Ask the expert: What does a board member actually do?

A board member’s role is to ensure that the management of a company is running it well. Board members focus on the bigger picture: strategy, risk, governance, and long-term sustainability. This differs from the C-suite, which is responsible for execution — turning strategy into action, managing teams, and delivering results.

What qualifies someone for a board role

In the current environment, boards are looking for intentional diversity — based on relevant expertise, diverse perspectives, and independent thinking. That could come from leaders in finance, technology, sustainability, legal, or even human capital. Boards require strategic thinkers who can offer constructive challenge and alternative perspectives.

Those looking to land their first board appointment may consider board-readiness programmes and board-matching initiatives to build exposure and pathways into these roles. Many will start with non-profit boards, or advisory and committee roles, to gather relevant experience and confidence.

It is less about seniority, although experience remains important, depending on the type of board and organisation. What matters more is the ability to think long term, raise difficult questions and stay motivated by purpose rather than position. 

How to get a board position

Building a network within relevant organisations is key, along with training, building your board profile, CV, and seeking mentorship. 

Engaging with associations such as BoardAgender can help aspiring board members gain access to networks and opportunities. It is important to build relationships, gain trust and demonstrate readiness to take on a board role. 

Why gender representation matters

Representation leads to better decisions. Diverse boards have shown to challenge status quo, reduce group think, and reflect the realities of a wider base of stakeholders. 

Although progress has been made, there is still more to do. The goal is not just to increase representation, but also to ensure that women have a strong and influential voice at the table. 

Here’s where Singapore stands today in terms of female representation on boards: 

• Women hold about 18–19% of board seats across all SGX-listed companies
• Among the top 100 listed companies, representation is around 25%
• In the public sector, representation is about 34%

That’s what BoardAgender continues to advocate for — not just participation, but impact.

Thinking of positioning yourself for a board role? Applications for BoardAgender’s Mentorship Programme for Aspiring Women Directors 2026 are open until Apr 17 2026, 5pm. Click here for more information and to apply.

Grishma Kewada is the CEO and country manager of Coface Singapore. She also chairs BoardAgender, an initiative of the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO).