[23 November 2006]
SMU and SID to collaborate in business governance programme

The Office of Executive Education at Singapore Management University (SMU) and the Singapore Institute of Directors (SID) today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), which establishes a linkage between the organisations for the development of executive education programmes and conferences, business research and other future collaborations. The highlight of the collaboration is a certification programme related to business and governance. In the future, the programme will be developed to include an executive diploma and other graduate modules.

In addition to the certification programme, the MOU involves the two parties' participation in curriculum development as well as the development of teaching materials and case studies; the development of collaborative industry and research projects; and the organisation of and participation in academic and professional activities, such as seminars and conferences. Present for the signing of the MOU were Professor Tan Chin Tiong, Provost and Deputy President , Singapore Management University and Mr John Lim, President, Singapore Institute of Directors. The MOU is valid for three years with the option of extending it to five years.

Said Mr John Lim: “It is important, and opportune, for SID to work with an academic partner such as SMU, so that together we can conceive of and design relevant modules to grow the level of competency and responsibilities for Singapore directors. Such programmes are timely and will be especially useful for younger directors who must be well educated on their fiduciary duties as governed by the Companies Act. We will also work towards some round table discussions and platforms to help grow talent, especially a pool of directors, equipped to oversee companies growing regional or global.”

Said Assoc Prof Annie Koh, Dean of Executive Education, SMU, “We are very excited by this new partnership. The Singapore market is only the start of the journey to grow the competencies across Asia. I believe that we are in for exciting times ahead, and existing pool of directors as well as pipeline of directors should recognise the need to keep abreast of changes in the business environment, legal requirements and the position of trust that is required of them in their roles as executive and non-executive directors, whether of public, private or even non-profit firms.”

Today's signing was conducted at the SID's 8th Annual General Meeting held at the Orchard Hotel Ballroom. The AGM also included a ceremony to award Honorary Fellow status to Professor Tommy Koh, Ambassador-At-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mr Lim Chee Onn, Executive Chairman, Keppel Corporation Ltd. The SID has up to now awarded Honorary Fellow status to Mr S Dhanabalan, Dr Michael Fam, Dr Richard Hu, Mr J Y Pillay, Mr Sim Kee Boon and the late Mr Lim Kim San.

About Singapore Institute of Directors

Formed in 1998 following a private sector initiative to raise the level of corporate governance in Singapore, the Singapore Institute of Directors (SID) now has more than 1,300 members, which include prominent individuals such as listed company directors, corporate leaders, lawyers and accountants. The Institute has a 16-member Governing Council, elected from among its members, comprising reputable business leaders and professionals.

SID is the national association of company directors for the local corporate community. It aims to be a professional body promoting the highest professional and ethical standards of directors through networking, education and information. Its leading role is to raise the level of professional standing and standards of directorship in Singapore . It also aims to increase the pool of persons who are suitable to serve as non-executive independent directors in public listed companies. The secretariat of the SID is currently located at 4 Shenton Way #14-02, SGX Centre 2, Singapore 068807. More information about the SID can be obtained at its web site www.sid.org.sg.