Singapore Management University (SMU) Executive Development and the Singapore Institute of Directors celebrated the graduation of the 2026 cohort from the SMU-SID Directorship Programme on Thursday, 27 August 2026 in an exclusive Graduation Ceremony at the Temasek Shophouse, marking an important milestone for the programme’s largest graduating cohort to date.
With over 120 graduands completing their directorship journey, the graduation ceremony brought together senior leaders and professionals who had spent months developing their understanding of board responsibilities, governance, risk, strategy, sustainability and the evolving demands of directorship.
Apart from a celebration of completing a programme, the special occasion was also a reflection of the learning, conversations and relationships built along the journey. For many graduates, the SMU-SID Directorship Programme provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives with peers from diverse industries and backgrounds, while gaining insights into the realities of serving effectively in the boardroom.
From learning to the boardroom
The ceremony featured a candid fireside conversation with Siew Choi Yau, an alumna of the SMU-SID Directorship Programme and an independent director, executive coach and portfolio professional.
Moderated by Joe Keen Poon, Governing Council from the Singapore Institute of Directors, the conversation offered graduates an honest perspective on what comes after completing a directorship programme — including the challenges, uncertainties and unexpected opportunities that can come with building a board career.
Reflecting on her own journey, Siew Choi shared that when she graduated from the programme in 2023, she did not have a clear plan for her board career. Instead, she progressed through conversations, relationships and experiences that eventually led her towards a portfolio career spanning board roles, consulting and executive coaching.
Her reflections encouraged graduates to think beyond simply securing a board appointment, and to consider the kind of career and life they ultimately want to build.
Among the key lessons she shared were the importance of contributing meaningfully through one's work, building relationships authentically, and designing a career around the life one wants to lead.
Her candid sharing of the “good, the bad and the ugly” of her board journey resonated strongly with the graduating cohort and offered a valuable reminder that directorship is not a destination, but an ongoing journey of learning, contribution and growth.
The value of learning together
For the graduates, the programme journey extended well beyond the classroom.
Glen Tan, one of the graduating participants, reflected on the many conversations, different perspectives, shared experiences and friendships that made the directorship journey particularly meaningful.
“I couldn’t be more grateful for the incredible mentors and peers who shaped this journey.,” Glen shared, highlighting the strong sense of camaraderie that developed among the cohort.
Other graduates echoed the value of the diverse perspectives and connections formed throughout the programme. For international participant Bernd Pichler, the commitment to completing the programme included multiple trips between Shanghai and Singapore, underscoring the dedication that many participants brought to their learning journey alongside demanding professional and personal commitments.
A new chapter begins
The graduation ceremony marked the completion of a significant learning journey, but also the beginning of a new chapter for the graduates.
As they move forward into their respective organisations, boardrooms and professional communities, graduates join an expanding network of leaders committed to advancing standards of corporate governance and responsible leadership.
For professionals, board members or leaders seeking to deepen their understanding and capabilities in championing good governance, speak with Desmond Ng at desmondngjj@smu.edu.sg or +65 6808 5393 to learn more about the SMU-SID Directorship Programme.
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