Leading through change

Dear Members,

Boards today are operating in an increasingly complex landscape. This month, we highlight global, regional and local initiatives that support directors, from insights on workplace culture and board strategy, to learning pathways that strengthen board effectiveness and leadership capability. 

Shaping the future of work

One key milestone last month was the launch of the inaugural Singapore Workplace Report 2026: Powering Singapore’s Future, developed by SID in partnership with Gallup. The findings offer a timely snapshot of workplace engagement, leadership and culture in Singapore, and prompt boards to consider how organisations can better build environments where people feel connected, supported and motivated to contribute their best.

Strengthening strategic oversight

We welcomed more than 250 directors and senior leaders to our Current Topics webinar, Board in Strategy: The 2026 Strategy Brief for Directors.

The session explored how boards can play a more active role in shaping strategy, amid geopolitical uncertainty, technological disruption and changing capital flows. The conversation continues through our upcoming Strategy Clinic in August and Board Strategy Masterclass in October.

We also deepened regional dialogue through our inaugural partnership with Vietstar on the Vietnam–Singapore Board Forum, which brought together government representatives, directors and business leaders from both countries to share perspectives on sustainable growth, investment opportunities and cross-border collaboration. 

Globalising professional accreditation

This month, we launch the inaugural SID-IoD Accelerated Certificate in Company Direction, in partnership with the UK’s Institute of Directors. For the first time, directors in Asia can access an internationally recognised pathway to Chartered Director status without leaving the region. 

We have also introduced the Accreditation Renewal Booster Pack and Booster Plus, offering Accredited Directors a more flexible and structured way to meet continuing professional development requirements while maintaining their accreditation. 

For those embarking on their accreditation journey, registration is now open for the August 2026 SID Accreditation Exam.

Aspiring directors

For professionals preparing to step into the boardroom, registration is now open for the next cohort of our flagship Board Readiness Programme (BRP 2.0), starting in September 2026. This 9-month hybrid programme is designed to help participants build both capability and confidence in preparing for board roles. Hear directly from past participants about their experience.

Registration also remains open for the Build Your Path to Board Directorship (BYP) workshop, designed to help participants clarify their board value proposition and prepare for board opportunities.

Specialised pathways

The Listed Entity Director (LED) Programme, supported by Singapore Exchange, is designed for directors and aspiring directors of listed companies. The July intake comprises nine modules delivered in-person.

The Governance for Outstanding Organisation Directors (SGOOD) Programme, developed with NCSS, supports current and aspiring nonprofit directors in strengthening governance practices and driving sustainable organisational impact. Registrations for the second cohort are now open.

We are also pleased to support the Leadership Programme for TAC Councils, designed to strengthen strategic leadership and sustainable governance capabilities for council members and senior management. 

Applications are also open for the fourth cohort of our Chairperson Accelerator Programme (CAP), which supports current and future board chairs through practical learning, interactions with experienced chairs and peer exchange.

Looking ahead

July concludes with the inaugural SID Digital and Tech Forum, where we will launch the AI Guide for Boards in Singapore, with speakers from government, industry and technology, including OpenAI and Microsoft.

Don’t miss the line-up of plenary speakers for the SID Directors Conference 2026 on 28 August. Themed New Game, New Rules: Do Boards Need a Reset?, early bird registration has been extended until 19 July and we encourage you to secure your spot early.

As board expectations evolve, so must director capabilities. SID remains committed to supporting directors at every stage of their governance journey.

We invite you to connect with us on LinkedIn for the latest updates, insights and opportunities.

HIGHLIGHTS

SID Digital and Tech Forum 2026
31 July 2026 | 12.30pm – 5.30pm
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay

The SID Digital and Tech Forum 2026 is SID’s inaugural forum for board directors and senior leaders navigating the opportunities and risks of rapid technological change. Graced by Guest-of-Honour, Minister for Digital Development and Information, Mrs Josephine Teo, the forum will convene leaders across business, technology and governance for a timely discussion on how boards can govern innovation, risk and transformation. A key highlight of the programme is the launch of the AI Guide for Boards in Singapore, alongside a conversation with OpenAI and Microsoft on “Governing the Speed of Change” and a board-focused panel on how boards turn technology aspiration into execution.

SID Directors Conference 2026
New Game, New Rules: Do Boards Need a Reset?
28 August 2026 | 9.30am – 6.00pm
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 19 July 2026.

UPCOMING COURSES & EVENTS

Spotting Financial Red Flags for Effective Governance
28 July 2026 | 9.00am – 6.00pm | Amara Singapore

Delivered in collaboration with Deloitte Singapore, this masterclass adopts a dynamic case-study methodology and boardroom simulation approach, allowing participants to experience real-world governance challenges in a safe learning environment. Rather than focusing solely on technical accounting concepts, participants will learn how to interpret financial information through a strategic governance lens, identify emerging risks, challenge management constructively and make better-informed decisions.

Startup Chapter
From Founder-Led to Board-Led: 
Building Effective Startup Boards
8 July 2026 | 3.00pm – 5.00pm | SGX

When does a startup need a “real” board of directors? We explore the distinction between advisory and formal boards, and how to build effective boards when scaling up and preparing to go public. Join us, as we review board composition, dynamics between founders, investors and directors, governance versus bureaucracy, compensation, incentives and accountability. Real-world scenarios, such as managing cash runway pressures and supporting rapid regional expansion, will be presented. Networking opportunities with startup ecosystem players not to be missed.

SID Director Accreditation Exam (for members only)
1 – 30 August 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.

Singapore Governance and Transparency Forum
Corporate Governance for the Value Era
5 August 2026 | 9.30am – 12.45pm | SGX Auditorium

Sound corporate governance is critical to support robust risk management, effective decision-making and enhanced stakeholder confidence. Beyond compliance and safeguarding assets, boards can play an important role in shaping strategy and unlocking shareholder value. Join us at this year’s Singapore Governance and Transparency Forum to learn which Singapore companies are recognised in the Singapore Governance and Transparency Index (SGTI), and hear from industry leaders and experts on how companies can harness good governance to drive long-term value creation.

Governance for Outstanding Organisation Directors (SGOOD) Programme
eLearning: July 2026 – June 2027
In-Person: 21 August 2026 | 12 November 2026

The SGOOD Programme is designed to empower current and aspiring board members of NPOs. The programme aims to provide a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities while equipping them with the tools and insights to make values-driven, future-ready decisions that support long-term impact. The SGOOD Programme consists of two parts, 10 eLearning modules and an in-person session. Participants must complete both parts to receive a SGOOD Certificate of Completion.

Chairperson Accelerator Programme
28 – 30 September, 21 – 22 October 2026
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay

A four-week advanced board leadership programme, anchored in Singapore’s position as a leading governance and business hub for ASEAN and Asia, delivered jointly with Heidrick & Struggles. It brings together board leaders, directors and aspiring chairpersons from diverse industries, markets and organisational contexts. Through in-person learning, participants gain regional perspectives, exposure to emerging governance trends and practical insights from experienced guest chairpersons across Asia, strengthening their ability to lead high-performing boards with confidence.

FEATURED PUBLICATIONS

SID Directors Bulletin
Evolving from Policeman to Navigator

Boards can no longer function only as guardians of compliance, says Piyush Gupta. In a world of rapid technological and societal change, directors must evolve from watchdogs to navigators, taking on the mantle of active stewardship. Corporate leaders must firmly grasp the helm to steer their organisations through complexity to create enduring value in a rapidly evolving landscape.

SID Directors Bulletin
The 2 x 2 x 2 of Transformational Boards

Artificial intelligence, cyber risk and geopolitical fractures are disrupting business-as-usual. Howie Lau explores how boards can up their game by taking deliberate steps to align their field of vision and time horizon to be truly transformational in their approach. The real test is no longer governance alone, but whether directors can balance conformance with performance. Boards must step up as catalysts to shape the future.

YOU MAY HAVE MISSED

Launch of the SID-Gallup Singapore Workplace Report 2026
22 June 2026

The Singapore Institute of Directors and Gallup launched the inaugural Singapore Workplace Report 2026: Powering Singapore’s Future – a timely and important study on the state of workforce engagement, leadership and workplace culture in Singapore. Dinesh Vasu Dash, Minister of State for Manpower, was the guest-of-honour at the event.

BOARD ACADEMY

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

This 6-day in-person programme is part of the UK IoD’s globally recognised Chartered Director pathway, now available in Singapore through SID. It offers an accelerated alternative to completing multiple UK-based modules over several months, giving directors a fast-track route to international governance credentials.


SJTU-SID-Emeritus Advanced Global Directors Programme
8, 9, 11 September and 12 – 15 October 2026

A tripartite collaboration between the Singapore Institute of Directors, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and the Emeritus Institute of Management, this programme immerses board leaders in governance practices across Singapore and China. It equips Singapore board directors with the insights, networks and immersion needed to navigate China’s dynamic market environment.

PARTNERS’ HIGHLIGHTS

Singapore Data Festival 2026
Infocomm Media Development Authority & Personal Data Protection Commission
20-24 July 2026 | 8.45am - 7.00pm | Sands Expo & Convention Centre

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

Singapore IP Week 2026
Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) 
26-27 August 2026 | Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre

UNGCNS Summit 2026
UN Global Compact Network Singapore
2 September 2026 | 9.00am - 6.00pm | Equarius Hotel, Sentosa