KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 (Bernama) -- The MIA International Accountants Conference 2023 (MIA Conference 2023) made a triumphant comeback to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, attracting nearly 3,500 delegates to the first-ever hybrid conference after the event was held virtually in 2021 and 2022.

Recognised as one of the region’s largest gatherings of accountants, the Conference is the flagship advocacy and competency building platform owned by the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA). “The Malaysian Institute of Accountants is the regulator, and we are also entrusted to develop the profession as mandated in the Accountants Act 1967,” stated Dr Wan Ahmad Rudirman Wan Razak, Chief Executive Officer, Malaysian Institute of Accountants in his welcoming remarks.

Steered by the theme of “Future-fit Profession: Charting a Better Tomorrow”, the Conference is set to upskill accountancy professionals for the future relevance of the profession towards sustainable nation building. Over the two-day Conference, nearly 80 expert speakers shared their insights across 16 future-forward sessions focusing on key issues in ESG and sustainability, technology adaptation, taxation, and governance, intended to equip the profession for rapid and unprecedented changes.

“In a complex, disruptive and unprecedented post-COVID world, accountancy professionals must be able to navigate their expanding and diverse roles to provide effective leadership and service excellence. This requires accountancy professionals to not only acquire increasingly complex technical competencies in finance and accountancy, but to also be equipped with non-financial acumen that will strengthen them as all-rounders, trouble-shooters and trusted business partners for organisations,” advised Datuk Bazlan Osman, President, MIA in his opening address.

The Conference was officiated by guest of honour YB Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, Deputy Minister of Finance I. In his keynote address at the Conference Opening Ceremony, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan commended MIA for its efforts to strengthen regulation through vigorous engagement with the Ministry of Finance on the repeal of the Accountants Act 1967 and the operationalisation of the new Act. “A strong regulator is critical to enforce regulations and ensure stakeholder compliance. MOF endorses MIA’s endeavours to strengthen its regulatory powers in order to discharge its mandate as the regulator of the profession,” said YB Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.

In the interim while waiting for the new Act to be passed, MIA actively collaborates with its fellow regulators - namely the Securities Commission, Bank Negara Malaysia, the Companies Commission, Bursa Malaysia and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) - to strengthen enforcement. “MIA is to be commended on its efforts to stamp out bogus accountant activities and protect the public, strengthen compliance with the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA) as enforced by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), and collaborate with the MACC in combating corruption and economic crimes,” emphasised YB Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.

In the context of sustainability, YB Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan encouraged the accounting profession to play a key role in leading the nation’s ESG vision by harnessing its expertise to lead in sustainability reporting and assurance. “Accountancy professionals as the centre of information flows and decision making are uniquely positioned to capture, analyse, report on, and assure sustainability information. As a regulated profession, professional accountants and auditors will be able to meet the expectations of global capital markets, investors, and supply chains for high quality sustainability assurance, in compliance with international standards and abiding by the profession’s ethical code and public interest mandate,” he stated.

The Conference was also graced by special guest Ms Asmâa Resmouki, President of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) who spoke at a special session focusing on accountants as the enablers of sustainability and leaders of the global green transition to a low carbon economy.

NOTE TO EDITOR:

Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA)

Established under the Accountants Act 1967, MIA is the national accountancy body that regulates, develops, supports and enhances the integrity, status and interests of the profession in Malaysia. MIA accords the Chartered Accountant Malaysia or “C.A. (M)” designation. Working closely alongside businesses, MIA connects its membership to a wide range of information resources, events, professional development and networking opportunities. Presently, there are more than 38,500 members making their strides in businesses across all industries in Malaysia and around the world. 

MIA’s international outlook and connections are reflected in its membership of regional and international professional organisations such as the ASEAN Federation of Accountants (AFA), and the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). For more information on MIA, visit www.mia.org.my 

SOURCE: Malaysian Institute of Accountants

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Thane Meyyappan
Tel: +6012 248 9534
Email: communications@mia.org.my

Name: Mohd Faiz Othman
Tel: +6012 622 5027

--BERNAMA