Singapore – Corporate governance took the spotlight at the 20th Singapore Corporate Awards (SCA) 2025, where 26 companies and six individuals were honoured for their exemplary leadership, transparency, and commitment to stakeholder trust. The prestigious event, co-organised by The Business Times, the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA), and the Singapore Institute of Directors (SID), was held on Sept 1 at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore.
With Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong as guest of honour, this year’s black-tie ceremony reinforced the critical role governance plays in sustaining Singapore’s reputation as a world-class business and financial hub. In his keynote speech, Tong emphasised that integrity and performance must move in tandem, highlighting that companies recognised by the SCA outperformed the market with cumulative returns of 110% between 2008 and 2022, compared to 59% for the Straits Times Index.
“Strong governance builds trust, and trust drives outcomes and productivity,” Tong noted. “The organisations celebrated tonight are not just industry leaders — they set the gold standard for board leadership, financial transparency, risk management, and investor engagement.”
The SCA’s inclusive approach ensures that not only large-cap giants but also small and mid-cap firms — essential drivers of innovation and employment — are recognised. “Transparency and governance are not just for big companies,” Tong added. “They are fundamental for every enterprise that seeks meaningful stakeholder relationships.”
Several listed companies stood out with multiple awards, including Singapore’s “Big Three” banks — DBS Bank, OCBC Bank, and UOB — along with CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust, LHN, and ComfortDelGro. These organisations exemplify the principles of strong governance and strategic stewardship that underpin Singapore’s corporate landscape.
Sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank and supported by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority and Singapore Exchange (SGX), SCA 2025 marked two decades of recognising excellence in corporate leadership. Over the years, it has grown into one of the most respected platforms in Asia for celebrating companies that align robust governance with innovation, accountability, and long-term value creation.
As Singapore continues to strengthen its global standing as a trusted destination for capital and enterprise, the 2025 awards reaffirm that governance excellence is not merely a compliance exercise — it is a competitive advantage that shapes sustainable success in the corporate world.
