The Mauritius Institute of Directors (MIoD) held the 4th Annual Corporate Governance Conference this Thursday, October 2, 2025, at the Royal Gardens, Beau-Bassin. Under the theme “The Mauritian Advantage — AI, Talent, and Ethical Leadership,” this edition brought together a wide range of leaders, decision-makers, and experts from the public and private sectors to collectively reflect on how artificial intelligence (AI), human skills, and ethical leadership can consolidate the competitive advantage of the Mauritian ecosystem in a rapidly changing international context.
Organised with the support of the MIoD Founders, MCB Group, and Mauritius Telecom, the event also benefited from a special partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Mauritius as part of the U.S. Speaker Programme, which witnessed the participation of Ernie Fernandez, former Vice President of Microsoft, who provided a global perspective on the new skills, ethical principles, and responsibilities of leaders in the digital age.
Ernie Fernandez also contributed to a high-level panel discussion featuring Jean Michel Ng Tseung, CEO of MCB Group, and Veemal Gungadin, CEO of Mauritius Telecom, moderated by Sheila Ujoodha, CEO of MIoD. The discussions highlighted the responsibility of boards of directors in a rapidly changing environment. The panelists emphasised the importance of clear-sighted governance, capable of reconciling performance, technological innovation, and social responsibility to strengthen Mauritius’ strategic advantage in the global economy.
Sheila Ujoodha, CEO of MIoD, highlighted the importance of this event, recalling that this conference has become an essential meeting place for Mauritian business leaders and economic stakeholders. “Corporate governance can no longer be separated from the technological, social, and economic transformations that are reshaping our business landscape. Faced with this growing complexity, the role of boards of directors and executives is evolving: it is no longer just a matter of monitoring, but of predicting, guiding, and acting with rigor and responsibility. Through this 4th edition of the Annual Corporate Governance Conference, MIoD affirms its commitment to supporting this transformation. As an institute, our mission is clear: to equip leaders to make technology a lever for impact, without losing sight of people, ethics, and the long term. I thank our Founders, MCB Group and Mauritius Telecom, for their invaluable support, as well as the United States Embassy for its commitment to fostering high-level discussions on the strategic challenges of modern leadership.” she declared.
Dr. the Hon. Jyoti Jeetun, Minister of Financial Services and Economic Planning, emphasised that “Today, at the annual corporate governance conference organised by the MIoD, I highlighted the unprecedented challenges facing boards: technological disruptions and AI, shifts in global trade, geopolitical uncertainty, and the impacts of climate change. Corporate governance goes far beyond compliance: it requires ethical leadership, accountability, and the trust of all stakeholders—shareholders, employees, communities, and future generations. I also reiterated the importance of diversity in leadership, both in the private and public sectors, and reaffirmed my Ministry’s commitment to strengthening governance in Mauritius. I sincerely thank the MIoD for this initiative, which provides an essential platform for dialogue and reflection. Strong and ethical governance is the key to resilient and sustainable growth, and helps preserve Mauritius’ integrity, reputation, and long-term competitiveness.”
Dr. the Hon. Avinash Ramtohul, Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, emphasised that: “In the AI era, Mauritius’ competitiveness depends on our ability to train talent, secure our critical infrastructure, and build trust around emerging technologies. It is in this spirit that we are deploying the Digital Transformation Blueprint and the National AI Strategy, with the ambition of building an inclusive, resilient, and responsible digital economy. But no transformation can succeed without strong alignment between public policy, business, and governance bodies—and this is precisely what the MIoD facilitates, by bringing together decision-makers and catalysing a dialogue based on ethics, impact, and long-term vision.”
Jean Michel Ng Tseung, CEO of MCB Group, emphasised: “MCB is proud to continue its long-standing collaboration with MIoD and to support the 4th edition of the Annual Corporate Governance Conference. These platforms, which bring together leaders from various sectors, provide opportunities to foster discussions on the role and impact of good governance in Mauritius. In a dynamic context increasingly marked by technological advances, we have a key role to play in promoting innovation, human capital, and leadership to strengthen our country’s resilience and create long-term value.”
Veemal Gungadin, CEO of Mauritius Telecom, stated: “This conference highlighted a key point: digital infrastructure is now a strategic pillar of national competitiveness. Artificial intelligence is not just a technology; it is profoundly redefining our service models, our operating methods, and the experience of each customer. At Mauritius Telecom, we bear the responsibility of deploying these innovations ethically and sustainably, while investing in the skills development of our teams so that no one is left behind. By supporting the MIoD, we reaffirm our belief that strong alignment between public and private stakeholders, around clear ethical standards, is essential. This is how digital transformation can strengthen citizen trust and create an environment conducive to investment and sustainable growth.”
Ernie Fernandez, former Vice President of Microsoft, added: “Across the world, organisations that are making AI a real advantage rely on committed leadership at the board level, rigorous data governance, and a culture of continuous learning. These pillars are already present in Mauritius. The discussions at this conference highlighted the central role of ethics—based on transparency, explainability, and security—in creating performance and sustainable value. I commend the MIoD and its partners for making this dialogue possible, and I am confident that Mauritius’ unique advantages will continue to flourish through a responsible and collaborative approach.”
This 4th edition of the Annual Corporate Governance Conference marked a strategic turning point in the dialogue on corporate governance in Mauritius, directly addressing the realities of digital and societal transformation. By bringing together the public and private sectors around a common language of responsibility and excellence, the MIoD is consolidating its role as a unifying platform for future-oriented governance.
The 4th edition of the Annual Corporate Governance Conference also highlighted:
- Inauguration of the MIoD “Distinguished Fellows” category:
The conference was also an opportunity to inaugurate a new prestigious distinction within the MIoD community: the “Distinguished Fellows” category. This award honors the members who have supported the Institute since its inception and have significantly contributed to the corporate governance landscape in Mauritius since the MIoD’s creation. The nine distinguished members are:
Ravin Dajee, Managing Director, Absa Mauritius
Jean Pierre Dalais, Chairman, CIEL Group
Cédric de Speville, CEO, Eclosia Group
George Dumbell, Chairman, Constance Group
Arnaud Lagesse, CEO, IBL Group
Georges Leung Shing, Independent Director
Jean Michel Ng Tseung, CEO, MCB Group
Aruna Radhakeesoon, Attorney-at-Law and Solicitor, Prakriti One Ltd
Tim Taylor, Chairman, Scott & Co Ltd
This recognition embodies the MIoD’s legacy and vision for inclusive, sustainable corporate governance that is fit for future challenges. - Launch of the SME Advantage by the MIoD:
As part of its commitment to strengthening inclusiveness in governance, the MIoD officially announced the launch of the “SME Advantage,” an initiative aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in their transition to better governance practices. This programme will offer customised benefits to SMEs, including preferential rates on training programs and better integration into the MIoD network.
About the Mauritius Institute of Directors (MIoD):
The Mauritius Institute of Directors is a professional organisation dedicated to improving corporate governance standards and practices in Mauritius. Incorporated in 2008, the MIoD is committed to promoting excellence in corporate leadership by providing leading resources and support to develop the institutional capacity of its members and the business community. The Institute aims to equip directors and business leaders with the tools and knowledge to effectively navigate modern corporate governance challenges. Through workshops, seminars, networking events, and organisational support, MIoD actively shapes leadership practices that support ethics, responsibility, and sustainability in both the private and public sectors.
For more information about MIoD, please visit our website at www.miod.mu.
