to your SID account to view the latest issues. You can read the digital version or opt to receive the print copy by indicating your preference in your Profile.

We invite you to explore our resources to broaden your understanding, share your insights, and strengthen our network of directors committed to excellence. Let’s close this year with renewed purpose and connections that will guide us in the year to come.

HIGHLIGHTS

SID Members Networking (For SID Members only)
14 November 2024 | 5.00pm – 7.00pm
Collective @ Dao by Dorsett AMTD Singapore

DAO shall not miss this! Connect with fellow SID members and wind down the year in a relaxed setting. Happening at OUE Downtown, this is a networking event you won’t want to miss. Come join us for a special evening with our community of directors to celebrate and wrap up a year of achievements. Good food, great ambience and amazing company, what’s there not to like? We look forward to meeting you soon.

Open to members only, tickets are limited.

Advanced Programme on Sustainability for Listed Entity Directors
27 – 28 November 2024 | 9.00am – 6.00pm | Asia Square Tower 2

With the shift in expectations of businesses’ environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices, board directors need to expand their knowledge and help prepare their companies for the next stage of the ESG journey. This advanced programme is specifically curated for board directors of listed companies and delves deeper into sustainability governance at the board level. It prepares directors to meet regulatory changes, such as sustainability reporting based on International Financial Reporting Standards, while integrating sustainability into business strategy for long-term success. Presented by SID, in collaboration with SGX and KPMG.

Climate Governance Singapore
Understanding Directors’ Duties in the Era of Climate Risk (Complimentary)
20 November 2024 | 10.00am – 11.30am | Online Webcast

With the growing impact of environmental degradation on companies’ operations, climate risk and business strategy are increasingly intertwined. The 2024 edition of the Navigator on Directors’ Duties: Climate Risk and Sustainability Disclosures highlights key information on how directors can manage climate risk. Covering 30 jurisdictions, the guide looks at government and regulatory approaches to climate change, directors’ duties and liabilities, and offers practical tips for directors. This session gives an overview of recent climate-related regulatory developments in Singapore and explores wider regional and global trends.

SEA Unicorns: Insights on Scaling Growth and Pioneering Exits
21 November 2024 | 4.00pm – 6.00pm | Mandala Club

Join us at this engaging session curated by the SID Startups Network to hear regional leaders share the growth strategies that have propelled Southeast Asia's leading unicorns. Tailored for entrepreneurs, investors, directors and ecosystem service providers, the discussion offers valuable insights into key decisions, bold strategies, and how to achieve the perfect exit. Attendees will gain practical knowledge on navigating the business landscape, making this a must-attend opportunity for anyone looking to drive their success like a unicorn.

Déjà Vu: When the Sun Rises in the West (Complimentary for SID members)
22 November 2024 | 4.00pm – 6.00pm | The Private Museum

SID is pleased to present a curated viewing of the exhibition Déjà Vu: When the Sun Rises in the West, in collaboration with The Private Museum Singapore and supported by Netpoleon Solutions. This exhibition draws inspiration from Thai artist Natee Utarit’s personal journey through an array of mediums – paintings, sculptures, embroidery, stained glass and woodcuts. Join us for an evening of art appreciation amidst the tranquil ambience of a private gallery nestled in a unique heritage building.

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 Singapore Institute of Directors, Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority and Singapore Exchange. Discover how ARCs can drive sustainable development and long-term value creation for your organisation.

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 grants from the National Silver Academy are applicable
(subject to approval).

Board and Director Fundamentals
13 February 2025 | 9.00am – 5.30pm | PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay

This course provides a broad-based understanding of what a corporate director needs to know with regards to his or her duties, responsibilities and liabilities, and how he or she can be effective as a director. The course is designed for directors of companies incorporated under the Companies Act in Singapore.

SID Directors Bulletin
Navigating the Complexities of Leadership Transition

Leadership succession is a critical process that can make or break an organisation. A well-managed transition ensures continuity, stability and the ongoing pursuit of strategic objectives. A poorly-executed succession, on the other hand, can lead to significant disruption, adverse performance and even organisational failure. Ben Chester Cheong explores the impact of organisational politics on succession planning and suggests ways for boards and management to work together for effective leadership renewal.

SID Boardroom Matters
Managing Emotional Dynamics for an Effective Board

Good board leadership strikes a balance between talent and experience, complemented by learning, practice and finetuning. Karen Loon examines how effective boards demonstrate high emotional intelligence and a commitment to continuous improvement. Boards that create a supportive environment enable their members to take risks, express ideas, ask questions and admit mistakes. In doing so, they empower their directors to navigate the complexities of corporate governance with confidence and agility.

Corporate Governance Roundup
17 October 2024

From Labubu dolls to the Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai, this year’s SID Corporate Governance Roundup presented different (and novel) perspectives of key trends and topics affecting the directorship ecosystem. Regulatory changes and greater scrutiny of sustainability governance are upping the pressure on companies to improve their stakeholder engagement, just as emerging technologies require directors to innovate and adapt.

Annual General Meeting
17 October 2024

Following the successful conclusion of our Annual General Meeting on 17 October 2024, we welcomed six Council members – three were re-elected and three elected. As part of SID Council renewal, we bade farewell to three Council members who stepped down. Our deepest gratitude to Ng Wai King, Jaspal Singh and Tan Boon Gin for their great dedication and invaluable contributions over the years, and we look forward to their continued support. At the first Council meeting after the AGM, three new Council members were co-opted into the SID Governing Council 2024-2025.

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

Email Category: Updates
To select the email categories you would like to receive from SID, please click ‘Update your communication preference’. Please note that SID will continue to send account servicing emails, including but not limited to membership renewal notices and event registration details, regardless of email communication preference, to facilitate provision of services.