Mr Chee Hong Tat, Minister for National Development and Deputy Chairman of MAS
Mr Yeoh Oon Jin, Chairman of SID
Board chairs from SGX-listed companies
Distinguished guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
1. Good morning, and thank you for joining us at the SGX IPO Arena.
2. This venue is where many entrepreneurs have struck the gong to mark their companies’ entry into the public markets.
3. But as we all know, the IPO is not the finish line; it is the starting point of a much longer journey.
Why the Guild Matters
4. Today, as we launch the SID Chairpersons’ Guild, we recognise that listed companies exist not just for their controlling shareholders, but for their entire investor base.
5. These investors expect companies to create sustainable value, and that requires strong leadership at the very top.
6. As the CEO of a listed company, I can attest to the difference that wise counsel makes.
7. At SGX, I have been fortunate to learn from three very distinguished chairmen – Mr Chew Choon Seng, Mr Kwa Chong Seng and our current chairman, Mr Koh Boon Hwee, all of whom have provided invaluable perspectives to my management team and me.
8. But not every board or CEO has access to such guidance. That is why this Guild matters: it creates a trusted space for chairs to share insights, exchange ideas, and mentor one another, so that every company can benefit from leadership excellence.
Connecting to the National Agenda
9. This initiative aligns closely with the broader Value Unlock agenda that Minister Chee announced in November.
10. This is a national effort to strengthen governance, sharpen strategy, and enhance investor confidence. The Guild is a cornerstone of this vision.
11. By uplifting board leadership, we reinforce Singapore’s reputation for trusted, forward-looking companies.
Looking Ahead
12. Through the Guild’s forums and peer-learning opportunities, chairs will be able to engage with global experts, regulators and investors – building the capabilities needed to navigate complexity and unlock long-term value.
13. This is how we move from compliance to true competitiveness, from meeting expectations to shaping the future.
Closing
14. On this note, I congratulate SID for driving this initiative and thank all of you for being part of this journey.
15. Together, let’s make the Chairpersons’ Guild not just a network, but a force for excellence – one that complements national efforts and sets new benchmarks for governance and value creation.
16. Thank you.
