President U Htin Kyaw signed the Myanmar Companies Act at the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Wednesday, approving the most anticipated piece of legislation in the country this year. The entire Act encompasses a wide range of regulations which will affect local and international investors, including share transactions, dividends, reduction of initial capital and shareholder authorities.

The author writes about the business case for more women on South Asian corporate boards, and the clear need to build a critical mass of male and female champions who can move this agenda forward for the region’s long-term economic health.

The newly established Pacific Corporate Governance Institute seeks to actively promote good governance practices in Fiji’s business sector as well as throughout the region.

Vietnamese public companies, especially listed ones, should have clear policies and procedures governing related party transactions (RPTs) and an effective oversight mechanism that complies with the laws and follows best international practices, a recent forum on corporate governance highlighted in Ho Chi Minh City. Titled ‘Handling Conflict of Interest and Related Party Transactions,’ the event aimed to address concerns and issues related to best practices in governing conflicts of interest and RPTs for sustainable performance and growth.

Family governance structures help family businesses prepare for succession. Effective corporate-governance practices and transparency will help them attract foreign investors.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Myanmar organized a forum at the Yangon Stock Exchange to help listed firms raise transparency and disclosure standards in company reporting. The event – “Enhancing corporate transparency: trends and business case on transparent reporting and ongoing disclosure” – was held in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the U.K. Department for International Development.