ISCA Offers Free AI Fluency Programme for 120,000-Strong Accountancy Sector, Funded by $2 Million AI for AI Initiative

The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) today announced the launch of a new AI Fluency Programme for Singapore’s 120,000-strong accountancy sector, supported by a $1 million investment from the institute’s $2 million Artificial Intelligence for Accountancy Industry (AI for AI) initiative fund. Developed by ISCA and supported by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), the AI Fluency Programme helps non-tech professionals in horizontal occupations, starting with accounting and corporate finance, become fluent AI users. This will enable them to transform workflows and focus on higher-value tasks requiring human expertise and judgement.

Unveiled by Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Finance and National Development, at the ISCA Conference, the initiative will roll out in 2026 as part of ISCA’s broader AI for AI initiative.

AI for AI: Building the future through Learn AI, Govern AI, Apply AI

ISCA’s AI for AI initiative is anchored on three strategic pillars: Learn AI, Govern AI, and Apply AI, forming a holistic approach to help Singapore’s accountancy sector, including ISCA’s 43,000 members, understand, adopt, and apply AI responsibly and effectively.

Learn AI: Building knowledge and confidence across the profession

To ensure all ISCA members can participate in the AI era, ISCA will roll out the new AI Fluency Programme, an online learning series designed to build AI literacy and confidence. Delivered through engaging, bite-sized modules, the programme will cover both concepts and real-world applications with more than 50% of content focused on practical use cases in accounting, auditing, and finance.

The learning development, fully funded by ISCA, will be made free for all 120,000 accountants in Singapore as an investment in the profession’s future. The initiative is expected to benefit over 60,000 professional accountants working in Singapore.

Participants who complete the programme will earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours and an ISCA digital badge recognising their AI readiness.

Mr Teo Ser Luck, President of ISCA, said: “The profession today faces three challenges: navigating a changing world economic order that is transforming regulation, taxation and governance; harnessing the power of technology, particularly AI, which demands greater responsibility, accountability and productivity; and attracting, developing and retaining talent to sustain long-term growth. Through our partnership with IMDA on the AI Fluency Programme, ISCA aims to empower accounting and corporate finance professionals in Singapore with the skills and confidence to use AI meaningfully. By equipping them to learn, govern and apply AI responsibly, we are preparing the profession to thrive in an era where human judgement and digital intelligence work hand in hand.”

“Building an AI-fluent workforce is central to Singapore’s digital economy ambitions. IMDA is delighted to partner ISCA to develop AI bilingual talent – accounting and corporate finance professionals who can speak both their domain expertise and the language of AI. This marks the start of our broader TechSkills Accelerator efforts to nurture non-tech professionals to gain AI-fluency across different occupations. We aim to build future-ready professionals who can use AI confidently, create value responsibly, and lead Singapore’s AI adoption,” said Mr Ng Cher Pong, Chief Executive of IMDA.

Govern AI: Strengthening trust through responsible use

To complement learning with governance, ISCA, in collaboration with Nanyang Technological University (NTU), has developed the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Framework in Accountancy.

This research-based framework provides guidance for the ethical and accountable use of AI in the accounting profession ensuring that technology adoption is grounded in human judgement, transparency, and fairness.

The study highlights that while AI can enhance accuracy and productivity, it must be deployed responsibly, especially in high-stakes areas such as auditing and financial reporting. Firms, professionals, and technology providers share equal responsibility in ensuring AI is used safely and ethically.

Lead researcher and Associate Professor El’fred Boo of the Accounting Division at the Nanyang Business School, said: “Responsible AI adoption starts with trust and transparency. Our framework provides accountants with practical guidance to integrate AI into their work while upholding professional ethics and judgement. As AI becomes more embedded in business processes, it is essential that accountants remain the gatekeepers of integrity and accountability.”

Apply AI: Turning ideas into real value

To help members move from learning to doing, ISCA will also establish an AI Nexus, a collaborative hub where they can exchange insights, access practical resources, and learn from one another to apply AI meaningfully in their work. The AI Nexus will enable members to experiment, prototype, and apply AI solutions directly to business and finance workflows. It will also serve as a community platform to connect accountants, technology providers, and educators to co-create new use cases and share success stories.

This initiative supports ISCA’s vision of an AI-enabled profession where technology augments human expertise, allowing accountants to focus on strategic insights and value creation.

Recognising Workforce Transformation

During the Conference, Minister Indranee Rajah also presented the Workforce Transformation Awards for the Accounting Sector to two outstanding organisations, KPMG and PKF-CAP.

Jointly presented by Workforce Singapore (WSG) and ISCA, supported by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), the Awards honour organisations that exemplify progressive accounting practices and strategic workforce development. Beyond demonstrating excellence in future-proofing their finance capabilities and uplifting accounting talent, these awardees have been instrumental partners in advancing sector-wide workforce development initiatives to drive business growth, operational excellence and financial stewardship.

A Profession Ready for the Future

Through the AI for AI initiative, anchored on Learn AI, Govern AI, and Apply AI, ISCA is taking decisive steps to build AI fluency, strengthen responsible governance, and accelerate adoption across the accounting profession.

Together with partners including IMDA, NTU, and WSG, ISCA is empowering accountants to stay trusted, relevant, and ready for the future.

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Seah Yi Qin

Manager, Communications

Tel: +65 9833 3904

Email: yiqin.seah@isca.org.sg

About the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)

The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore with around 43,000 ISCA members making their stride in businesses across industries in Singapore and around the world. ISCA members can be found in over 40 countries and members based out of Singapore are supported through 12 overseas chapters in 10 countries.

Established in 1963, ISCA is an advocate of the interests of the profession. Complementing its global mindset with Asian insights, ISCA leverages its regional expertise, knowledge, and networks with diverse stakeholders to contribute towards the advancement of the accountancy profession.

ISCA administers the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification programme and is the Designated Entity to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore – CA (Singapore) – designation.

ISCA is a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global family that brings together the members of leading institutes to create a community of over 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students in more than 190 countries.

For more information, visit www.isca.org.sg.