Mayor Teo Ser Luck Addresses Gen Y Issues at ICPAS Dinner & Dialogue

09 Nov 2009    Category: Media Releases

Singapore, 7 Nov 2009 – Addressing a salient topic of national interest and key issue facing the global workforce, the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore held its inaugural dinner & dialogue with the theme of “Upping The Ante of Gen Y Talent In Nation Building” on November 6. The guest of honour was Mr Teo Ser Luck, Mayor, North East District and ICPAS Advisor.

At the dialogue, Mr Teo, spoke about the characteristics of Gen Y-ers in Singapore, issues which Gen Yers face and how employers and the government can cater to their needs. He said, “As a nation, we need a variety of platforms to meet the different participation needs of Gen Y. Employers for example will need to think about retention strategies for this highly mobile group and address the issue of generational diversity at the workplace.”

In his welcome remarks, Dr Ernest Kan, ICPAS President, said, “Gen Y-ers want work-life balance. As much as they value monetary rewards, they also place a high premium on workplace relationships. The diverse perspectives from Gen Y can positively influence strategies and policies. Employers who understand them will win the war for talent.”

Mr Teo, who was appointed ICPAS advisor in April this year, also spoke about recent ICPAS developments. “This year, ICPAS has made significant progress, becoming a member of the International Innovation Network. The fact that 17 national accountancy bodies voted unanimously for ICPAS to be the network’s 18th member is strong endorsement and recognition of the institute’s stature,”he added.

The dialogue also invited participation from the audience, which spanned a spectrum of generations from Gen Y students and young working adults to the more mature Gen X and Boomer adults. More than 500 guests, including government officials, regulators and business professionals, attended the ICPAS Dinner & Dialogue.

ICPAS has continued to introduce programmes and services that are relevant to its members. Its Young Professional Group caters to accountants in their 20s and 30s with its networking sessions and opportunities for leadership and professional development. To reach out to tech-savvy Gen Y-ers, ICPAS publicised the dinner & dialogue on Facebook, Twitter, podcasts, its CPA Singapore blog and enewsletter. A contest was held on the CPA Singapore blog inviting the public to give their views on the dialogue topic.

The ICPAS Dinner & Dialogue is a thought-leadership initiative by the national accountancy body to provide crucial insights on a contemporary issue. In line with its strategic objective of industry growth,ICPAS aims to provide programmes that will contribute to building Singapore as a strategic business hub and key player in the global economy.

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About the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore

Established in June 1963, the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore (ICPAS) is the national accountancy body that develops, supports and enhances the integrity, status and interests of the accountancy profession in Singapore.

The Certified Public Accountant Singapore (CPA Singapore) is a professional in accountancy, finance and business who has the relevant work experience in addition to a recognised accountancy qualification. They are highly versatile and well sought after as business leaders beyond the accountancy, banking and finance industries.

Today, the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore (ICPAS) has more than 21,000 members and/or CPAs Singapore working and making their mark worldwide, which makes the CPA Singapore a designation with international recognition.

ICPAS’ international outlook and connections are reflected in its membership of regional and international professional organizations like the ASEAN Federation of Accountants (AFA), the Asia-Oceania Tax Consultants’ Association (AOTCA) and the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC).

The Institute also caters for the training and professional development of its members through regular courses conducted by its training arm, the Singapore Accountancy Academy (SAA).

For more information, please contact:

Ms Betsy Tan
Communications Manager
Tel: 65 65975608
HP: 65 96416920
Email: betsy.tan@icpas.org.sg

Ms Wendy Tang
Communications Executive
Tel: 65 65975611
Fax: 65 81233405
Email: wendy.tang@icpas.org.sg