DIVERSITY, equity and inclusion (DE&I) is one of the most hotly debated topics around boardroom tables in the Asia-Pacific, yet a new report suggests that a leadership “gap” could be holding Singapore businesses back from achieving their DE&I ambitions.

This may come as a surprise in a country where cultural and religious diversity is a proud part of national identity, and so deeply ingrained in all aspects of everyday life. But Singapore’s diverse and inclusive heritage doesn’t yet seem to be translating to enough action in the corporate world, particularly when it comes to broader social issues such as gender, economic status, disability and social class.

According to the report by FleishmanHillard, an Omnicom Public Relations Group (OPRG) agency, there is a strong desire from Singaporeans for their companies to do more to push the envelope and support their workforces on these issues. The average Singaporean sees themselves as a “bystander” or “observer” and looks to their employer to take charge. In fact, three-quarters expect their company to have a dedicated DE&I leader to shape policy and drive change, and nearly half want to receive proper DE&I training.