Our Views
Meritocracy
And Diversity
Can Co-Exist
We support appointing board directors based on merit. However, board diversity is crucial to achieve sustained, long-lasting change.
Quotas Do Not
Guarantee
Ensuing Benefits
We are interested in having women on boards for the benefits that it brings. Meeting quotas does not guarantee that benefits follow.
Suitable Women
Candidates
are Available
Look beyond personal networks and re-examine the typical profile of board directors. The pool of candidates could be much larger than expected.
Sponsors Play an
Important Role in Growing Board Talent Pool
With their influence, sponsors that take an active role in the advancement of high-potential individuals open doors and ensure talent doesn’t go unnoticed.
Boost Investor
Confidence Through Diversity Disclosure
Companies disclosing their board diversity policy in the right spirit will help raise the profile of Singapore-listed issuers.
Board Diversity And Inclusion Study 2026
Boards across Singapore are addressing diversity with increased intensity. A new study by the Council for Board Diversity Singapore and Egon Zehnder, surveying 170 board members drawn from listed companies in Singapore, finds that 92% of directors say board diversity is a deliberate, defined strategy.
That intent is reshaping board composition. Directors are broadening diversity across experience, expertise, and background to strengthen oversight and decision-making. As this approach scales, boards will judge success by whether diversity consistently deepens discussion and sharpens judgment.
What matters next is whether these structures deliver real impact.
Diversity to Impact
How far has board diversity in Singapore come — and where are we heading next?
Gan Seow Kee, Co-Chair of the Council for Board Diversity (CBD), and Sacha Tong, Executive Director, share end-2025 board diversity figures and address the evolution, impact, and future of board diversity efforts in Singapore.
Even with the new data confirming deepened diversity gains across organisations, representation alone is not the benchmark for success. The conversation has evolved. The critical question now is how boards can move beyond diversity as representation, towards inclusivity, conviction, and ultimately, impact. This next chapter challenges boards to translate diverse composition into stronger governance, better decision-making, and richer boardroom culture.
Board Appointment Guide for Charities 2025
Designed to help charities build boards equipped to navigate complex challenges and serve communities effectively, the new Board Appointment Guide for Charities 2025 complements the principles-based Code of Governance for Charities and Institutions of a Public Character by offering step-by-step guidance and technical know-how to support charities in adopting structured, intentional approaches to board appointments. Key areas include succession planning, tenure and diversity – encompassing skills, experience, gender, age, and background.
Progress of Women on Boards
As at 31 Dec 2025
As at 31 Dec 2025
As at 31 Dec 2025
