Governance in action

Dear Members,

The past month has been filled with engagements and launches that continue the momentum we set in January.  

Leadership update

We are delighted to welcome Emily Poon who joined us as CEO designate on 1 March 2026 and will assume the CEO role on 1 May, succeeding Terence Quek. Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for SID as we strengthen our role in uplifting governance and directorship in Singapore and beyond.

Global perspectives

The essence of the inaugural Global Directors Exchange (GDX) held in Singapore last September is now captured in Boards in an Intelligence Led Era: Perspectives from the Global Directors Exchange Singapore 2025. The report distils ideas from 60 board chairs and senior directors across 30 countries, and proposes how boards can lead in a world shaped by geopolitical shifts, AI acceleration, cyber risk and climate volatility. Watch the GDX Highlights video.

Director development

The Director Financial Reporting Fundamentals Programme wrapped up its February run with strong participation and positive feedback. Registration for the next session in September is now open. 

The 2025-26 Board Readiness Programme (BRP) has entered its mentorship phase, supported by 45 senior and accredited directors who stepped forward to mentor participants. At the same time, BRP 2.0, the refreshed and enhanced version of the flagship programme, has opened registrations for the 2026-27 cohort.

The Chairperson Accelerator Programme launched its third cohort in February and is currently in progress. Registration for the next cohort will open in Q3 2026 – bookmark this page to learn more and stay updated.

Our recent Current Topic webinar, Scaling AI with ISO 42001, drew over 500 participants for an engaging discussion on board-level governance of AI.

SID Credentials

Since its launch in 2024, the SID Director Accreditation Programme has welcomed more than 1,800 accredited directors, with one in three members now accredited. Registrations are now open for the April 2026 exam. If you are already accredited, take advantage of the early bird renewal offer of 30% off until 30 April.

SID’s newly launched SID Qualified Listed Entity Director (QLED) Badge is the first in a series of specialist domain Badges recognising directors who complete specific programmes. The QLED badge demonstrates competency in listed-entity governance. If you missed the launch webinar, the replay is available here. 

Other highlights

We also welcomed new members at our first Meet & Mingle of the year, an evening of introductions and meaningful connections.

Our upcoming Chapter-led events include Women Shaping Family Business Boards on 19 March and Fit for Future Boards on 25 March. The Pit-Stop: Real Conversations That Matter on 26 March will provide a candid look at the realities faced by Nominating and Remuneration Committees. On the same day, interested members can join the complimentary preview of the SID SMU Directorship Programme. 

We encourage members to join the Cyber Crisis Simulation Training for Directors on 31 March, led by Ensign InfoSecurity. This complimentary 90 minute workshop is designed to equip board members with practical skills to strengthen cyber resilience. 

Looking ahead, the refreshed and hybrid Governance for Outstanding Organisation Directors 2.0 Programme added an extra in-person session on 7 May to cater to the strong demand for the 2025-2026 run. The newly established SID Board Academy will offer the SJTU SID Emeritus Advanced Global Directors Programme, an immersive two-month journey (selected dates between 7 May and 11 June) in Singapore and China. Members can also look forward to SID’s Silver Jubilee Golf Tournament on 22 May at Sentosa Golf Club. Watch the highlights from last year’s event here.

Partner Benefits

We are pleased to welcome new additions to our Partner Benefits Programme – BoardLens Advisory, Delta Underwriting, Ensign InfoSecurity, ESGpedia and Sekuro. Together with our established partners, they provide exclusive benefits for SID Corporate Members. View the full suite of Partner Benefits here.  

We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming programmes and events – stay connected with us as we continue this journey together.

HIGHLIGHTS

SGOOD 2.0 – Governance for Outstanding Organisation Directors Programme
7 May 2026 | 9.00am – 6.00pm | PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay

Developed by SID in collaboration with the National Council of Social Service, the SGOOD 2.0 Programme equips current and aspiring board members of nonprofit organisations with the tools and insights to lead effectively in an evolving governance landscape. Participants have online access to e-Learning modules (16 hours) until 30 June 2026, and are required to attend a full-day in-person session on 7 May 2026.

Golf Tournament 2026 (for members only)
22 May 2026 | Sentosa Golf Club, Tanjong Course

SID is pleased to host its Silver Jubilee Golf Tournament this year. Connect with fellow professionals at our flagship networking event bringing together members, partners and supporters. Individual balls start at S$700. Proceeds from the event go toward supporting SID’s mission as a nonprofit organisation to uplift the directorship community.

Limited early bird slots available until 27 March 2026
(Registration is non-transferable and non-refundable).

UPCOMING COURSES & EVENTS

Women Shaping Family Business Boards
19 March 2026 | 8.30am – 11.00am | 9 Penang Road

Women in family businesses remain an under-examined force. Their influence (often informal, evolving, or overlooked), plays a critical role in shaping governance, continuity and innovation. Hear the personal journeys of women directors who serve on boards of family businesses, and join us for an engaging conversation based on real life experiences that shed light on a vital dimension of family business leadership.

Fit-for-Future Boards: Composition, Capability and Diversity
25 March 2026 | 4.00pm – 6.30pm | Frasers Tower

Step into the decision-maker’s shoes and understand how boards and nominating committees assess and select candidates. SID and BoardOutlook present facilitated discussions, hands-on exercises, and a data-driven skills matrix approach, to show how boards identify skills gaps and assess fit. Participants also get to complete a guided self-assessment to reflect on how their capabilities align with board needs. This workshop will particularly benefit women directors with previous/current directorship roles.

Real Conversations That Matter
26 March 2026 | 9.00am – 12.00pm
Marina Bay Financial Centre 1

For experienced and emerging directors involved in nominating and remuneration committees (NRCs), including current and aspiring NRC chairs, committee members, and governance leaders, this session goes beyond frameworks into the real conversations that shape boards. Step into the tough conversations NRCs are actually having, from listed companies to charity boards. We challenge a sacred assumption: Can anyone chair an NRC? What new competencies are required to lead with confidence and credibility in today’s landscape?

SID Director Accreditation Exam (for members only)
1 – 30 April 2026 | Online (Remote Proctoring)

The SID Director Accreditation programme establishes standards for director competencies and ensures directors stay relevant through continuous professional development. To be accredited, members have to complete at least 32 hours of formal directorship training and pass the SID Director Accreditation Exam administered online. The exam covers the eight areas of boardroom competencies outlined in the Director Competency Model.

FEATURED PUBLICATIONS

SID Directors Bulletin
Managing Supply Chains Amid Global Flux

As legal headwinds hit US President Donald Trump’s global tariff strategy, business are bracing for another round of disruptions. Global supply chains have shifted from a back-office concern to a boardroom priority, says Kerry Mok. Companies must now balance efficiency with resilience, continuing to build partnerships and digital capabilities, while navigating tariffs and trade sanctions.

SID Directors Bulletin
From Tariffs to Tribunal: Countering Trade Turbulence

As global trade rules tighten and protectionist measures rise, Singapore companies face growing exposure to foreign regulatory risks. Monica Chong and Joel Quek explore the legal mechanisms and international obligations available to help businesses navigate uncertainty, mitigate losses and preserve long-term value.

BOARD ACADEMY

From Strategy to Execution: Aligning Your Organisation for Results
9 April 2026

SJTU-SID-EMERITUS Advanced Global Directors Programme
7 May 2026 - 11 June 2026

Vietnam-Singapore Board Forum
25 June 2026 – 27 June 2026

PARTNERS’ HIGHLIGHTS

Singapore Budget Symposium 2026
Singapore Business Federation
12 March 2026 | 9.00am – 12.30pm | Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore
SID member rate: $58 (code: SGBS26TAC58)

2026 Company of Good Recognition
National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre
Applications open until 25 March 2026

Singapore Apex Corporate Sustainability Awards 2026 
UN Global Compact Network Singapore
Applications open until 31 March 2026

INSEAD Directors Forum 2026
INSEAD
24 April 2026 | INSEAD Asia Campus, Singapore
SID member rate: $700 (code: IDFSID2026)

The Singapore WSH Conference 2026
WSH Council
23 July 2026 | Marina Bay Sands
SID member rate: $550 (code: SWSHC26SID)