Programme launched to improve standard of company directors

An extensive training programme has been launched to improve the standard of company directors and strengthen corporate governance.

- Sue-Ann Tan

The initiative by the Singapore Institute of Directors (SID), which comprises training, a professional exam and continuous development, is open to people already serving as directors and those aspiring to join a company board.

"Accreditation will uplift the directorship profession by promoting continuous improvement, competent leadership and stakeholder confidence," said SID governing council chairman Yeoh Oon Jin.

"With accreditation, directors in Singapore have a structured pathway to chart their professional development. Companies looking to refresh their board can look to the accreditation credential as a testimony of a candidate's commitment to high corporate governance standards and continuous professional development as a director."

The programme is built around the director competency model laid out by SID, which says directors should be competent in eight areas, including governance, financial and digital skills, risk management and sustainability fundamentals.

It is also designed to support directors of all organisations, including listed companies, statutory boards, family firms and non-profit organisations.

There will be training in the eight competencies and candidates will have to sit an exam testing their knowledge in these. They must get a minimum 50 per cent score in all eight sections and achieve an overall 70 per cent grade.