Director Development Programmes
The best boards and directors know that learning never stops
An effective board is built on more than experience and good intent. It requires a solid grounding in the principles, duties, and regulatory expectations that shape modern directorship. Governance training strengthens a director’s credibility and equips board members with a clear understanding of fiduciary duties, regulatory frameworks and oversight responsibilities needed to keep pace with a rapidly evolving landscape.
As governance demands intensify across sectors, continuing education has become an essential part of responsible board service. For listed companies in particular, the commitment is explicit: under the SGX Listing Rules, boards must ensure that directors with no prior directorships at an issuer on the Exchange undergo mandatory training to understand their roles, obligations and the regulatory environment. This reinforces the expectation that every director – new or seasoned – maintains the competence required to discharge their duties effectively.
This section offers a curated list of institutions that support directors in their board journey.
Board Education and Training
ISCA, together with SAC Capital, has jointly-developed the Board of Directors (BOD) Masterclass Programme, a training programme prescribed by the Singapore Exchange Regulation (SGXRegCo) aimed to uplift the proficiency of board of directors. This all-you-need-to-know programme includes e-learning modules, in-person masterclasses with playback recording, networking with industry veterans and sharing of case studies.
The INSEAD International Directors Programme — INSEAD’s flagship course in corporate governance — is a unique educational experience that aims to develop more effective directors for the global business scene. In three focused modules, participants master strategies for the following fundamental areas: board effectiveness and dynamics; board decision-making and oversight; and director effectiveness and development.
Fontainebleau or Singapore + Fontainebleau
The Singapore Institute of Directors (SID) is Singapore’s national association for company directors. SID seeks to transform boards and empower board directors to be champions of good governance. It also promotes the professional development of directors and corporate leaders.
Board and Director Fundamentals
Singapore
Singapore Management University (SMU) offers — in partnership with Singapore Institute of Directors (SID) — a unique six-module programme which provides a 360-degree board-level view of the key strategic areas and issues faced by company directors. Taught by expert faculty and industry professionals, the programme is designed to help participants enhance their board level skills and update their knowledge and ability to lead in challenging times.
Singapore
The Financial Times Non-Executive Director Diploma is a 6-month course for current and aspiring non-executive directors. This post-graduate level qualification covers aspects of successfully running a company and the important role the non-executive director plays in maximising value and ensuring long term sustainability.
Online Learning
The Harvard Business School’s Women on Boards: Succeeding as a Corporate Director is designed to provide insight into navigating the board selection process and maximizing senior women executive’s success as a corporate director.
Boston
Board Exposure and Mentorship
Deloitte SEA Boardroom Program
The Deloitte SEA Boardroom Program brings together current and aspiring directors, senior executives and governance leaders through curated events, thought leadership and peer learning opportunities. Participants gain insights into emerging governance issues, board effectiveness and leadership trends, while expanding their professional networks within the board community.
ISCA Board Nexus
The ISCA Board Nexus supports aspiring directors through structured mentorship with experienced board leaders. Participants gain practical insights into board service, governance expectations and boardroom dynamics, while benefiting from the guidance, experience and networks of established directors. The programme helps individuals deepen their board readiness and better understand pathways to securing and succeeding in board appointments.
SCWO BoardAgender
BoardAgender is an initiative by the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO) that seeks to increase the number of women on boards in Singapore. Through networking events, mentorship opportunities and engagement with experienced directors and board chairs, BoardAgender helps aspiring women directors build connections, gain insights into board service and navigate pathways to board appointments.
