The People’s Association (PA) and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore (ICPAS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on18 January 2010, to encourage ICPAS’ more than 21,000 members to volunteer with PA’s 2,000 Grassroots Organisations (GROs).

The objective of the MOU is to encourage ICPAS members to contribute their skills in aid of the community, while grassroots organisations benefit by having professional expertise to oversee their finances.

Grassroots activities bring people together to promote social cohesion and racial harmony, through various activities and programmes. GROs also raise funds to help those in need, including offering financial assistance, and educational bursaries. ICPAS members can offer valuable assistance, as Treasurers or Assistant Treasurers within the GROs, to help oversee the GROs’ finances.

ICPAS members, who are already active in volunteer work, welcome this additional opportunity to lend their expertise in pursuit of important community bonding goals.

“As the largest professional body in Singapore, ICPAS is committed to championing corporate social responsibility. We have had a long history of serving the community, with a community service committee spearheading annual community service projects since 1984. The partnership with PA today is synergistic, allowing us to better serve the community with greater impact, said Dr Ernest Kan, President of ICPAS.

“I believe CPAs Singapore, with their competencies in business and finance, and their reputation for professionalism and integrity, can contribute much to PA’s grassroots organisations and CDCs. I encourage our members to step forward and offer their skills and expertise to serve the community,” he added.

Mr Tan Boon Huat, Chief Executive Director of the PA, said, “The People's Association is delighted to work with ICPAS to facilitate their members volunteering with our grassroots organisations. The PA offers a wide variety of volunteering opportunities, and we welcome ICPAS members to volunteer in any capacity. Those who wish to volunteer in their area of expertise are welcome to serve as grassroots Treasurers or Assistant Treasurers. We laud ICPAS's great example of a professional organisation promoting such civic responsibility among its members. Other like-minded professional bodies will find the PA a ready partner in similar efforts.”