ISCA Conference Programme

ISCA Conference 2024 returns, bigger, better and bolder than ever before

Breaking boundaries, this year will feature a two-day event on 14 and 15 Novemember to fulfil the needs of the accountancy and business professionals, offering more content, more networking and more activities along with more space!

Aptly themed Accountancy Renaissance - Leading Positive Disruptions to set Future Foundations, each day of the conference will showcase the rebirth of the Accountancy Industry where we strive for positive and creative disruptions to build new foundations without forgetting our fundamentals.

- Day 1: Accountancy Renaissance: Setting Future Foundations
o Track 1: Private Sector Track - Championed by various ISCA Committees
o Track 2: Public Sector Track - with AGD as a Strategic Partner

- Day 2: Practitioner Renaissance: Leading Positive Disruptions

14 Nov 2024, Accountancy Renaissance: Setting Future Foundations

8.30am - 9.30am Registration and Networking Breakfast

Conference door will be opened at 9.00am

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9.30am - 9.40am Welcome address by ISCA

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9.40am - 9.50am Opening address by Guest of Honor

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9.50am - 10.20am Thought Leadership Keynote

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10.25am - 11.00am From Classroom to Career: Setting Future Foundations for Singapore's New Economy

Launch of ISCA research report: Accountancy Education – Making it Fit-for-Purpose for the New Economy

The future foundations are highly dependent on the skills we educate our future accountants and finance professionals. Have you done a stocktake of the skillsets that your current team have? Is your team ready for Singapore’s New Economy?

Join us as we examine the latest trends of the accountancy profession, assessing the skills that accountants need for the new economy. Our experts will spend the first 10mins sharing about the skillsets that are essential for the accountancy pipeline before our panellists share their insights on how we can ensure the pipeline of future finance professionals are fit for purpose.

Discover how the accountancy programmes will need to evolve to incorporate important soft skills, sustainability skills, and digital and AI skills that are needed for Singapore’s new economy.

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11.00am - 11.30pm Economic Horizons for 2025 and beyond

Deep dive into what businesses can expect in the year ahead to navigate the evolving global economy. Our expert speaker will provide valuable insights into emerging markets, potential challenges, and strategic opportunities. Get ready to equip your business with the knowledge and strategies needed for sustained success in an ever-changing economic landscape. Stay informed and stay ahead of the curve.

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11.30pm - 12.00pm The Rise of Human-Centred AI: Policies and Regulations Shaping the Future of Accountancy

Launch of ISCA research report: Championing Human-centered AI Policies and Regulations for Accountancy in Business

Given the widespread use of AI in both personal and professional realms, it is crucial to ensure that AI serves as an ally, not an overlord. How can we regulate AI to promote a human-centered approach? What policies should your organisation implement to enhance efficiency and reliability in your financial processes while preserving human expertise and judgment?

Hear from our speaker as he shares his recommendations of policies update for the business world.

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12.00pm - 1.30pm Networking Lunch

1.30pm - 2.00pm

Money Combat: Fighting Singapore's Raising Fraud Threat

From simple credential theft to complex, multi-layered schemes, fraud has transformed into an ever-adapting adversary. Are you equipped to identify these emerging threats before they compromise your organisation and clientele?

The recent exposure of a staggering $3 billion money laundering operation stands as a stark reminder of the escalating dangers that organisations confront. This session delves into the pivotal challenge of fraud prevention amidst adversaries who are ceaselessly refining their strategies.

Equip yourself with the knowledge to counter these shifting threats through real-time monitoring, anomaly detection, and behavioural analytics. Gain insights from case studies and industry best practices on robust defence mechanisms. Strengthen your safeguards and maintain a competitive edge in the ongoing battle against fraud.

2.00pm - 2.45pm

Staying Ahead of Transformations in Financial Reporting

Championed by ISCA Financial Reporting Committee

The recently issued IFRS 18 is the first new IFRS standard in 7 years. It is set to reshape the way income and expenses are presented in the financial statements.

IFRS 19 is also set to be an impactful new standard as it seeks to reduce the costs of reporting by simplifying financial reporting for subsidiary companies.

This segment will provide you with a comprehensive overview of these new and upcoming standards and other trending developments in financial reporting.

2.45pm - 3.30pm

Panel Discussion

Championed by ISCA CFO Committee

3.30pm - 4.15pm

Networking Tea Break

4.15pm - 4.45pm

The Profession Equation for Ethical AI

Championed by ISCA AI for AI Taskforce Research Network

Ethical considerations and responsible application of AI technology are paramount to maintaining the integrity of financial practices and upholding public trust. This session seeks to dissect the complex issues at the intersection of AI and accountancy. Drawing from a comprehensive study, we will unveil a robust framework designed to guide the ethical deployment of AI within the realm of accountancy.

Join us as our expert speaker illuminates the path forward, fostering a dialogue on how to embed ethical principles into the fabric of AI-driven accountancy.

4.45pm - 5.30pm

Insights into the Review of Financial Statements

Championed by ISCA Financial Statements Review Advisory Panel

Find out the areas of review focus for the FY2024 financial statements. With a Q&A segment, attendees will also have the opportunity to ask their burning questions from subject matter experts and regulators on their insights and suggestions in complying with the financial reporting standards.

1.30pm - 5.30pm

To be announced

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5.30pm End of Day 1. See you on Day 2!

15 Nov 2024, Practitioners Renaissance: Leading Positive Disruptions

8.30am - 9.30am Registration and Networking Breakfast
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9.30am - 9.40am Welcome Address by ISCA
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9.40am - 10.30am A Fireside Chat with Guest of Honor
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10.30am - 11.00am Strengthening AML/CFT Defence

Championed by ISCA Financial Forensic Accounting Oversight Committee

Data is the lifeblood of modern businesses, fueling their operations and enhancing their capabilities. In the critical realms of combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, the importance of shared information becomes paramount. Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) as an advocate for the strategic use of technology to empower businesses and financial institutions will share the different technological use-cases currently in play.

From innovative approaches to tackling trade-based money laundering to harnessing the potential of data-driven solutions, the speaker will share insights into leveraging technology as a force multiplier in the ongoing battle against financial crime.

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11.00am - 11.30am The ESG Advantage: Unveiling Key Insights for Asset Valuation

Championed by ISCA Sustainability and Climate Change Committee

Delve into the critical intersection between ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors and the future of asset valuation.

Drawing insights from recent discussions featuring leading figures in investment, real estate, and business valuation, this session will explore how ESG considerations are fundamentally reshaping the valuation landscape

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11.30am - 12.00pm Cybersecurity Shield: Protection of Professional Firms

Professional services firms, with their vast repositories of sensitive client data, have become prime targets for ransomware attacks. Recent incidents involving law firms and other professional services highlight the urgency of this threat. How can these practices safeguard themselves, and what steps should they take in the event of an attack?

Join us as our expert speaker spends the first 15mins delveing into effective strategies for protection and response, offering insights on the latest defensive measures and practical steps firms need to implement to mitigate risks and enhance security.

This panel discussion will continue for 45mins to delve into the unique cybersecurity threats faced by professional firms, sharing compelling real-world cases and insights. Join us to learn from experts about the most pressing challenges and effective strategies to protect your firm from digital threats. Gain valuable knowledge on how to bolster your cybersecurity defences and safeguard your critical data.

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12.00pm - 1.30pm Networking Lunch

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1.30pm - 2.15pm Audit Quality Updates

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2.15pm - 2.45pm The GST Discounts Controversy: Landmark Ruling in Direct Marketing

In a pivotal ruling, Singapore’s High Court has redefined the GST framework for direct marketing entities. Central to this development was the Herbalife case, which revolved around the application of GST on products sold at a discount to affiliates. The crux of the matter: should GST be levied on the original or discounted price?
Our speaker will delve into the intricacies of this groundbreaking judgment and its ramifications for direct marketing operations. He will also clarify the rationale that influenced the court’s verdict, thereby establishing a benchmark for analogous disputes. Attendees will emerge with enhanced understanding of the GST intricacies and strategic insights for ensuring compliance within their ventures.

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2.45pm - 3.15pm Governance Guardians: Duties of Diligent Directors

Championed by ISCA Corporate Governance and Risk Management Committee

With recent cases of directors being found liable of losses and holding up to a “staggering” figure of 980 directorships, the duties of officers, director and nominee directors is not as clear as black and white.

Governance practice is not only scrutinised by regulators but also courts and general public.

Our expert speakers will share case studies and highlight the difference between directing and managing, sharing invaluable insights using case studies and case laws to upskill in effective corporate governance practice.

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3.15pm - 4.00pm Networking Tea Break
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4.00pm - 4.45pm Fraudcasting: Fact or Myth

Championed by ISCA AI for AI Taskforce Network

We know that fraud can be detected. But can fraud be predicted using ML?

Delve into the diverse forms of financial fraud and discover proactive measures to safeguard your organization. Our expert speakers will have a short 10min presentation to shed light on emerging fraud risks, real-time monitoring, anomaly detection, and behaviour analysis techniques.

Thereafter, the panel will challenge conventional wisdom, examining the potential of ML in detecting and possibly forecasting fraudulent activities. Join us as we unravel the complexities of fraud detection and explore the cutting-edge intersection of technology and financial security.

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4.45pm - 5.30pm SSA 600 - What has Changed for Group Audit?

Championed by ISCA Auditing and Assurance Standards Committee

The revised SSA 600 reshapes how group audits are carried out, with a new risk-based approach and enhanced direction and supervision of component auditors. Learn practical considerations for a successful implementation from our insightful speaker.

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5.30pm End of ISCA Conference. See you in 2025!

CPE HOURS & CATEGORY BREAKDOWN