ISCA Conference Programme

Overview

Programme

The Conference that brings EVERYONE together

This year's conference is bigger and better, bringing the entire accounting and finance profession together! With 2 different tracks after the plenary session, participants can select the track that is most suited for your needs.

For those that want more on top of the conference, go for the premium option - ISCA Conference Plus+! With Conference Plus+ passes, participants will get to enjoy more on 28th Nov's Pre-Conference Workshop and 30th Nov's Post-Conference Workshop. More on the programme below!

Pre-Conference Workshop, ISCA House

11.30am - 1.30pm Mastering Lunchtime Connections: 5 Topics to Engage Your Client in Your Next Luncheon

Enjoy lunch and be inspired as we kick-start pre-conference activities.

In this session, participants will gather over a delightful meal to share their thoughts and views on conversation topics facilitated by our speaker. Be prepared to engage each other and learn new trends that you can share at your next clientele lunch.

Speaker: Mr Kevin Kan, Chief Experience Officer, Break Out Consulting Asia

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1.30pm - 2.30pm Workshop: Preparing for Group Audits Under the New SSA 600(Revised)

Are you prepared for the changes which become effective for audits of group financial statements for periods beginning on or after 15 December 2023?

Familiarise yourself with the key changes to SSA 600 (Revised) Special Considerations – Audit of Group Financial Statements (Including the Work of Component Auditors) and find out how the new risk-based approach will affect your group audit planning activities. Also learn how to apply the enhanced materiality concepts in a group audit, adequately document your review of the work done by component auditors and enhance communications with your component auditor.

Speaker: Mr Ng Kian Hui, FCA (Singapore), ISCA Auditing and Assurance Standards Committee Core Sub-Committee Member, ISCA Financial Reporting Committee Member, Audit Partner, Head of Audit, BDO LLP

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2.30pm - 3.00pm Selfcare TCM Workshop

Exhausted from long working hours reviewing work and having nonstop meetings? Prioritise your own body to alleviate your headaches, strained eyes and tension in your neck and shoulders through the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), qigong exercises and Chinese herbs. Revitalize and be ready for our conference the next day!

Speaker: Ms Lee Hui Fang, Founder, Ouch Pte Ltd

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3.00pm - 4.00pm Workshop: How to Effectively Identify and Assess Risks of Material Misstatements in an Audit?

An effective audit begins with proper identification and assessment of risks of material misstatements. Is your firm’s approach towards the assessment of risks of material misstatements robust enough?

Join us as our speaker dives into some of the key elements of this critical audit process.

Speaker: Mr John Tan, CA (Singapore), ISCA Auditing and Assurance Standards Committee Core Sub-Committee Member, Partner and South-East Asia Regional Professional Practice Director, Deloitte & Touche LLP

ISCA Conference, Marina Bay Sands (Sands Expo and Convention Centre)

8.30am - 9.30am Registration

Conference door to be opened by 9.15am

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9.30am - 9.45am Welcome address by ISCA

Speaker: Mr Teo Ser Luck, ISCA President

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9.45am - 10.00am Keynote address by Guest of Honor

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

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10.00am - 10.15am Sustainability Transformation - The Role of Accountancy and Finance Professionals in the Singapore Manufacturing Sector

Launch of ISCA research report, a collaboration of ISCA, Singapore Manufacturing Federation, Deloitte & Touche Business Advisory, and Singapore Management University

The manufacturing sector, one of the key pillars of Singapore's economy, has witnessed a swift integration of ESG concerns into its supply chain. This joint research paper delves into the current state of sustainability integration within the corporate strategies and business models of Singapore's manufacturing companies.

Hear first-hand insights about the state of play in the manufacturing sector. Find out how manufacturing companies have embarked on their sustainability journey? What are the next steps that your company can take, and how can the finance team leverage these insights to implement actions?"

Join us as we uncover novel sustainability prospects for accountancy and finance professionals by exploring the necessary skills to champion sustainability.

Speaker: A/Prof Holly Yang, Accounting, SMU

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10.15am - 11.00am Sustainability Transformation – Emerging Skills You Need to Champion Sustainability in Your Organization

Sustainability actions are now the new business norm. What is your organisation doing and how is your team supporting these efforts? Do you know what are the skillsets that are required for this new movement?

Opportunities in green finance, business prospects, and carbon trading are growing rapidly for forward-thinking organizations. Increasingly, accountancy and finance professionals are asked to play greater roles in championing sustainability transformation in their organisation.

Join our panel discussion to understand why accountancy and finance professionals are the natural sustainability champions. Learn about sustainability skills in demand and find out how accountancy and finance professionals are making a difference. Engage our expert panellists on best practices and strategies for sustainability transformation.

Moderator: Mr Don Wee, FCA (Singapore), Council Member, ISCA

Panelist 1: Mr Brian Ho, Partner, Sustainability and Climate Assurance Leader, APAC and SEA, Deloitte

Panelist 2: Dr Joanne Khew, Director (ESG), Eastspring Investments

Panelist 3: Mr Lennon Tan, President, Singapore Manufacturing Federation

Panelist 4: A/Prof Wang Jiwei, Accounting, SMU

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11.00am - 12.00pm The Era of Generative AI: What does it mean for the Accountancy Sector?

The use of Generative AI is the new technological horizon and businesses are racing to it for fear of being left behind.

Emerging as one of the most promising technologies for re-imagining the business ecosystem, the possibility of generative AI appears endless. In this brave new world, AI promises to improve workplace productivity, enhance customer experience, reduce human errors, identify new business opportunities, and complement existing functions like financial and sustainability reporting.

However, in some corners, there have been concerns and whispers of unprecedented job loss and displacement, as well as threats of a new wave of cyber theft with increased sophistication of fraud and forgery.

What exactly does the emergence of Generative AI mean for the accountancy sector? Where are the risks and opportunities? How should accountancy and finance professionals approach this new technology? Join our experts in this panel discussion to discover and learn about Generative AI and its possibilities.

Moderator: Ms Cyndi Pei, FCA (Singapore), ISCA Council Member, Chief Financial Officer, Digital InfraCo Singtel

Panelist 1: Mr Marcus Lam, FCA (Singapore), Executive Chairman, PwC Singapore

Panelist 2: Mr Derrick Goh, CA (Singapore), Managing Director and Group Head of Audit, DBS Bank

Panelist 3: Mr Jean-Michel Coeur, APAC Technology Practice Lead, Google

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12.00pm - 12.30pm Singapore’s Sustainability Reporting Roadmap

With the launch of the Singapore Green Plan, the regulatory landscape on Sustainability is set to transform to align accordingly. Hear from our regulators as they shine the light on the key changes and how corporations can prepare themselves.

Moderator: Ms Beh Siew Kim, CA (Singapore), ISCA SCCC Capacity Building Sub-Com, Chief Financial & Sustainability Officer, Lodging, CapitaLand Investment

Panelist 1: Ms Kuldip Gill, CA (Singapore), Assistant Chief Executive (Accounting Regulatory and Sustainability Group), Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority

Panelist 2: Mr Michael Tang, Executive Director and Head of Listing Policy & Product Admission and the Sustainable Development Office, SGX RegCo

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12.30pm - 2.00pm Networking Lunch

2.00pm - 2.35pm

The Evolution of Fraud: Adaptive Fraud Prevention for Organisations

Fraud has evolved from simple invoice manipulation to many different looks and forms. Are you confident of recognising them before it attacks your company? Has your organisation taken active steps to prevent them all?

Join us as the speaker shed insights on the importance of fraud prevention in a rapidly changing fraud environment. This session will focus on emerging fraud risks, real-time monitoring, anomaly detection, and behaviour analysis techniques that organisations can use to identify and respond to fraud risks. Attendees will learn about adaptive fraud prevention strategies. Case studies and best practices will be used to illustrate the implementation of adaptive fraud prevention measures in organisations.

Speaker: Mr David Chew, ISCA Honorary Member, Director Commercial Affairs Department, Singapore Police Force

2.35pm - 3.40pm

The C-suite Agenda: Top Priorities for the CFO in 2024

What are the recent trends that keeps the modern CFO or business leader up at night? With rising inflationary costs, potential recession, increasing use of technology and the new working lifestyle, there are many pressing issues that requires the attention of the CFO. Our panel will share their views on the key issues and biggest challenges that they will focus on in 2023 and beyond.

Moderator: Ms Yiong Yim Ming, FCA (Singapore), Group Chief Financial Officer, City Developments Limited

Panelist 1: Mrs Fang Ai Lian, FCA (Singapore), ISCA Distinguished Lifetime Member, Chairperson and Independent Director

Panelist 2: Mr Liew Nam Soon, ISCA Member, ASEAN Regional Managing Partner, Singapore and Brunei Managing Partner, EY

3.40pm - 4.15pm

Unveiling the Shadows: The Truth about Tax Fraud

Ever wondered how fraudsters get away with tax fraud? How do you spot the common signs that an individual or company is attempting tax fraud?

Our speaker will delve into the dark underbelly of financial deception through tax fraud and explore the intricate web of schemes, manipulation, and evasion that plague our modern economy.

Join us as the speaker shed light on this pressing issue, empowering you with knowledge to protect your company or clients.

Speaker: Mr Lawrence Eng, Director (Investigation 3), Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS)

4.15pm - 5.00pm

Tech Update: Changes in Accounting and Auditing Standards that the Audit Committee and Finance Team Should Know

As we approach the end of 2023, this segment serves as a timely reminder of key changes to the accounting standards that can affect your financial statements. Additionally, our speaker will highlight recent updates in the auditing standards that can have an implication on your upcoming financial statements audit.

Gain a snapshot of these key changes – all within 45 minutes!

Speaker: Mr Aylwin How, CA (Singapore), Member of ISCA Financial Reporting Committee, Partner, Deloitte

2.00pm - 2.30pm

Audit Quality through Quality Management

ACRA’s regulatory activities are critical in fostering greater confidence in the profession and serves to protect public interest. Following the amendments to the Accountants Act which took effect from 1 July 2023, ACRA commenced its regulatory quality control inspections of accounting entities, marking a crucial advancement of ACRA’s regulatory regime. The Practice Monitoring Programme (PMP) framework on individual public accountants has also been enhanced.

In the past year, ACRA engaged several firms to understand their journey in operationalising the Singapore Standards on Quality Management (SSQM) 1 and 2 and in the adoption of technological tools in financial statements audits. We are pleased to share notable observations (including good practices) which we trust will be of immense benefit to the profession.

Demand for sustainability reporting and assurance on these reports will increase. To seize the opportunity, the profession should continue to invest in quality management systems and compelling multi-disciplinary teams equipped with the right mix of competencies.

Speaker: Ms Kuldip Gill, CA (Singapore), Assistant Chief Executive (Accounting Regulatory and Sustainability Group), Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)

2.30pm - 3.00pm

Prepare your Practice: Building Trust through Sustainability Assurance - ISSA 5000

Sustainability is playing an increasingly crucial role in our decision-making processes, influencing everything from investments to consumption and lifestyle choices. As concerns over greenwashing rise, sustainability assurance is now a need rather than a want.

Hear from our esteemed speaker as we share the key highlights of the new profession-agnostic standard for sustainability assurance, ISSA 5000. And be prepared to engage your clients in this conversation!

Speaker: Mr Lee Bing Yi, CA (Singapore), Partner, Sustainability & Climate Change, Financial Services Assurance, PwC Singapore

3.00pm - 3.45pm

The Urge to Merge: Top 5 Dos and Don’ts of M&A for SMP

The merger of two large firms in China has transformed the landscape of the familiar "Big 4" accounting firms in the region. To stay competitive in this rapidly changing industry, there is a growing trend of smaller firms in other parts of Asia also pursuing mergers. What do practitioners need to watch out for when planning and executing Merger & Acquisitions for their own firms?

In this fireside chat, our speakers will share their experiences and best practices for ensuring a successful and harmonious merger, avoiding any potential issues.

Moderator: Mr Marian Joraschkewitz, Managing Director, Corporate & Commercial Segment Leader, Asia, Marsh

Speaker: Mr Paul Tan, FCA (Singapore), Chairman, Nexia Singapore PAC

3.45pm - 4.15pm

Trends in Money Laundering and White-Collar Crimes: The Hong Kong Experience

As Money Laundering becomes more complex and sophisticated, so should the technology used to detect them. Find out how the law enforcement agency in Hong Kong combats fraud and white collar crimes effectively.

The speaker will share their knowledge, experience and case studies on use of technology to build actionable financial crime and fraud investigations.

Speaker: Ms Vivian Lee, Superintendent, Money Laundering Expert Cadre, Hong Kong Police Force

4.15pm - 5.00pm

Tech Update: Top 5 Accounting and Audit Issues to Note for Audit of FY 2023

Macroeconomic and geopolitical developments, as well as evolving business and audit environments, necessitate the need for auditors to be alert to new or heightened risk areas in accounting and auditing.

Hear from our esteemed speaker on the top 5 accounting and auditing issues that auditors need to know and prepare for to conquer the upcoming audit peak!

Speaker: Ms Yeow Hui Cheng, CA (Singapore), Chairperson, ISCA Auditing and Assurance Standards Committee, Assurance Partner and Deputy Professional Practice Director, EY

5.00pm - 6.00pm Networking Cocktails

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6.00pm End of Conference. See you in 2024!

Post-Conference Workshop, ISCA House

9.00am - 10.00am Workshop – Deep Dive into common audit deficiencies

This workshop will cover the common audit deficiences. Be refreshed on essential audit procedures and documentation to keep up best practices.

Speaker: Ms Clarice Chan, CA (Singapore), ISCA

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10.00am - 10.45am Workshop – Valuation of Digital Assets, Investments and Cryptocurrencies

In today's digital age, companies are increasingly investing in digital technologies and platforms to stay competitive and drive growth. However, valuing these digital investments poses a unique challenge. How can companies accurately assess the value of their digital investments and determine their potential return on investment (ROI)? What are the key factors and methodologies involved in valuing digital investments? How can companies ensure that their valuation approaches align with the dynamic nature of digital assets? Exploring expert insights and real-world cases will provide valuable guidance in effectively valuing digital investments and making informed strategic decisions.

Speaker: Ms Wong Wanyi, CA (Singapore), FinTech Leader, Banking and Capital Markets Partner in Financial Services Assurance Practice, PwC Singapore

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10.45am - 12.00pm Panel Discussion – Building a Resilient Practice Workforce: Thriving Amidst Talent Constraints

In this dynamic session, we will explore strategies and insights to help participants navigate the challenges of talent constraints and create a thriving workforce in their practice. Discover innovative approaches to attract, develop, and retain top talent, even in competitive markets. Gain valuable insights on building a resilient yet attractive organizational culture that fosters engagement, growth, and adaptability.

Explore practical solutions to optimize resource allocation and empower your workforce for success. Participants will walk away with tips on opportunities to unlock the potential of their practice and build a resilient workforce that drives sustainable growth and excellence.

Moderator: Mr Michael Heng, FCA (Singapore), Managing Partner, Heng Lee Seng LLP

Panelist 1: Ms Rupali Gupta, Senior Client Partner, Korn Ferry

Panelist 2: Mr Aslam Sardar, Chief Executive Officer, Institute for Human Resource Professional Limited

Panelist 3:Mr Vance Lim, Head of SEA Partnerships, Employment Hero

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12.00pm - 2.00pm Tech Talk Lunch & Learn

Enjoy lunch over a tech talk curated specially for firms as we close off the post-conference activities.

Find out more about the latest technologies that will empower your organisation and network with fellow participants before we officially close of ISCA Conference Plus+

CPE HOURS & CATEGORY BREAKDOWN