19 Aug 2014   

The Institute reached out to Accountancy students during the Singapore Accountancy Convention 2014 to give students a rare opportunity to hear from and network with more than 20 esteemed speakers and panellists from around the world, as well as prominent Chairmen that helm International Standard-Setting Boards!

The Singapore Accountancy Convention 2014 was one of the highlights of my summer holiday. I had the opportunity to be involved at this event with one of my closest friends, as social media reporters. It was indeed an eye opening experience, especially for an aspiring accountant such as myself, to hear first-hand accounts and speeches from the top men and women in the profession. Personally, I was star struck to be in the presence of the Chair persons and Managing partners of organisations that are distinct and revered in the accountancy profession.

Attending the second day of the convention, the theme of the day was “Writing a New Chapter”. Several key speakers with a top notch understanding of accounting presented their views on the direction and steps that the profession should be headed towards. It was an engaging session, especially during the panel discussions, where questions and concerns that have shrouded accounting, were heavily challenged and debated upon.

As an accountancy undergraduate, I could not have asked for a more in depth discussion regarding the views pertaining to certain concepts found in the conceptual framework. Listening to opinions and arguments from people of whom their understanding of accounting transcends multiple decades, it brought the entire profession to life right before my very eyes. Interestingly, the complexity of accounting was one of the main topics brought forth during the panel discussion and it shows how far the profession has come throughout the years of increasing globalisation and rapid growth in the international economy. Accountancy is dynamic.

The afternoon session was highlighted by a one on one interview with Mr Tham Sai Choy, Chairman, KPMG Asia Pacific and Managing Partner, KPMG in Singapore. Indeed, a once in a lifetime experience for someone my age. I had the honour of receiving answers to questions harboured in my mind about accountancy, from a man who has spent a great deal of his life in this profession. When asked about the profession that he would undertake if he were not an accountant, his candid reply was that he would invent the accountancy profession. Such is Mr Tham’s passion and pride in accounting.

Without a doubt, this convention exposed myself to the ever changing and dynamic nature of the accounting profession. As an undergraduate, being able to feel the passion and drive that the accountants before me have, has definitely spurred me on in my pursuit for a future in this industry. The road for accountants is paved with excitement and incredible experiences, of which there is never a dull moment, as stated by Mr Tham Sai Choy. Definitely, it was an absolute privilege to be part of this historic event and it leaves me inspired to strive on for success in the accounting profession.

Regards,
Shaunald

Stay tuned to hear from the other 3 student reporters!