Celebrating 15 Years of Advancing Board Excellence

For 15 years, FIDE FORUM has been at the forefront of promoting exemplary corporate governance practices among boards of financial institutions. Since its inception, it has evolved into a dynamic and trusted platform—bringing together board directors across the financial services industry in a shared commitment to governance excellence.

Over the years, we have witnessed steady growth in membership, deeper engagement with our community, and a continued elevation of thought leadership standards. Our progress reflects both the strength of our mission and the shared resolve of our stakeholders.

Our work is driven by a clear and enduring mandate: to strengthen director effectiveness, deepen governance capability, and build public trust across the financial sector. Through seamless board services, curated programmes, and strategic collaborations, we remain committed to supporting boards as they navigate complexity and respond to the evolving expectations of regulators, directors, and the wider financial ecosystem.

A Fellowship of Directors Who Lead Best Corporate Governance Practice

The premier platform for board directors in Malaysia's financial services industry, offering a collaborative space for insightful discussions, exchange of best practices, and addressing industry-wide corporate governance challenges. As a influential leaders, it fosters meaningful connections and strategic collaboration among the sector's most accomplished professionals.

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membership

Join FIDE FORUM and collaborate with leading financial institutions to co-create value, deepen industry engagement, and champion sustainable and innovative agendas. Benefit from exclusive expertise, contribute to industry advancement and engage in curated programmes and forums to remain at the forefront of emerging trends.

group corporate

For financial holding companies and corporations with at least one subsidiary Financial Institution. Subject to board approval.

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corporate

For Financial Institutions licensed and regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia. Subject to board approval.

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associate

For organisations making significant contributions to enhancing financial stability in Malaysia. This category is open to organisations globally, regardless of affiliation with financial institutions. Requires board approval.

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individual

By invitation only, for graduates of the FIDE Core Programme who have fulfilled the necessary requirements, including additional criteria established by the board. Subject to board approval.

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Directors’ Education

Insights. Relevance. Leadership in Action

FIDE FORUM’s Directors’ Education platform is designed to support board leaders in navigating today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape. Through a structured blend of research, curated dialogues, and high-impact events, we deliver learning experiences that are relevant, forward-looking, and grounded in real-world challenges.

1. Research and Knowledge Development

Stay ahead with cutting-edge research and insights. Our 2024 studies on Board Remuneration and Board Culture provide actionable intelligence to enhance governance practices and decision-making. Key highlights include:

Board Remuneration Report

A comprehensive analysis of industry trends and benchmarks on non-executive directors’ compensation in Malaysia’s financial sector, supporting more informed and transparent board remuneration practices.

Board Culture and Leadership in Licensed Financial Institutions in Malaysia

Developed in collaboration with the Asia School of Business, this study examines governance behaviors and board leadership dynamics through interviews, surveys, and case analyses. It offers practical recommendations and frameworks already being used by institutions to shape board evaluations and leadership conversations.

FORUM Insights

FORUM Insights is FIDE FORUM’s flagship publication featuring thought leadership on governance, strategy, and boardroom trends. It brings together expert views to support continuous learning, critical thinking, and effective board practices.

2. Special Interest Group (SIG)

Sharpening Insights at the Board Level

Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are director-led platforms that convene leaders from across the financial services sector to explore and engage in complex and high-priority governance issues and challenges. Each SIG is structured around a distinct thematic area, enabling focused discussions that are both relevant and forward-looking.

Beyond building subject matter fluency, SIGs operate in a consultative capacity—recommending timely themes, identifying external experts, and contributing insights that inform the design of programmes and stakeholder engagement strategies.

SIGs serve a dual purpose: they equip directors to lead confidently in the face of complexity, disruption, and shifting regulatory expectations, while also acting as a bridge between policymakers and policy implementers. In doing so, they strengthen the alignment between innovation and governance—ensuring that board oversight keeps pace with industry transformation.

Special Interest Group (SIG) - Climate
The Climate SIG focuses on equipping directors to lead on climate governance, financing of alternative energy, and responsible climate risk management. While formal outputs are still under development, the group has previously engaged in discussions on climate-related investments and policy considerations. Plans are currently underway to refine its direction for the second half of the year, ensuring alignment with evolving policy frameworks and regulatory developments.
Particular emphasis is placed on advancing the integration of climate principles into board strategy and disclosure—ensuring that environmental considerations are embedded within oversight practices, risk management, and long-term value creation.

Each SIG is designed to:

  • Facilitate peer exchange and sector-specific dialogue
  • Gather feedback and perspectives directly from the industry
  • Co-create event themes and learning programs tailored to current boardroom needs

Through these engagements, we ensure that our programs remain relevant, practical, and forward-looking, with content shaped by those closest to the issues. The outcomes of SIG discussions often translate into high-impact sessions featuring respected speakers, subject-matter experts, and thought leaders from across the region.

By aligning our initiatives with real-time industry concerns, SIGs play a vital role in keeping governance discourse both current and actionable.

our events

Navigating Digital Disruption: How can Boards in Financial Institutions enhance Strategic Digital Governance
17.07.2025

Navigating Digital Disruption: How can Boards in Financial Institutions enhance Strategic Digital Governance

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Facing the Future: Elevating Board Leadership in a time of Transformation
25.06.2025

Facing the Future: Elevating Board Leadership in a time of Transformation

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AI’s Next Wave: Chips, Code, and Localisation
20.06.2025

AI’s Next Wave: Chips, Code, and Localisation

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Exceptional board services

Enabling Transformation and Driving Value by Supporting Financial Institutions and Directors in Navigating Change and Accelerating Innovation

Directors Register
(DR)

Access a curated pool of exceptional board-ready talent, diversifying and strengthening your leadership. The register includes over 120 individuals, over 30% of whom are female and 70% of whom are under the age of 65. More than 30% of the individuals have prior experience on financial institution boards. FIDE FORUM’s DR services have led to the successful placement of numerous individuals who have gone on to serve their respective financial institutions with distinction.

Board Effectiveness Evaluation (BEE)

Gain valuable insights into your board's performance and effectiveness through a systematic and structured assessment process. Our BEE framework covers governance structure, board responsibilities, and board leadership. It is designed to ensure boards operate at peak performance while identifying the key competencies required of directors in today’s digital and sustainability-focused landscape.

Board Succession Planning

Our multi-year approach supports seamless transitions while aligning board capabilities with evolving strategic priorities. This process includes skill gap analysis, succession road mapping, and holistic candidate profiling — helping your board stay agile, future-ready, and performance-focused.