[SINGAPORE] Two new initiatives aimed at strengthening capability development and governance among trade associations and chambers (TACs) were unveiled on Thursday (Apr 9), as part of a broader push to improve their effectiveness.

The first initiative is the TAC Measurement Framework, developed by Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG). It comprises a self-diagnostic tool and a step-by-step guidebook that enables TACs to assess their capabilities across a variety of functions and organisational practices.

“This in turn supports the TACs to identify gaps and prioritise areas to develop and strengthen,” said EnterpriseSG in a press statement.

Developed with the support of 60 TACs and PwC Singapore, the new framework expands on the existing TAC Governance Framework to cover six additional organisational capability areas: leadership; people and organisational change; financial stability; industry standing and track record; value proposition; and technology.

Ang Yuit, president of the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, said the new framework provides a structured way to assess the association’s capabilities and improve its effectiveness, so it can “operate at our best for our members”.

This is significant as EnterpriseSG chairman Lee Chuan Teck described TACs as “important partners in driving enterprise and sectoral development”, adding that a strong ecosystem would support businesses navigating an increasingly complex global environment.

The second initiative, the Qualified TAC Director Badge, was launched by the Singapore Institute of Directors as part of efforts to recognise specialised director expertise.

Supported by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), the badge “affirms a director’s pro...