GDInstitute launched to advance corporate board governance

The institute targets board accountability as regulatory scrutiny intensifies.

GDInstitute (GDI), an independent body focused on improving board effectiveness and governance standards across the region, was officially launched today.

The institute aims to support company directors and governance professionals as board responsibilities expand amid tighter regulation, cross-border operations, and higher expectations from investors and regulators.

GDI said its work will focus on strengthening judgement, accountability, and fiduciary responsibility at board level, rather than compliance alone.

Corporate governance specialist Professor Mak Yuen Teen will chair the institute.

Its board includes Dr. Zafar Momin, a board member of Petronas Chemicals Group and adjunct professor at NUS Business School and Mary Yeo, independent director at First Resources Ltd.

Datuk Shireen Muhiudeen, deputy chairman of the Asian International Arbitration Centre and former chairman of Bursa Malaysia and Dr. Etty Retno Wulandari, former deputy commissioner at Indonesia’s Financial Services Authority round off the board.

Former Economic Development Board chairman Philip Yeo serves as honorary adviser.

The launch was held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Singapore and attended by board members and advisers.

GDI plans to run professional development programmes and regional forums aimed at helping directors navigate complex boardroom decisions.

Its approach will centre on applied learning and peer exchange, using real governance challenges drawn from Asian markets.

Shireen said stronger board accountability plays a direct role in market confidence. “Strong governance is fundamental to investor confidence. By strengthening accountability at the board level and encouraging constructive engagement with stakeholders, GDI can help organisations build depth in value and resilience,” she said.

GDI said it intends to serve as a regional platform for dialogue on governance practices as companies face growing scrutiny over risk management, transparency and long-term performance.