Dear Members and Friends

This Friday we will mark International Women’s Day and celebrate all the women who contribute to and enable our lives, our businesses and our society.

Respect for women and the protection of equal rights for them are foundational principles for the Republic of Singapore. Gender diversity is evident in the private and public sectors and, yet, there remains much work to be done to achieve gender parity on company boards. Too many boards are the preserve of the same old boys. Not having enough women on boards reduces independence of thinking and the diversity of perspectives. More companies need to act in their own best, long term interests. They need to stop the outdated practice of recruiting more old boys and their friends in their own image. Instead, they need to start recruiting competent women and men who are not like them. This takes courage and the 9 year tenure rule on boards should help more companies gain that courage. The importance of Nominating Committees cannot be overstated in this regard.

The Chamber is marking International Women’s Day with a jointly organized event with Singapore Institute of Directors on the importance of Nominating Committees and the skills needed to serve on them. The event features a panel of 3 women directors, including SICC Chairwoman Dawn Tan Ly-Ru and 1 male moderator in the spirit of the day. I invite you to join our celebration by attending and participating in this learning session. Click here to register.

Yours faithfully
Victor Mills
Chief Executive