Day 1: Accountancy Renaissance - Setting Future Foundations

Time

Programme

8.30am – 9.30am

Registration and Networking Breakfast

9.30am – 9.40am

Welcome Address by ISCA

9.40am – 10.20am

Thought Leadership Keynote Address

10.20am – 11.00am

From Classroom to Career: Setting Future Foundations for Singapore's New Economy

Launch of ISCA research report: Accountancy Education – Making it 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 stocktale 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 panelists 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.

11.00am – 11.30am

Economic Horizons for 2025 and beyond
Deep dive into what businesses can expect in the year ahead to navigate the evolving global economy. Our expert speaker will provide valuable insights into emerging markets, potential challenges, and strategic opportunities. Get ready to equip your business with the knowledge and strategies needed for sustained success in an ever-changing economic landscape. Stay informed and stay ahead of the curve.

11.30am – 12.00pm

The Rise of Human-Centred AI: Policies and Regulations Shaping the Future of Accountancy

Launch of ISCA research report: Championing Human-centered AI Policies and Regulations for Accountancy in Business

Given the widespread use of AI in both personal and professional realms, it is crucial to ensure that AI serves as an ally, not an overlord. How can we regulate AI to promote a human-centered approach? What policies should your organization implement to enhance efficiency and reliability in your financial processes while preserving human expertise and judgment?

Hear from our speaker as he shares his recommendations of policies update for the business world.

12.00pm – 1.30pm

Networking Lunch

1.30pm – 5.30pm

Track 1: Private Sector

Track 2: Public Sector
In Strategic Partnership with AGD

1.30pm – 2.00pm

Money Combat: Fighting Singapore's Rising Fraud Threat

Championed by ISCA Financial Forensic Accounting Oversight Committee

From simple credential theft to complex, multi-layered schemes, fraud has transformed into an ever-adapting adversary. Are you equipped to identify these emerging threats before they compromise your organisation and clientele?

The recent exposure of a staggering $3 billion money laundering operation stands as a stark reminder of the escalating dangers that organizations confront. This session delves into the pivotal challenge of fraud prevention amidst adversaries who are ceaselessly refining their strategies.

Equip yourself with the knowledge to counter these shifting threats through real-time monitoring, anomaly detection, and behavioral analytics. Gain insights from case studies and industry best practices on robust defense mechanisms. Strengthen your safeguards and maintain a competitive edge in the ongoing battle against fraud.

1.30pm – 1.45pm

Keynote Address

1.45pm – 2.30pm

Panel Discussion:

Setting Future Foundations for Public Sector Accountancy Workforce
 

Since the launch of the Accountancy Workforce Report, 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.

2.00pm – 2.45pm

Staying 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.

2.30pm – 3.00pm

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.

2.45pm – 3.30pm

Panel 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.

3.00pm – 3.30pm

AI Driven Sustainability: Pioneering the Future
 

Discover how AI can revolutionize financial planning and analysis (FP&A) by forecasting environmental impacts, managing risks, and ensuring compliance with evolving sustainability regulations. Learn how integrating AI optimizes resource management and fosters innovative solutions to environmental challenges.

Our speaker 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. 

3.30pm – 4.15pm

Networking Tea Break

4.15pm – 4.45pm

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.

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.

4.45pm – 5.30pm

Insights 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.

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.

5.30pm End of Day 1

Day 2: Practitioner Renaissance - Leading Positive Disruptions

Time

Programme

8.30am – 9.30am

Registration and Networking Breakfast

9.30am – 9.40am

Welcome Address by ISCA

9.40am – 10.30am

A Fireside Chat with Guest of Honour

Speaker: Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance, and Second Minister for National Development

10.30am – 11.15am

Thought Leadership Keynote Panel

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

11.15am – 11.45am

The ESG Advantage: Unveiling Key Insights for Asset Valuation

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

11.45am – 12.15pm

Cybersecurity Shield: Protecting Sensitive Data in Professional Firms

Professional services firms, with their vast repositories of sensitive client data, have become prime targets for ransomware attacks. Recent incidents involving law firms and other professional services highlight the urgency of this threat. How can these practices safeguard themselves, and what steps should they take in the event of an attack?

Join us as our expert speaker delves into effective strategies for protection and response, offering insights on the latest defensive measures and practical steps firms need to implement to mitigate risks and enhance security.

The speaker will also share about 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.

12.15pm – 1.45pm

Networking Lunch

1.45pm – 2.30pm

Audit Quality Updates

2.30pm – 3.00pm

The GST Discounts Controversy: Landmark Ruling in Direct Marketing

In a pivotal ruling, Singapore’s High Court has redefined the GST framework for direct marketing entities. Central to this development was the Herbalife case, which revolved around the application of GST on products sold at a discount to affiliates. The crux of the matter: 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. He will also clarify the rationale that influenced the court’s verdict, thereby establishing a benchmark for analogous disputes. Attendees will emerge with enhanced understanding of the GST intricacies and strategic insights for ensuring compliance within their ventures.

3.00pm – 3.30pm

Governance Guardians: Duties of Diligent Directors

Championed by ISCA Corporate Governance & Risk Management Committee

With recent cases of directors being found liable of losses and holding up to a “staggering” figure of 980 directorships, the duties of officers, director and nominee directors is not as clear as black and white.

Governance practice is not only scrutinised by regulators but also courts and general public.

Our expert speakers will share case studies and highlight the difference between directing and managing, sharing invaluable insights using case studies and case laws to upskill in effective corporate governance practice.

3.30pm – 4.15pm

Networking Tea Break

4.15pm – 4.45pm

Fraudcasting: Fact or Myth

Championed by ISCA AI for AI Taskforce Network

We know that fraud can be detected. But can fraud be predicted using ML?

Delve into the diverse forms of financial fraud and discover proactive measures to safeguard your organization. Our expert speakers will highlight emerging fraud risks, real-time monitoring, anomaly detection, and behaviour analysis techniques.

Speakers will also challenge conventional wisdom, examining the potential of ML in detecting and possibly forecasting fraudulent activities. Join us as we unravel the complexities of fraud detection and explore the cutting-edge intersection of technology and financial security.

4.45pm – 5.30pm

SSA 600 – What has Changed for Group Audits?

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.

5.30pm End of Day 2

Pass Type

CPE HOURS CATEGORY BREAKDOWN

CAT 1

CAT 2

CAT 3

CAT 5

OTHERS

TOTAL CPE HOURS

2 Day Pass
(Day 1 - Track 1)

1.5

0.5

1.5

2.75

5.25

11.5

2 Day Pass
(Day 1 - Track 2)

To be updated

11.5

Pass Type

CPE HOURS CATEGORY BREAKDOWN

CAT 1

CAT 2

CAT 3

CAT 5

OTHERS

TOTAL CPE HOURS

Day 2

X

X

1.5

2.25

2

5.75