Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 1 of 1
Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network
Independent Directors In Singapore: Puzzling Compliance Requiring Explanation, Dan W. Puchniak, Luh Luh Lan
Independent Directors In Singapore: Puzzling Compliance Requiring Explanation, Dan W. Puchniak, Luh Luh Lan
Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law
At first blush, the rise of independent directors in Singapore provides a straightforward example of a successful legal transplant from the West to Asia. In 2001, Singapore implemented a U.K.-inspired Code of Corporate Governance, which required the adoption of American-style independent directors on a "comply or explain" basis. Shortly thereafter, an overwhelming 98% of Singapore-listed companies reported full compliance. This, combined with Singapore's world-leading economic success, ostensibly confirmed the Anglo-American-cum- global conventional wisdom that American-style independent directors are required for good corporate governance.Using hand-collected data from 245 codes of corporate governance from eighty-seven jurisdictions, this Article reveals, however, that Singapore's …