The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore Becomes the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants in Corporate Rebrand

New name reflects the Institute’s global vision, strategic role and its appointment as Designated Entity to Confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore designation

Singapore, 2 July, 2013 – The national accountancy body, the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore (“ICPAS”) announced that it has undergone a rebrand, with a new name and visual identity. Its new name, the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (“ISCA”), takes effect officially today (2 July, 2013).

Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, launched the new name this morning at the Singapore Accountancy Convention 2013. Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam, President of the Republic of Singapore, officially unveiled the ISCA logo at the Institute’s celebratory event for its 50^th anniversary, the Golden Jubilee Dinner this evening.

The ISCA name reflects the Institute’s key role in Singapore’s development into a global accountancy hub for Asia-Pacific by 2020. ISCA is a Designated Entity to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore (“CA (Singapore)”) designation and the administrator of the Singapore Qualification Programme (“Singapore QP”).

The Singapore QP is designed as the pathway for aspiring local and overseas accounting and non-accounting graduates to attain the CA (Singapore) designation. As the administrator of the Singapore QP, ISCA will work in collaboration with the Singapore Accountancy Commission (“SAC”) to promote the programme as the educational route of choice for accounting professionals and support the talent pipeline needed to support the industry’s growth.

ISCA will work towards establishing the global recognition and reputation of the CA (Singapore) designation by continuing to expand its extensive network of partnerships with international accountancy bodies. It will also promote thought-leadership, support professional development and cultivate a regional and global network of CAs (Singapore). 

About ISCAS’s Brand Identity

The ISCA brand essence “Global Mindset, Asian Insights” is aligned with ISCA’s vision to be a globally recognised accountancy body, bringing value to its members, the profession and wider community. It also encapsulates ISCA’s goal to propel the profession towards attaining international standing while bringing a unique Asian perspective to the global accountancy arena.

The striking lion symbol in the ISCA logo represents ISCA’s resolve to be the leader of change and progress. It also reflects the Institute’s authority as a strong and resolute Asian leader.

The colour red embodies dynamism and drive while blue connotes professionalism and intelligence; qualities which CA (Singapore) title-holders are recognised for. The upward tick extending beyond the “A” represents breakthrough as ISCA evolves to establish its stature on the global arena. (Refer to Annex A for the factsheet)

Dr Ernest Kan, ISCA President, says, “This being the year of our 50^th anniversary, there is no better time than now to introduce a branding strategy that aligns with our evolved role and global aspirations. We are ready for the next phase of the country’s development into a global accountancy hub. Reflecting ISCA’s strategic role in driving Singapore’s vision to become a global accountancy hub by 2020, our new name and logo communicates our global vision combined with an Asian perspective that will take ISCA and the profession into the future.”

Mr Lee Fook Chiew, ISCA Chief Executive Officer, says, “I am excited about the new look as it embodies ISCA’s strategic focus as well as that of the sector in establishing our profession on a global stage. Even as we look to the future with a new name and logo, ISCA retains at its core, a dedication to serving and bringing value to its members and the profession. We will continue to strive to empower our members to achieve their professional aspirations while working closely with stakeholders to advance the interests of the accountancy sector.”

-Ends-

For media enquiries, contact:

Betsy Tan, Communications Manager

Tel: 6597 5608 / 9641 6920 Email: betsy.tan@isca.org.sg

Low Xiaojing, Communications Executive

Tel: 6597 5609/ 9171 8852 Email: xiaojing.low@isca.org.sg

Note to Editors:

About the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants

Formerly the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore, the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (“ISCA”) is the national accountancy body of Singapore. Working with government and industry to develop the accounting profession, ISCA’s vision is to be a globally recognised professional accountancy body, bringing value to our members, the profession and wider community.

Possessing a Global Mindset, with Asian Insights, ISCA contributes to Singapore’s goal to be a global accountancy hub, by promoting and advocating for the interests of our members and the profession.

Established in 1963, ISCA shapes the accountancy landscape through its continual involvement in the profession’s development. Working in partnership with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, global accounting organisations, professional bodies, employers, educators, and the public, we are dedicated to empowering our members to achieve their aspirations.   

ISCA is a Designated Entity to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore – CA (Singapore) – designation, a prestigious title that is expected to come with global recognition and international portability. As the Administrator of the Singapore Qualification Programme (Singapore QP), ISCA aims to raise the profile of this post-university professional accountancy qualification programme, helping it to attain international recognition and promoting it as the educational pathway of choice for professional accountants.

There are currently over 26,000 ISCA members making their stride in businesses across industries in Singapore and around the world.

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