Excitement filled the air with more than 500 particpants join us at engaging and insightful Dinner & Dialogue at The Ritz-Carlton. We were honoured to have ICPAS Advisor, Mr Teo Ser Luck to grace the event on 6 November.

The event kick off with the welcome address by ICPAS President, Dr Kan who shared on Gen Y being the future leaders and their diversity in views. He also elaborated on his 200 days president's message which was electronically mailed to all 21,000 members on the the upcoming development of the institute and the achievements we have accomplished.

He added “ Looking into the future, in 5 to 10 years’ time, I hope, and believe many of you here share my vision, that ICPAS develops itself into a more dynamic organisation. The accountancy profession in Singapore has the potential to further strengthen its capabilities and contribute towards the nation’s economic prosperity. Singapore’s external thrust is in line with the regionalisation and globalisation efforts of many accountancy practices and businesses. Accounting professionals who are bold in venturing out will find that their skill-sets and IFRS knowledge are highly sought after globally.”

“It is heartening that ICPAS, as the national accountancy body and Singapore’s largest professional body, is taking a leading role in addressing a salient issue facing the nation.” ICPAS advisor, Mr Teo Ser Luck highlighted in his keynote speech. He further added that “As a nation, we need inspired and committed young Singaporeans. We want to continue to build an environment where young adults will always feel a sense of ownership and responsibility for Singapore, know that they have a stake in the nation, and know that they have support for their goals and aspirations.“

The key highlight of the event was the dialogue session faciliated by ChannelNews Asia presenter, Melissa Hyak. In the dialogue, key issues Gen Yers faced and the challenges organisations faced in harnessing the talents and retention strategies to keep the Gen Yers. Mr Teo Ser Luck pointed out that the Gen Yers are more tech savvy, preferring an unconventional approach to life, Gen Yers are intrinsically motivated, working to fulfill goals which are aligned with their personal values and value work-life balance.

The faciliator opened the forum up to the audience to ask questions which added live and interaction amongst the partipants.

Another main highlight of the event was the presentation of the “Distinguished Service Award” to Mr Tan Boen Eng, who has been the president of ICPAS from 1995 to April 2009. A video tribute was made specially for Mr Tan on his achievements and journey in the industry.

The atmosphere further heightened with the performance by the electric violinist and hot samba dance performance.

ICPAS would like to thank all the particpants for their overwhelming support and for the participating organisations and sponsors that have made this event a huge success. ICPAS look forward to provide more fruitful and engaging discussion forums for our members in the years to come.

For more details and pictures, please look out for the January 2010 issue of the Singapore Accountant.