The global economic landscape is undergoing profound shifts driven by the crumbling rules-based trading system, sustainability concerns, geopolitical tensions, and rapid technological disruption. For CFOs, understanding and managing these macrotrends is essential for steering organisations through uncertainty toward sustainable growth.

This session delves into the key forces shaping financial leadership in 2026 and beyond, including:

• The changing dynamics of global trade and supply chains amid geopolitical risks
• Tax reform aimed at facilitating equitable growth
• Emerging technology disruptions transforming business models and finance functions
• Strategies for proactive crisis management and resilience building in volatile markets
• How CFOs can leverage insights on macrotrends to inform strategic planning, risk mitigation, and capital allocation
• Practical frameworks to navigate complexity while driving innovation and stakeholder confidence

Join us for a forward-looking discussion that equips CFOs with the tools and perspectives needed to convert disruption into strategic direction and lead with confidence in an uncertain world.

Speakers:

Mr Sidharta Sidharta, Partner, International Growth Practice, PwC Singapore

Mr Frank Debets, Asia Pacific Customs and Trade Leader, PwC Singapore

Mr Tomas Varga, Partner, Transfer Pricing and Europe Tax Desk Leader, PwC Singapore

After decades of progress lifting millions out of poverty and steering nations toward prosperity, recent shifts toward trade protectionism and de-globalization threaten to unwind these achievements. Singapore’s remarkable economic ascent has been deeply intertwined with the expansion of global trade—will this trajectory be reversed? What shape will the new economic order take?

Francis Tan, Chief Strategist for Asia at Indosuez Wealth Management—a Swiss private bank with a presence in Singapore since 1905—examines the data and highlights key trends shaping the future of Singapore and Asia’s economies.

Stay ahead in financial reporting by leveraging crucial takeaways from ACRA’s latest areas of review focus and surveillance findings! This segment spotlights an overview of the geopolitical landscape and its implications for financial reporting, along with other developments such as the new presentation standard – SFRS(I) 18, and interconnectivity between financial reporting and sustainability reporting. The session will include opportunities for interaction between the speakers and the participants.

Speakers:

Ms. Kong Lai San, Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP; 

Ms. Low Yen Mei, Partner Assurance, EY LLP

SSA 570 (Revised 2024) Going Concern, expected to be issued in Q1 2026, responds to corporate failures that highlighted gaps in how going concern risks are assessed and communicated.

Effective for audits of financial statements for periods beginning on or after 15 December 2026, the revised standard significantly strengthens auditors’ responsibilities in evaluating an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Correspondingly, management will now be expected to prepare a robust going concern assessment every year, regardless of risk indicators, with greater scrutiny on assumptions, data reliability, and bias. The extended assessment period and heightened documentation expectations mean preparers must be ready for deeper auditor challenge and earlier coordination.

Key enhancements include:

• Robust and timely risk assessments to identify events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern.
• Evaluating management’s assessment regardless of whether such events or conditions are identified, with greater emphasis on management bias, reasonableness of assumptions, and reliability of underlying data.
• Extended evaluation period to at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements, providing more relevant, forward-looking insights.
• Enhanced transparency through clearer auditor reporting and strengthened communication with those charged with governance.

This session will keep auditors and preparers up to date on the critical revisions, equipping them to respond to stakeholders’ heightened expectations on going concern.

Speaker:

Ms Preethi Sarma, Member, ISCA Auditing and Assurance Standards Committee, Member, ISCA Financial Reporting Committee, Partner, KPMG Singapore

This session will provide an overview of the STR filing regime in Singapore, with a focus on the role of accounting entities in combatting money laundering and terrorism financing. Attendees will gain insights into observations from STRs filed by the sector as well as trends and common red flags to aid in improving the quality of STRs filed.

Speaker:

In a complex and fast-evolving financial crime landscape, accountants are increasingly on the front lines of Singapore’s AML/CFT regime. This presentation will feature a senior law enforcement officer from the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) to explore the real-world risks, responsibilities, and repercussions facing the accountancy profession today.

Our speaker will share insights on:

• How criminals misuse professional services and where red flags often go unnoticed;
• Case examples of enforcement action and the implications for practitioners;
• Legal liabilities and ethical dilemmas accountants may face in client work;
• And how firms can protect themselves through strong compliance culture, documentation, and early escalation.

Expect practical, straight-talking insights from the enforcement angle — to help accountants stay not just compliant, but confident in high-risk situations.

Speaker: 

Ms Jasmine Cher, Assistant Director, Policy and Operations Division, Commercial Affairs Department, Singapore Police Force

• The critical role of valuation experts in financial reporting.
• Key differences in responsibilities between valuers acting as management’s expert vs. the auditor’s expert.
• Practical challenges faced by valuers and auditors, from data limitations to expectations gaps.
• Best practices for effective collaboration among management, valuers and auditors, drawing on established guidance and real-world examples.

Moderator: 
Mr. Nicolas Konialidis, Director (Asia) and Technical Director, Business Valuation,  International Valuation Standards Council (IVSC)

Panelist:
Mr Damien Tai, CA (Singapore), Member, ISCA Auditing and Assurance Standards Committee, Member, ISCA Learning and Assessment Committee – Professional Programme, Partner, Grant Thornton Singapore 

Mr Ashish McLaren, Managing Director and Southeast Asia Leader, Valuation Advisory Services, Kroll

With the implementation phase of SSQM 1 and SSQM 2 now behind us, firms have moved into a critical period of proactive, iterative monitoring and remediation activities. The quality management standards have significantly strengthened the assurance landscape. Their objectives go beyond mere compliance – they promote a pre-emptive approach in managing quality, help firms adapt to evolving risks, enhance audit quality and enhance overall trust in the assurance process. In this spirit, firms should make sure that their systems of quality management (“SoQMs”) are scalable, responsive, and sustainable.


This panel discussion brings together regulator and practitioners to reflect on what firms are doing well, where gaps are observed and how firms can strengthen and refine their SoQMs. Expect practical takeaways, real-world stories and insights that firms can use to benchmark their progress.

Panel discussion highlights include:

• Addressing Common Observations – Key observations from ACRA inspections, including pitfalls in designing SoQMs.
• Best Practices – Success stories and strategies that have led to an effective design, implementation and operation of SoQMs.
• Scalability of SoQMs - Learn how SMPs are tailoring their SoQMs to fit their size, complexity, and service offerings.
• Tools and Technology for SMPs – Leverage on practical resources and technology-enabled tools that can reduce manual efforts and improve consistencies in their SoQMs.
• Interactive Q&A - Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in an interactive discussion with the panelists.

Moderator:
Mr Lee Eng Kian, FCA (Singapore), Member, ISCA Council, Chairman, ISCA Public Accounting Practice Committee, Co-Chairman, Voluntary Compliance Programme Panel, Member, Membership Committee, Managing Partner, PKF-CAP LLP

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

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

Mr Tan Khoon Guan (KG), CA (Singapore), Senior Advisor, Precursor Assurance LLP

Business Owner Track

2.00pm - 2.45pm

Diversifying and Maximising ASEAN Opportunities: What Growing Businesses Need to Know for 2026 and Beyond

As ASEAN economies continue to deepen regional integration and expand trade and investment agreements, new opportunities emerge for growing businesses looking to diversify and grow in this dynamic market. Understanding the evolving landscape of ASEAN trade policies and investment frameworks is critical for strategic planning and sustainable growth.

This session will provide business owners and accounting professionals with insights on:

• Key trade and investment agreements shaping the ASEAN region’s economic outlook
• Strategies to diversify markets and leverage new growth avenues across ASEAN member states
• The role of accounting firms in advising clients on compliance, risk management, and financial optimisation related to regional agreements
• Practical guidance on navigating regulatory complexities and maximising benefits from ASEAN’s evolving trade ecosystem
• Preparing for the challenges and opportunities in 2026 and beyond through proactive scenario planning and strategic alignment

Join us to equip your organisation with the knowledge and tools to capitalise on ASEAN’s expanding trade and investment landscape.

Moderator: 
Dr. Goh Puay Guan, Associate Professor, NUS

Panelist: 
Mr. Ershad Ahamed, Head, Southeast Asia, Airwallex

Mr Derek How, Deputy CEO, RSM Singapore

Mr Steven Yeah, CEO, ValueMax

2.45pm - 3.30pm

The Smart Towkay Playbook: All You Need to Know to Survive 2026

As economic uncertainty and market volatility continue to challenge leaders worldwide, navigating 2026 requires smart strategies and resilient mindsets. This session equips leaders with essential insights on managing crises, adapting to shifting market economies, and crafting effective expansion plans. Discover practical approaches to thrive amid disruption and position your organisation for sustainable growth in the year ahead.

Let the expert Towkays share their experience.

Moderator: 
Mr. Chin Chee Choon, ISCA Council Member, Audit Partner, Forvis Mazars LLP
Speaker: 
Mr. Ang Yuit, President, Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (ASME)

Mr. Richard Koh, FCA (Singapore), Founder & Chairman, M-DAQ Global Pte Ltd

4.00pm - 4.45pm

From Disruption to Direction: Market Opportunities for SME in uncertain times

In today’s competitive and fast-evolving business environment, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must be agile and evidence-driven in identifying and capitalizing on new market opportunities. This session equips SME leaders with practical strategies to test, validate, and scale new ideas while minimizing risk.

Join the speaker as he guides participants through a proven framework for assessing business viability from three critical angles:

• Market Feasibility: Understand how to assess market demand, target segments, and competitor positioning before making major investments.
• Real-World Validation: Learn how to pilot your idea in a controlled, cost-effective manner and gather actionable feedback from early adopters.
• Financial & Operational Feasibility: Evaluate the cost, capacity, and sustainability of scaling your solution — from funding needs to internal capability alignment.

This session is ideal for SME founders, business development leads, and innovation teams looking to unlock growth opportunities in a structured, data-informed way.

Speaker:

Mr. Karunesh Prasad, Founder and CEO, Change Et Al

4.45pm - 5.30pm

Economic Uncertainty and Business Resilience: How Industry Sectors Are Adapting

In an era marked by global disruptions—from supply chain shocks to geopolitical tensions—business resilience has become a strategic imperative. This session shares              candid insights on how they are navigating economic uncertainty and positioning their organisations for long-term success.

Participants will hear firsthand how different industries are:

• Adapting operations and financial strategies to volatile market conditions
• Leveraging accountants and finance professionals as vital partners in scenario planning and strategic pivots
• Identifying and managing key risks through proactive crisis management frameworks
• Fostering organisational agility and innovation in response to unpredictable challenges

This dynamic conversation highlights the critical role of finance and accounting in enabling business owners to steer through complexity with confidence and clarity.

Speaker:

Mr. Yap Wee Kee, Partner, Capital Markets Group, KPMG Singapore

Digital Transformation Expert Track

2.00pm - 2.45pm

From Disruption to Direction: Agility of Business Models for Volatility

In today’s volatile market landscape, disruption has become the norm rather than the exception. Industries across the board are rethinking and reshaping their business models to stay competitive and resilient. At the heart of this transformation lies agile finance and accountancy leadership that enables organisations to pivot quickly and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

2.45pm - 3.30pm

Transforming finance with AI: unlocking potential and navigating challenges

This session explores how artificial intelligence is transforming the finance and accounting world by automating routine tasks and significantly reducing workloads for professionals. Explore the principles of Responsible AI with the launch of Responsible AI Framework in Accountancy by ISCA and NTU. The discussion will cover real-world examples of AI-driven tools in action. The session will also feature insights from other users who have successfully navigated the challenges and inherent risks of implementing AI. Discover the practical strategies they used to overcome obstacles and maximize the benefits of AI technologies in their own organisations.

Moderator:

Dr. El'fred Boo, Associate Professor, Nanyang Technological University 

Panelists:

Mr. Huang Zelin, Founder & Group Director, FOZL Group

Mr. David Lee, Partner, PwC Singapore

4.00pm - 4.30pm

Thrive or Survive: Embracing Our Future with AI

The world continues to change and, with AI more widely available, it is changing at an ever accelerating pace. To win in the future, you need to be good at everything and exceptional at a few things. Exploring how you can use AI to help with both aspects of your business is something that is worthwhile and, in this session, we’ll do exactly that. Join us to look at some of the key trends underpinning the AI capabilities that are transforming the landscape of accounting and bookkeeping, and learn what you can do about it.
This session will focus on:
1. Exploring options we can take in a world where AI isn’t going away
2. Providing a framework to help you re-think your role in this transformation
3. Sharing practical ways to leverage AI, moving you from simply surviving to actively thriving

Speaker: Sarah Foo, Head of Sales- Asia, Xero

4.30pm - 5.00pm

Join us for a sharing session on how technology, AI, and digital tools can help businesses work smarter, stay agile, and make better decisions.

This session explores how technology, AI, and data can drive smarter business growth, improve decision-making, and simplify complexity through automation. The session highlights the importance of fostering a mindset of innovation and adaptability, empowering people with the right technology, and strengthening collaboration across teams, stakeholders, and partners to build resilient digital capabilities.

Speakers:

Lily Tan, Managing Director, TnB Global Outsource Pte Ltd

Alvin Ng, General Manager, Ken-Jo Industries

5.00pm - 5.30pm

Maximised Control, Minimal Effort: The Power of Digitally Transforming Spend Management

Manual travel and expense (T&E) processes are just one example of how fragmented spend management can drain time, obscure visibility, and expose organisations to compliance and control risks.

This session goes beyond automation to examine how digitally transforming spend management — from travel and procurement to expense and vendor payments — can empower finance leaders to drive both control and strategic insight.

Through real-world case studies, we’ll explore how integrated, intelligent spend ecosystems can:

• Enable real-time visibility into spending patterns and cash flow
• Strengthen governance and risk management through policy automation and audit-ready transparency
• Reduce administrative burden while improving employee experience and compliance
• Leverage analytics and AI to detect anomalies, prevent leakage, and guide smarter decisions
• Connect sustainability and ESG goals by tracking and reporting on responsible spend
  

Finance leaders will walk away with a framework for aligning spend management transformation with broader business objectives — unlocking efficiency, accountability, and strategic agility across the enterprise.

Speaker: Mr. Munenori Iwanaga, Vice President, Head of Internal Audit, SAP