Uplifting board leadership

Dear Members,

As August begins, we reflect on the momentum we have built and look forward to offering new opportunities to connect, learn and lead together.

Strengthening board leadership capabilities

SID Board Readiness Programme 2025-2026 was launched last month, welcoming 46 senior professionals into its third cohort. Over the next 10 months, participants will embark on a transformative journey to prepare for success in the boardroom. 

Our inaugural Build Your Path to Board Directorship workshop saw 32 participants uncover their strengths and craft compelling board narratives. Registration is now open for the next run on 25 September 2025.

We also welcomed the second cohort of council leaders to the SID-SBF Leadership Programme for TAC Councils, a collaboration with the Singapore Business Federation. The July session brought together 25 senior leaders to explore director duties, governance best practices and challenges unique to trade associations and chambers. 

Our flagship Listed Entity Director (LED) Programme, supported by SGX Group, concluded with an overall satisfaction rating of 4.5 out of 5. Registration is now open for the next run from 8 to 15 October 2025, while LED Programme (Mandarin) Core will run from 2 to 11 September 2025. 

Conversations shaping the boardroom 

Climate Governance Singapore Forum 2025 saw over 170 directors and business leaders come together for a robust exchange on climate risk, innovation and board leadership.
 
Cyber Resilience Training for Board Directors was conducted at the NCS Hub on 24 July 2025, as part of our ongoing commitment to offer free training to 500 directors together with the launch of the Cyber Resilience Guide for Boards in Singapore by SID, ISTARI and NCS, supported by Cyber Security Agency of Singapore. The final session will be held on 1 October 2025 at Capital Tower. Register here.

Our latest current topic event, Sentinel or Sleuth: Directors’ Duties Amid Corporate Fraud, featured Senior Counsel Thio Shen Yi and a panel of speakers who unpacked the landmark ruling in the Goh Jin Hian case and explored the implications for directors’ duties and boardroom accountability.

At the ASEAN Corporate Governance Conference and Awards 2025, 53 Singapore public listed companies were recognised for achieving ASEAN Asset Class status. 

What’s ahead

SID Directors Conference returns on 12 September 2025. This year’s guest-of-honour is Chee Hong Tat, Minister for National Development and Deputy Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore. View the full line-up of speakers and register here.

In collaboration with the Institute of Directors UK (IoD), we are pleased to launch the Global Company Direction Programme in Singapore, 8-11 September 2025 – marking IoD’s inaugural collaboration with an Asian director institute. 

NonProfit board essentials

The refreshed SGOOD 2.0 programme developed with National Council of Social Service offers practical tools to lead with impact. Eligible charities can receive up to 80 per cent funding through the Charities Capability Fund. Special rates are available for SID NonProfit members – learn more and register here.

The Singapore Governance and Transparency (SGTI) Forum 2025 on Good Governance for Vibrant Capital Markets on 13 August 2025 will unveil the 2025 SGTI results and highlight emerging trends in board leadership, transparency and sustainability.

SID’s Nominating and Remuneration Committee (NRC) Seminar 2025 on 3 September 2025 is a must-attend for NRC members and board leaders. Topics include board renewal, evolving NRC chair roles and compensation strategies amid growing board responsibilities.

Membership highlights 

SID Corporate members enjoy exclusive benefits from our partners – covering special offers across board management, insurance, risk and compliance, sustainability and stakeholder management. Explore the full suite of partners and benefits here.

The SID Members Networking event is happening on 2 September 2025. Join us for an evening of relaxed conversation and connection with other members.

Not yet a member? Join now, with special rates available across Individual, Corporate and NonProfit plans, until end of September 2025.

Whether you are stepping into your first board role or deepening your impact, SID remains committed to supporting every stage of the directorship journey. Stay connected!

HIGHLIGHTS

Singapore Governance and Transparency Forum 2025
Good Governance for Vibrant Capital Markets
13 August 2025 | 10.00am – 12.00pm | SGX Auditorium

Join us as we unveil the headliners of this year’s Singapore Governance and Transparency Index (SGTI). We spotlight how leading companies are raising the bar and reveal emerging trends shaping the governance landscape. Vibrant capital markets depend on trust – between issuers and investors, regulators and companies, boards and shareholders. By benchmarking key areas such as board leadership, transparency and sustainability, the SGTI serves as a guide for stakeholders seeking greater clarity and a reference point for companies striving to improve.

SID Directors Conference 2025
12 September 2025 | 9.30am – 5.30pm
Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre

Get ready for the premier annual gathering of board leaders and corporate governance champions. Set against a backdrop of shifting geopolitics, dynamic trade relations and changing demographics, the SID Directors Conference on Transformational Directorship: Purpose, Practice, Performance, Progress features distinguished speakers and industry experts who will delve into the multifaceted challenges facing boards and directors as they help their organisations transform and adapt to the evolving business landscape and create value for their stakeholders.

View the updated programme featuring distinguished speakers here.

SID Members Networking (for members only)
2 September 2025 | 5.00pm – 7.00pm | Collyer Quay Centre

Join us for an upcoming SID Members Networking Event on Tuesday, 2 September 2025 at Taki Izakaya Bar. Savour delicious Japanese cuisine amidst an elegant setting. Come connect with fellow SID members and expand your network. We look forward to seeing you there!

Listed Entity Director Programme (Mandarin)
2 – 11 September 2025 | 1.00pm – 5.00pm | Online Webcast

The Listed Entity Director (LED) Programme is supported by the Singapore Exchange. It is a pre-requisite course for first-time appointees on boards of listed companies, to equip them with the skills and knowledge to execute their roles as directors effectively. The focus is on the range of regulatory, compliance and corporate governance matters of listed companies in Singapore. This Mandarin version of the core LED modules is designed for senior management and board directors who are fluent in Mandarin. 

Nominating and Remuneration Committee Seminar 2025
3 September 2025 | 9.00am – 1.30pm | Guoco Tower

At the SID Nominating and Remuneration Committee (NRC) Seminar, we look at how NRCs are rethinking board renewal and board evaluations. We also explore the evolving role of the NRC Chair, the qualities shaping a new breed of leaders, and how this might influence board dynamics and the organisational culture. Board members, including NC and RC leads, and governance experts will share their insights and practical experiences on how to navigate the challenges of an increasingly fragmented business landscape. 

SID-IoD Global Company Direction Programme
8 – 11 September 2025 | 9.00am – 6.00pm
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay

The Singapore Institute of Directors (SID) in collaboration with the Institute of Directors UK (IoD) is pleased to  launch the Global Company Direction Programme in Singapore. This marks IoD’s inaugural collaboration with an Asian director institute to bring world-class board education closer to directors based in the region. Drawing on the deep expertise and extensive networks of both director institutes, this immersive programme goes beyond theory. It offers a practical and unique curriculum that addresses real-world challenges and strategic opportunities facing today’s global board leaders.

Cyber Resilience Training for Board Directors (Complimentary for members)
1 October 2025 | 3.00pm – 5.30pm | Capital Tower

Board directors now have to navigate an increasingly complex operating environment. Beyond shifting geopolitical and regulatory landscapes, they must also address evolving cyber threats that can severely impact business operations, financial stability and reputation. SID, together with ISTARI and NCS, and with the support of the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore, will share a framework and processes to equip directors with essential insights and practical strategies to strengthen their organisations’ cyber posture. Participants will receive a complimentary print copy of the Cyber Resilience Guide for Boards in Singapore.

Listed Entity Director Programme
8 – 15 October 2025 | Amara Singapore

The Listed Entity Director (LED) 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, you get priority registration to the Audit and Risk Committee Seminar 2026 in January and a set of Corporate Governance Guides for Boards when you complete all nine modules by the end of this year. 

SID Directors Bulletin
Identifying the Root Causes of Board Dysfunction

Board dysfunction can severely undermine a company’s effectiveness. Shariq Barmaky and Kasturi Nathan identify four key root causes: social divisions and poor cultural fit among directors; over-zealousness by first-time or specialist non-executive directors unfamiliar with their oversight role; flawed boardroom governance models that create conflicting responsibilities or excessive influence; and breakdowns in information flow, either through inadequate, excessive or unclear communication. Drawing on board evaluation exercises in Southeast Asia, the authors stress the importance of strategic board composition, strong onboarding, thoughtful structuring of board roles, and improved clarity in board materials.

SID Directors Bulletin
Ask Mr Sid: Functioning on a Dysfunctional Board

In this “Ask Mr Sid” column, a newly-appointed independent director finds himself caught in a dysfunctional boardroom power struggle within a listed company undergoing leadership transition. Pressured by a fellow director to support board reshuffling and a new CEO appointment, he is uneasy with the lack of governance and due process. Mr Sid advises a principled, strategic approach grounded in good governance: seek clarity on the majority shareholder’s stance, build alignment among independent directors, defer major decisions until after the AGM, and insist on a professional, transparent CEO succession process. Above all, he urges the director to uphold integrity, resist shortcuts and model independent judgement to help steer the board toward long-term reform.

Climate Governance Singapore Forum 2025
11 July 2025

The second annual Climate Governance Singapore Forum, held on 11 July 2025 at the SGX Auditorium, brought together board directors, senior executives and climate experts for an afternoon of critical dialogue on advancing climate action from the top. The forum was organised by SID and Climate Governance Singapore and supported by ACRA, ESGpedia and SGX Group. The strong turnout and robust conversations reflect growing momentum among corporate leaders to embed climate into the boardroom agenda and long-term business strategy.

PARTNERS’ HIGHLIGHTS

Signature Series: Mr Lew Chuen Hong
Singapore International Chamber of Commerce
15 August 2025 | 10.00am – 11.30am | Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre
SID members rate: $65 (Promo code: SID82025)

Singapore Regional Business Forum
Singapore Business Federation
19 August 2025 | 8.30am – 5.30pm | The Ritz Carlton, Bangkok
Complimentary pass for SID members

IP Week @ SG
Intellectual Property Office of Singapore
26-27 August 2025 | Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore
SID members rate: $700 (Promo code: IPWSID)

Business Valuation Conference 2025
IVAS-IVSC
27 August 2025 I 9.00am – 5.30pm I Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre
20% off for SID members with promo code
BVC2025Partner@001 (in-person); BVC2025PAHub@002 (virtual)

 Copyright (C) 2025 Singapore Institute of Directors. All rights reserved.

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