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 November 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 

9.30am - 9.40amWelcome Address by ISCA     
9.40am - 9.50amOpening Address by Guest of Honor
Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance, and Second Minister for National Development
9.50am - 11.20amThought Leadership Keynote Address
Mr Avi Liran
11.20am - 12.00pmFrom Classroom to Career: Setting Future Foundations for Singapore's New Economy

Launch of ISCA research report: Making Accountancy Education 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.

Moderator:
Prof Ho Yew Kee, FCA (Singapore)
Deputy Dean, Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies
Professor of Practice (Accounting), College of Business
City University of Hong Kong

Chairman
St Luke's Eldercare Ltd
Chairman, Audit Committee
Singapore Re-Insurance Corporation

Panelists: 
Mr Dennis Lui, ISCA Member
Deputy Commissioner
IRAS
CEO
Tax Academy

Ms Yvonne Chan, FCA (Singapore)
CFO
Singapore Management University
12.00pm - 1.30pmNetworking Lunch

 

1.30pm - 2.15pm 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.

Speaker:
Dr El'fred Boo Hian Yong, FCA (Singapore)
Member, ISCA Corporate Governance and Risk Management Committee
Associate Professor
Nanyang Technological University

 

2.15pm - 3.00pmStaying 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.

Speaker:
Mr Chen Voon Hoe, CA (Singapore)
Chairman, ISCA Financial Reporting Committee
Partner
PwC

3.00pm - 3.45pmNetworking Teabreak
3.45pm - 4.30pmPanel Discussion: The Renaissance of a Finance Leader's Role - From CFO to Beyond 

Championed by ISCA CFO Committee

Hear from our panel of experienced leaders as they share how the expectations and roles of finance leaders have evolved. Starting by delving into how modern finance leaders have expanded their responsibilities beyond traditional accounting and reporting. Today's finance leaders engage in sustainability, data analytics, technology, and AI, adapting to a dynamic business environment shaped by geopolitical tensions, technological advancements, macroeconomic disruptions, and climate risks. The panelists will share their war stories and upcoming expectations, highlighting the challenges faced, such as integrating new technologies, managing talent shortages, and fostering leadership development.

Progressing beyond the role of a CFO, our panelists will offer valuable tips for Chartered Accountants to leverage their unique skill set to support the business and transition from CFO to roles like CEO and Executive Directors. Emphasizing the importance of business acumen, stakeholder engagement, and strategic partnership, this discussion will provide interesting points for finance leaders aiming to drive their careers to new heights.

Moderator:
Mr Anand Sachdev, CA (Singapore)
Managing Director, Country Manager
ING Bank

Speaker:
Mr Adrian Chua, FCA (Singapore)
Member, ISCA CFO Committee
CFO
Tokio Marine Insurance Singapore

Ms Chua Siew Hwi, FCA (Singapore)
Member,
ISCA CFO Committee
Senior Vice President, Enterprise Performance
Changi Airport Group

4.30pm - 5:30pmInsights 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.

Panelist:
Ms Yvonne Chiu, CA (Singapore)
Chairperson, ISCA Financial Statements Review Advisory Panel
Member, 
ISCA Auditing and Assurance Standards Committee
Partner
KPMG

Mr Aylwin How, CA (Singapore)
Deputy Chairman, ISCA Financial Reporting Committee
Member, ISCA Financial Statements Review Advisory Panel
Partner
Deloitte

Ms Tan Wee Khim, CA (Singapore)
Technical Director, Financial Reporting & Standards Department
Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority

 

 

 

1.30pm - 1.45pm

Keynote Address

Speaker:
Mr Adrian Chua
Deputy Secretary
Ministry Of Finance

1.45pm - 2.15pm

Finance Renaissance: Lesson from International Best Practices

 

Hear from our international speaker on their successes and lesson learned from their finance transformation journey. Gain insights into international best practices within the evolving financial landscape.

This segment offers valuable perspectives and actionable strategies to enhance your organization's approach to finance transformation.

 

Speaker:
Mr Mike Driver, CB, FCPFA
Former Head
Government Finance Function (UK), His Majesty's Treasury
Independent Chair of Board

 

2.15pm - 3.00pm

Panel Discussion:
Setting Future Foundations for Public Sector Accountancy Workforce

 

Since the launch of the recommendations of the Accountancy Workforce Review Committee, the private sectors and accounting firms have responded with their strategies and talent development. Correspondingly, the accountancy workforce of the public sector is indispensable, contributing to the foundations of the success of every organisation while acting as guardians of trust.
Hear from our panel of public sector leaders on their perspectives and plans for the public sector.

 

Panelists:
Mrs Chia-Tern Huey Min
Co-chair of the Implementation Committee for 
Accountancy Workforce Development
Chief Executive
Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority

Ms Goh Soon Poh
ISCA Member
Auditor-General
Auditor-General's Office

Ms Esther Wee, CA (Singapore)
Member, ISCA CFO Committee
Deputy Accountant-General
Accountant-General's Department

 

3.00pm - 3.45pmNetworking Teabreak

3.45pm - 4.15pm

AI Driven Sustainability: Pioneering the Future

Discover how AI can help address emerging global sustainability issues, ranging from net zero to circular economy, from forecasting climate impact to building resilience, and from data measurement to efficient audits. Learn how integrating AI optimizes resource management and fosters innovative solutions to environmental challenges.

Our speakers will share case studies where AI has been instrumental in predicting environmental trends and contributing to circular economies. Examples of AI-driven solutions that enhance operational efficiencies, reduce costs and open new revenue streams through sustainable initiatives will also be shared.

 

Speakers:
Mr Manik Bhandari
EY Asean Data and Artificial Intelligence Leader
EY


Mr Praveen Tekchandani
Leader, Singapore Climate Change and Sustainability Services
EY

4.15pm - 4.45pm

Future-Ready Governance: Harnessing Technology for Public Sector Innovation

Explore how technology is revolutionizing the public sector, changing not only work processes but also working habits. Gain valuable perspectives on navigating digital transformation and innovation using emerging technologies.

This session will provide you with the insights needed to lead successful tech disruptions.

 

Speaker:
Mr Sim Feng-Ji
Deputy Secretary
Digital Government
Ministry of Digital Development and Information

4.45pm - 5.30pm

Navigating the Future of Sustainability Reporting and Assurance

Hear our panel discuss their key takeaways on sustainability reporting and assurance for FY2024.

Sharing their experiences and best practices and offering valuable guidance on navigating the evolving landscape of sustainability disclosure and assurance, the floor will also be opened to questions from the audience.

Moderator:
Mr Praveen Tekchandani
Leader, Singapore Climate Change and Sustainability Services
EY

 

Panelists:
Mr Low Sze Gin
Executive Director (Internal Audit Department)
Monetary Authority of Singapore

Mr Tan Boon Siong, CA (Singapore)
Member, ISCA Sustainability & Climate Change Committee
Group Director (Treasury, Technical & Analytics)
Accountant-General's Department


Ms Aileen Tan
Group Chief People and Sustainability Officer
Singtel Group


____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5.30pm - 7.00pm                                 Cocktail Networking. See you on Day 2!

 

15 Nov 2024, Practitioners Renaissance: Leading Positive Disruptions

8.30am - 9.30am

Registration and Networking Breakfast

Conference door to be opened by 9.15am

9.30am - 9.40am

Welcome Address by ISCA

9.40am - 10.30am

Thought Leadership Keynote Panel

Moderator:
Dr Nadir Zafar
Chief Experience Officer
Human Capital Leadership Institute
Director
Singapore Leaders Network

Speaker:
Mr Ho Kwon Ping
Founder and Executive Chairman
Banyan Group

10.30am - 10.45am

Break

10.45am - 11.30amThe ESG Advantage: Unveiling Key Insights for Investment Risk & Opportunities
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

Speaker:
Ms Mariam Ashroff
Head of Sustainability Management APAC
LGT Bank

11.30am - 12.15pmCybersecurity Shield: Protection of Professional Firms

 

In today's technology-driven world, cybersecurity is more critical than ever, especially for professional firms that manage vast amounts of sensitive client data. The risks are substantial, and the need for robust security measures is paramount. 
This session will 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.

Speaker:
Dr Tan Mei Hui
President, Cybersecurity Chapter
Singapore Computer Society

 

12.15pm - 1.45pmNetworking Lunch
1.45pm - 2.30pm 

Audit Quality Updates: Delivering Positive Impact through Quality Management

ACRA’s inspection activities play a pivotal role in advancing the audit profession, raising audit quality, and fostering greater confidence in the financial reporting ecosystem. ACRA will be sharing observations from the new regulatory quality control inspections on accounting entities, which commenced on 1 July 2023, as well as opportunities for these accounting entities to enhance their system of quality management.
Under the Practice Monitoring Programme, ACRA continues to note recurring inspection findings and urges both accounting entities and public accountants to focus on analysing root causes of the inspection findings, so as to devise an effective remediation plan that will drive continuous improvement in audit quality.

Speakers:
Ms Ng Meow Ling, CA (Singapore)
Technical Director, Inspection Department
Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority

2.30pm - 3.15pm

The GST Discounts Controversy: Landmark Ruling in Direct Marketing

In a pivotal landmark ruling, the Singapore’s High Court has redefined the GST framework for direct marketing entities. Central to this development was the decision of Herbalife International Singapore Pte Ltd v CGST [2023] SGHC 54, which revolved around the application of GST on products sold at a discount by Herbalife to its affiliates. The crux of the matter is as follows: 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 carried out in Singapore. He will also explain the arguments put forth by him that influenced the court’s verdict, thereby establishing a favourable benchmark for similar market players that have analogous disputes. Attendees will emerge from this session with an enhanced understanding of the GST intricacies and strategic insights into navigating tax disputes and ensuring tax compliance within their business ventures.

Speakers:
Mr Vikna Rajah
Chairman
International Fiscal Association - Singapore Chapter
Executive Management Committee Partner, Head of Tax
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP
3.15pm - 4.00pmNetworking Tea Break
4.00pm - 5.00pmPitfalls of Ignorance for Directors in an Uncertain World

Championed by ISCA Corporate Governance and Risk Management Committee

Rising geopolitical tensions, a slowing global economy and perpetrators that are smarter and one step ahead of traditional fraud schemes means that Boards need to expect the unexpected when it comes to economic crime. Against a backdrop of high-profile bribery, sanctions, money laundering, and fraud cases in Singapore and the APAC region, governance practices are not only scrutinised by regulators but also courts and the general public. This panel will discuss what inquiries Directors should make and the corporate governance required to mitigate the risks of a crisis unfolding with economic crime.

Moderator:
Mr Neo Sing Hwee
Member, ISCA Corporate Governance and Risk Management Committee

Global Client Service Partner, Government & Public Sector
Ernst & Young

Panelists:
Mr Jarrod Baker
Partner, Strategy, Risk & Transactions
Forensic Investigations Leader
Deloitte Southeast Asia

Mr Aaron Lee

Member, Financial Forensic Accounting Oversight Committee
Partner
Allen & Gledhill

5.00pm - 5.45pmSSA 600 (Revised)- 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.

Speaker:
Ms Tan Bee Nah
Deputy Chairperson, ISCA Auditing and Assurance Standards Committee
Partner, Assurance
PwC

 

5.45pm - 7:00pmAfterparty. See you in 2025!

 

CPE HOURS & CATEGORY BREAKDOWN
ISCACON CPE HOUR - 060624 ISCACON CPE HOUR 2 - 060624
PAST CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS