ACRA and SID partner to strengthen director capability and governance standards in Singapore

SINGAPORE, 28 August 2026 — The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and the Singapore Institute of Directors (SID) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly develop an enhanced training programme that will strengthen director capability and promote strong standards of corporate governance across Singapore's business landscape.

The Company Director Fundamentals (CDF) programme equips directors with practical knowledge of their legal, fiduciary and governance responsibilities.

The new programme was announced by Second Minister for Finance, Ms Indranee Rajah at the SID Directors Conference 2026, where she also participated in a fireside chat moderated by SID Vice-Chair Mr Max Loh.

This collaborative effort reflects ACRA’s commitment to developing Singapore as a practice leader in corporate governance, and its role in building a skilled and capable business community.

A Programme for Directors at Every Stage

To be open for registration in October 2026, the CDF is jointly developed by ACRA and SID, with support from RSM Singapore and Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP. A multi-agency working group comprising the CPF Board and the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore and Workplace Safety and Health Council will support the programme's development and periodic review, ensuring it remains relevant to directors operating in Singapore's evolving regulatory and business environment.

The CDF is structured around two phases — CDF 101, comprising six complimentary modules, and CDF 201, comprising four paid modules — with each module designed to be bite-sized, making it easy for busy directors to learn at their own pace.

CDF 101 comprises six complimentary modules jointly developed by ACRA and SID, which provide directors with a practical foundation in core legal, fiduciary and governance responsibilities, equipping them with the essential knowledge to discharge their duties effectively.

Building on this foundation, CDF 201 comprises four additional paid modules that deepen directors' capabilities in areas that are increasingly critical to effective board stewardship, organisational resilience and long-term business performance. The full list of modules is set out in the Annex.

As Singapore's national institute for directors, SID will deliver the programme to participants. Those who complete all ten CDF modules will receive a Certificate of Completion from both ACRA and SID.

With boards facing growing expectations to navigate increasingly complex legal, technological and business challenges, the CDF programme seeks to strengthen baseline governance competencies among directors across Singapore. By making practical governance training more accessible, ACRA and SID aim to support better-governed organisations and reinforce Singapore's reputation as a trusted and well-governed global business hub.

“Good governance is not just about compliance, it is about making better decisions, managing risk and creating long-term value. Through our partnership with ACRA, the Company Director Fundamentals programme equips directors across companies of different ownership structures, sizes and stages of growth with the knowledge and confidence to fulfil their responsibilities. Ultimately, capable directors make better decisions, build stronger organisations, and contribute to a more resilient Singapore,” said Ms Emily Poon, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Institute of Directors. 

“Directors play a central role in upholding governance and accountability across Singapore’s corporate community. Through our partnership with SID, ACRA is making practical governance training more accessible, equipping directors to discharge their duties effectively and reinforcing trust in Singapore’s business ecosystem,” said Mrs Chia-Tern Huey Min, Chief Executive of the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority.

Deepening Director Capabilities with SID

Should directors like to deepen their capabilities, SID offers other programmes that are increasingly critical to effective board stewardship, organisational resilience and long-term business performance. This includes an accreditation programme for directors that directors may qualify for with the completion of CDF 101 and 201.