Strengthening governance together

Dear Members,

On 1 May, Emily Poon started her role as Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Institute of Directors. In case you missed her video message, watch it here.

Celebrating milestones 

Last month, we recognised members who reached significant anniversaries (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years) in their SID journey, with commemorative pins sent as a symbol of appreciation. Lifetime membership pins will follow this month. 

Another highlight was the launch of the Qualified Trade Associations and Chambers (QTAC) Director Badge at the TAC Summit 2026, recognising directors who have completed relevant governance training and directorship experience.

Boardroom focused insights

SID Board Academy, in partnership with Ensign InfoSecurity, launched its first “simulation in a box” Cyber Incident Management Programme, equipping boards to lead confidently through ransomware scenarios. Complementing this, SID members benefit from complimentary Cyber Crisis Simulation Training sessions. Over 500 members have already participated and the next session will be held on 13 May. 

We also convened a current topics webinar with our knowledge partner, Hakluyt & Company unpacking the fast-evolving Middle East conflict and its implications for board strategy and resilience. The session underscored the need for boards to engage in real-time on geopolitical risk.

At our event with Workiva, directors explored ESG assurance, data integrity and AI in reporting, alongside sustaining ESG momentum to meet investor expectations. Building on this, SID hosted a current topic webinar on Sustaining ESG Momentum: The Critical Role of Directors (supported by Climate Governance Singapore).

Additionally, we hosted the inaugural session of our Human Capital Chapter, The Board's New Playbook: Strategy, AI and the Human Capital Agenda where the panel unpacked what strategic foresight in human capital management looks like in practice and what boards must do to stay ahead of the AI transformation curve.

Advancing social impact

SID is collaborating with Temasek Trust’s Co-Axis initiative to connect members with early-stage founders in agrifood and biotech sectors, bridging seasoned corporate leadership with impact innovators to advance social impact across the region.

SID Directors Conference 

The annual SID Directors Conference will take place on 28 August 2026 at Suntec Singapore Convention Centre. With the theme, “New Game, New Rules: Do Boards Need a Reset?”, the event will explore how directors can recalibrate and lead in a fractured world. Early bird discounts are now available and registration is open to the public.
 
Upcoming programmes and events

Join fellow directors and senior leaders for a day of golf and meaningful connections at the SID Golf Tournament 2026 – Silver Jubilee Edition, taking place on 22 May at Sentosa Golf Club. Participants may secure a flight, offering an ideal opportunity to host and connect with up to three invited guests (non-SID members are welcome). Secure your slot today if you haven’t booked yet.

On 26 May, Christine Fellowes, Independent Non Executive Director of National Australia Bank and GuocoLand, will share her boardroom journey and insights into navigating diversity challenges at the Women Directors Chapter’s Up Close and Personal session.

Aspiring to serve on a nonprofit board? Our Governance for Outstanding Organisation Directors (SGOOD) Lite Programme offers a flexible, online pathway to build governance essentials at your own pace. Registration closes on 4 June 2026, with modules available until 19 June 2026.

For those aspiring to work in listed company boards, our flagship Listed Entity Director Programme, supported by the Singapore Exchange, will run from 7-14 July. It is a prerequisite course for first time appointees to listed company boards. Registered participants will also receive a Corporate Governance Guidebook (while stocks last).

For the first time in Asia, SID will bring the UK Institute of Directors’ Chartered Director pathway to Singapore from 13–18 July. The Accelerated Certificate in Company Direction programme will cover the role of directors, leadership, finance and strategy, with participants eligible to sit the SID Accreditation Exam and progress to the Diploma in Company Direction.

SID Accredited Directors are reminded to plan their renewal journey. The Renewal Booster Pack offers 16 CPD hours plus a discounted renewal fee. Stay tuned for the Renewal Booster Pack Plus launching in end May.

Together, these initiatives highlight SID’s commitment to strengthening governance and driving impact across the boardroom and beyond. Stay connected.

HIGHLIGHTS

Listed Entity Director Programme
LED 10 – Board Strategy for Value Up
18 and 21 May 2026 | 9.00am – 6.00pm | Amara Singapore Hotel

In line with Singapore’s Value-Up initiative to strengthen our capital markets and enhance the attractiveness of listed companies, this programme explores how directors can enhance capital allocation, engage investors and sharpen strategic oversight to unlock value. Through practical case studies and peer discussions, directors will gain actionable insights into how leading companies translate strategy into value creation outcomes, aligned with the broader goal of building a more vibrant and resilient capital market ecosystem in Singapore.

Eligible SGX-listed companies can tap on the MAS Value-Unlock Equip Grant for up to 50% funding. 

SID Directors Conference 2026
New Game, New Rules: Do Boards Need a Reset?
28 August 2026 | 9.30am – 5.30pm
Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre

From the ravages of war and natural disasters, to tariffs and pandemics, how can boards recalibrate and lead in an increasingly fractious world? What can directors do to strengthen resilience and navigate disruptions? The SID Directors Conference 2026 on New Game, New Rules: Do Boards Need a Reset? will explore best practices in governance and strategy to create sustainable value for their organisations through expert insights, robust discussions and interactive engagement. 

Guest-of-Honour
Indranee Rajah
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office,
Second Minister for Finance and National Development

Early bird registration ends 30 June 2026.

UPCOMING COURSES & EVENTS

Women Directors Chapter
Up Close and Personal with Christine Fellowes
26 May 2026 | 3.30pm – 5.30pm | MBFC Tower 1

Taking centre-stage in the next instalment of the Up Close and Personal series by SID’s Women Directors Chapter is Christine Fellowes, Independent Non-Executive Director of National Australia Bank and GuocoLand. She will share about the challenges on her path to the boardroom. While the case for diversity on boards has received attention in recent years, the reality on the ground may be uneven, as gender, age and even cultural differences come into play. Aspiring and current board members stand to take away useful insights on navigating the boardroom journey.

Board and Director Fundamentals
9 – 10 June 2026 | 1.00pm – 5.00pm | Online Webcast

This introductory course provides a broad-based understanding of what a corporate director needs to know with regards to their duties, responsibilities and liabilities, and how they can be effective as a director. Designed for directors of companies incorporated under the Companies Act in Singapore, this includes directors of commercial companies and those nonprofit organisations incorporated as Companies Limited by Guarantee.

Listed Entity Director Programme
7 – 14 July 2026 | PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay

The Listed Entity Director Programme is a prerequisite course supported by the Singapore Exchange for first-time appointees on boards of listed companies. It seeks to equip participants with the skills and knowledge to effectively execute their duties as directors. Sign up now for our flagship director training course that covers the key competencies expected of a board member. Registered participants receive a Corporate Governance Guidebook (while stocks last). Online and in-person schedules are available, check here for dates.

Listed Entity Director Programme (Mandarin)
1 – 9 September 2026 | 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.

Early bird registration ends 30 June 2026.

FEATURED PUBLICATIONS

SID Directors Bulletin
Can Singapore Get to Net Zero by 2050?

The war in Iran and the Middle East conflict are a stark reminder of the world’s continued dependency on natural resources. Solar energy, regional energy imports and hydrogen are at the heart of Singapore’s net zero strategy. The challenge lies not only in technology but in execution. Edwin Khew explores how boards and business leaders can help bridge the gap between ambition and reality.

SID Directors Bulletin
Moving from Aspiration to Action

Climate transition plans are no longer optional tools to guide business strategy. They are essential for boards to ensure credible pathways are in place to strengthen resilience, engage stakeholders and unlock long-term value. Franziska Zimmerman explains why transitional planning matters and what makes a credible transition plan. Boards that set direction, align resources, monitor progress, and embed sustainability into strategy and decision-making build organisational resilience against climate shocks and stakeholder scrutiny.

YOU MAY HAVE MISSED

Partners’ Appreciation Event
8 April 2026

It was an honour to bring together our valued partners at the annual Partners Appreciation Event. We came together to celebrate collaborations, shared milestones and the meaningful impact achieved over the past financial year. The evening was filled with engaging conversations and fresh ideas – a true reflection of the strength of our community and the exciting opportunities ahead. A heartfelt thank you to all our partners for being part of this journey to drive good governance. We look forward to many more moments of collaboration and shared success.

Explore the full list of SID partners here.

SID x Co-Axis Impact Ventures Advisory Programme – Information
14 April 2026

SID is pleased to collaborate with Co-Axis, an initiative by Temasek Trust, on Impact Ventures Advisory Programme, designed to accelerate the growth of impact-driven start-ups and advance social impact in the region. This programme offers a unique opportunity for SID members to contribute their expertise, networks and leadership experience to help early-stage ventures scale. Founders from the Co-Axis network can also gain strategic guidance and mentorship advice needed to navigate the complexities of scaling purpose-led ventures.

BOARD ACADEMY

Vietnam-Singapore Board Forum
25 – 27 June 2026

SID-IoD Accelerated Certificate in Company Direction
13 – 18 July 2026

PARTNERS’ HIGHLIGHTS

Future Economy Conference
Singapore Business Federation
13 – 14 May 2026 | Sands Expo & Convention Centre

The Singapore WSH Conference 2026
Workplace Safety and Health Council
23 July 2026 | Marina Bay Sands