The ICDM Pulse: Reflecting on 2024

As we approach the end of 2024, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable year we’ve had together. 2024 has been a year of growth, innovation, and impactful collaboration, and we’re grateful for your continued support and engagement.

Here are some of the highlights from this year:

Highlights of 2024

Elevating Board Effectiveness: Our 2024 ASEAN Board Trends Report (ABT) underscores the critical role of effective boards in driving organisational success.
Fostering ASEAN Leadership: The ASEAN Directors Registry, a joint initiative with the ASEAN IOD Network, empowers directors across the region.
Global Partnerships: Our strategic collaboration with the Institute of Directors (IoD) UK aims to elevate leadership standards and governance practices.
Prioritising Well-being: In partnership with O-Psych Sdn Bhd, we’ve launched a benchmarking initiative to promote mental health and well-being in the workplace.
Recognising Steward Leadership: We’ve collaborated with Stewardship Asia Centre to support SL25, a platform honouring exceptional leadership projects.
Connecting Our Community: Our LIP Alumni Networking Sessions provide a space for graduates to network, share insights, and continue their professional development.

These achievements are a testament to the hard work of our dedicated employees, management team, Board, and partners, along with the unwavering support of our members and the regulators. We remain steadfast in continuing our mission of being the centre of excellence for the professional development of sustainability-driven directors and providing you with the resources and support you need to succeed.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we embark on a new year, we’re excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. We’re committed to delivering even more value to our member community. Stay tuned for exciting announcements and initiatives designed to enhance your experience.

The ICDM Pulse: Strategic Board Sourcing and Budgeting

In this issue, we continue to focus on sourcing as we navigate the complex landscape of board sourcing and budgeting. It is crucial to remember that these two elements are inextricably linked. A well-structured sourcing budget not only ensures the financial health of your organisation but also directly impacts your ability to attract and retain top-tier board members.

To optimise your board’s performance and drive sustainable growth, we delve further into, amongst others, the nuances of board sourcing, practical insights, and expert advice. From crafting competitive compensation packages to choosing the right person for efficient boards, we explore strategies to elevate your board’s effectiveness.

A key component of effective board management is a robust board skills matrix. This valuable tool helps organisations identify skill gaps, optimise board composition, and ensure long-term strategic alignment.

I hope this issue provides you with valuable insights and practical strategies to enhance your board sourcing efforts. By understanding the nuances of board sourcing, crafting effective budgets, and leveraging a skills matrix, you can build a strong and effective board that drives your organisation’s success.

The ICDM Pulse: The Importance of Optimal Board Composition

In an ever-changing business landscape, having a top-tier board with varied expertise is essential for effective decisions and sustainable success.

At ICDM, we emphasise the importance of strong governance. Our upcoming session Lessons from the Trenches: Governance Scandals Unveiled, provides valuable strategies for navigating strategic risk management.

To further boost your board’s efficiency, consider a Board and Director Effectiveness Evaluation (BDEE), which offers vital feedback to enhance performance and encourage ongoing improvement.

Join us in creating a future where boards can confidently lead and achieve lasting success. Discover insights on assessing board and director performance here.

The ICDM Pulse: Boards as Backbone in Business Continuity Planning

In today’s unpredictable business world, resilience is not just a desirable trait but a critical requirement for survival. Business continuity planning (BCP) forms the foundation of this resilience, allowing organisations to withstand disruptions and recover quickly.

As strategic leaders, boards play a crucial role in crafting and overseeing an effective BCP. Beyond oversight, board members need to actively participate in developing strategies, allocating resources appropriately, and regularly testing the plan. By fostering a culture focused on preparedness and resilience, boards can help their organisations navigate challenges successfully.

Dive into the valuable tools and insights tailored to enhance your business continuity plans and crisis management strategies below and also join me at the Leaders Council Summit themed Navigating a Disrupted Future on 25 September 2024 at the Executive Panel Session titled The Economics of Uncertainty: What to Prepare for in 2025 where amongst others, we will discuss the board’s critical role in ensuring business continuity in today’s volatile environment.

The ICDM Pulse: The Role of People and Culture in Securing Organisational Success

Company culture is everyone’s responsibility. A company’s success hinges on the dedication, creativity, and collaborative efforts of each team member. As leaders, our commitment lies in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. By investing in our people, we are securing the future of our organisation.

Join me at the upcoming PACC 2024 conference, where I’ll be delving into effective people strategies, whilst sharing some personal experiences and insights from ICDM’s efforts and advocacy work on people, culture, and talent.

With businesses experiencing rising trends, the role of the Board has gone beyond traditional boundaries. It is therefore timely for me to share with you my views on transformative perspectives on board roles in the Business Today article on “Redefining Board Directorship: A Career Capstone or Evolution”. This piece discusses adaptive leadership, why a diverse board composition is crucial, the importance of competence and humility, and the pivotal role of diversity and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in shaping modern directorship. You can read the two-part article here:

Part 1
Part 2

The importance of upskilling and continuous learning has often been quoted as a top priority in conversations on how Boards can better steer their organisation through shifting trends and growing expectations. In our quest of professionalising directorship, we will continue on our journey in equipping Boards to navigate complex issues through our expanding development offerings.