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.
Leadership-in-action
In a world of shifting geopolitics, conflicts, trade wars, climate risks, new technologies and cyber threats, true leadership means not reacting to change but taking smart risks and shaping the future proactively.
Themed “Navigating Change, Creating Opportunities”, breakfast forum Leadership-in-Action brought together some 120 board directors representing more than 150 of Singapore’s largest organisations (Top 150 SGX-listed firms, private companies, large institutions of a public character, and statutory boards).
Organised by CBD and supporting organisation the Singapore Business Federation, discussions — featuring Caecilia Chu (Co-founder & CEO, YouTrip; Board Member, iFast Corp), Euleen Goh (Chairman, Singapore Institute of Management; Member, Public Service Commission), Dr Jeffrey Jaensubhakij (Group Chief Investment Officer, GIC) and Suhaimi Zainul-Abidin (CEO, Quantedge Capital; Board Member, NVPC) — centred on the board of director’s role in setting strategic direction, particularly in dynamic times.
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
