Singapore directors gain front-row access to China’s boardroom opportunities

Written By SID Board Academy

Press Release

SID, SJTU and Emeritus collaborate on Advanced Global Directors Programme

  • The Advanced Global Directors Programme offers Singapore board directors a structured Singapore–China immersion that combines board-level governance training with direct exposure to China’s leading enterprises and innovation ecosystems.

  • Jointly delivered by the Singapore Institute of Directors (SID), Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) and Emeritus, the programme brings together Singapore’s governance expertise, China’s academic and industry leadership, and global executive education capabilities.

  • Recognised under SID’s Accreditation Qualification Pathway, the programme supports Accreditation eligibility for senior directors navigating cross-border growth, strategy and risk in the China market.

Singapore, 4 February 2026 – With board leaders in Singapore increasingly expected to navigate new growth and expansion strategies in the China market, the SJTU-SID-Emeritus Advanced Global Directors Programme has been launched to equip Singapore board directors with the insights, networks and immersion needed to navigate China’s dynamic market environment.

Endorsed by seasoned board directors including Richard Eu, Chairperson of Eu Yan Sang International, K V Rao, Chairman of Tata International Singapore, Su-Yen Wong, Global Board Member of Kemin Industries, and Sean Goh, Deputy CEO of Serial System Ltd., the programme offers Singapore directors a structured pathway to deepen their understanding of China’s boardroom practices and governance landscape.

This new initiative is a tripartite collaboration among:

“This collaboration bridges Singapore’s governance expertise, China’s innovation ecosystem and global learning delivery – creating a distinctive learning experience for board directors” — Mr Adrian Chan, FSID, First Vice-Chair, SID Governing Council

Unlike traditional leadership programmes, this initiative offers experienced board leaders a Singapore-China exchange that blends governance training with site-based immersive learning. Leading faculty and senior board experts will provide deep insights into the China market while guiding participants in sharpening their boardroom strategies. Delivered across Singapore and Shanghai/Hangzhou, the programme combines academic rigour with real-world exposure.

Programme Structure

  • Phase 1 (Singapore-based): Participants will come together with experienced board leaders, global faculty and policymakers for candid boardroom-level discussions on geopolitics, AI, value creation and the evolving Singapore–China relationship and its impact on business. This phase includes a site visit to Serial System, a listed Singapore company with significant investments and operations in China.

  • Phase 2 (China-based): Participants will take part in an intensive international immersion at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. This leg of the programme will feature sessions with China-based industry leaders and curated site visits to some of the country’s most innovative enterprises, such as Hangzhou’s Six Little Dragons, Red Note (Xiaohongshu / 小红书) and Alibaba.

Crucially for Singapore directors, the programme is recognised as an approved programme under SID’s Accreditation Qualification Pathway, supporting eligibility for SID Accreditation for Singapore board members.

“For directors looking to understand the cross-geography complexity and cultural nuances. This programme is designed to fill that need.” — Mr Richard Eu, Group Chairperson of Eu Yan Sang International Ltd.

The programme is open to senior board directors from listed companies, family enterprises, statutory boards, private companies, high-growth ventures and nonprofit organisations.

“We’re honoured to host seasoned leaders and board directors and share our journey and insights in China. The opportunity to exchange insights with experienced directors from diverse backgrounds is one we truly value—we learn as much from these conversations as we hope to contribute.” — Mr Sean Goh, Deputy Group CEO, Serial System Ltd

For more information, visit https://enterprise.emeritus.org/advanced-global-director-programme or email us at chong.karen@emeritus.org

About SID

Singapore Institute of Directors (SID) is the national association for company directors. Established in 1998, our mission is to transform boards and empower board directors to be champions of good governance. We serve as the voice for directors and facilitate consultation on regulatory matters. SID advocates for good governance through our thought leadership and research, and builds director competencies and capabilities through professional development. Our accreditation programme sets standards to uplift good governance, supported by our courses, workshops, masterclasses and forums. We connect and strengthen the ecosystem with initiatives such as mentoring and networking. The SID Governance for Good Alliance brings together key stakeholders to help advance our vision for every board director to be a champion of good governance. https://www.sid.org.sg/

About Emeritus

At Emeritus, we’re committed to teaching you the skills of the future by making high-quality education accessible and affordable. We achieve this by collaborating with more than 80 top-tier universities across the United States, Europe, China, Southeast Asia, Australia and Latin America. Our short courses, degree programs, professional certificates, and senior executive programs help you learn new skills and transform your life, company, and organization. With our unique model of state-of-the-art technology, curriculum innovation, and hands-on instruction from senior faculty, mentors, and coaches, we’ve educated more than 350,000 individuals across 80+ countries.

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