The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India Singapore Chapter hosted a major event themed “Showcasing the Global Indian Chartered Accountants”, highlighting the expanding role of Indian chartered accountants as global business leaders, entrepreneurs and strategic professionals.
Held at the The Gallery Ballroom, JEN Singapore Tanglin by Shangri-La, on May 8, the event brought together more than 150 members, industry leaders and regional delegates, including representatives from the Malaysian chapter, reflecting the organisation’s growing ASEAN presence.
The programme was attended by Mr Prasanna Kumar D, president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, along with Central Council Member Satish Kumar Gupta. The ICAI president’s visit coincided with his participation in meetings of the ASEAN Federation of Accountants, underlining ICAI’s growing international engagement.
Also present was Ms Fann Kor, CEO of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants, reflecting increasing collaboration between ICAI and ISCA to strengthen the accounting profession in the region.
In his opening remarks, Mr Sanjay Gattani, Chairman of ICAI Singapore Chapter, spoke about the transformation of Indian chartered accountants into globally relevant “Prof-preneurs” — professionals who combine technical expertise with entrepreneurial thinking.
He highlighted Singapore’s importance as a gateway to ASEAN and the opportunities available for Indian CAs in the region. He also advocated his “H2O philosophy” of success, focusing on Health, Happiness and Opulence as key pillars of professional and personal growth.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr Prasanna described ICAI as the world’s largest accounting body and a global knowledge institution committed to creating future-ready professionals.
He stressed the importance of strengthening international collaborations, improving global mobility for members and positioning Indian chartered accountants as trusted leaders in a rapidly changing global economy.
He also highlighted ongoing engagement with ISCA, including discussions around a potential Mutual Recognition Agreement that could create greater professional opportunities for Indian CAs in Singapore. He added that ICAI would explore COMPASS-related pathways to further enhance access for professionals in the Singapore market.
In a move seen as reinforcing ICAI’s international outlook, the president also announced the inclusion of a Singapore-based member in an ICAI Central Council Committee.
The event further featured keynote sessions by Mr Praveen Kumar Jain, founder and chairman of global commodity company Valency International, and Mr Lakshman Gupta, founder of equity management platform Qapita.
Both speakers shared insights into how Indian chartered accountants are increasingly leading global businesses, building enterprises and driving innovation across industries.
The event concluded with a strong message on the growing global influence of Indian chartered accountants and Singapore’s emerging role as a strategic ASEAN hub for professional collaboration and business leadership.
