Future-proofing the accountancy sector in ASEAN

In the age of disruptive technologies, accountants are being asked to consider new business models and take on multi-disciplinary roles to stay ahead of the game.

This theme of transformation in the finance and accounting sector was pondered over at the inaugural ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) ASEAN annual conference held on June 17, 2016.

Human Resources is the media partner for this prestigious event, held at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Indranee Rajah, Singapore's Senior Minister of State for Law and Finance, [pictured above] was the guest of honour, and her keynote address focused on transforming skill sets, and the challenges and paybacks involved.

She emphasised on firms, both large and small, being open to embracing new technologies and acquiring new skill sets.

She said: "The world is moving and we cannot stand still. What will the future of work be? What skills are needed for the future? What can we do about it? Accountants should anticipate the future, constantly reinvent themselves and find new niches in the evolving ecosystems."

She cited the Working Group that has been set up under the Committee on the Future Economy to develop strategies to position Singapore’s legal and accounting services sectors for the future.

She also pointed out that membership bodies like ACCA can provide resources and platforms for members to leverage and move forward together.

Skills mobility was highlighted by Guntur Sugiyarto, senior economist, Asian Development Bank, as critical to strengthening labour market efficiency and true regional cooperation and integration in order to make ASEAN attractive to investors and potential employees.

This conference was managed by Lighthouse Events, the events management division of Lighthouse Independent Media.

All images: Provided