The second edition of the Business Leaders Forum (BLF), hosted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) Singapore Chapter on Sept 25 at the Shangri-La Singapore, brought together an impressive gathering of global business leaders, chartered accountants, and thought leaders for an evening of powerful insights, collaboration, and inspiration.
The forum opened with a warm and visionary address by the chairperson of ICAI Singapore Chapter Ms Anuradha Shroff, who set the tone for the evening by emphasising resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership.
“Transformation is constant – what truly matters is our response,” she said, urging professionals to embrace purposeful leadership, agility with integrity, and cross-border collaboration.
The event featured a stellar line-up of keynote speakers.
Mr James H. Lye, global head of international banking at Standard Chartered Bank, shared insights on global banking trends with a focus on India’s pivotal role.
Dr Anuj Goyal, central council member ICAI, spoke about the evolving role of finance professionals in driving business resilience.
Mr Suresh Prabhu, former Indian Union minister and guest of honour, delivered an extempore keynote on global economic challenges, praising Indian chartered accountants for their growing influence worldwide.
President of ICAI Mr Charanjot Singh Nanda inspired the audience with a thought-provoking address interlaced with poetic couplets on leadership and ethics.
This year’s theme, “Empowering Business Leaders in a Transformative Era”, was explored through two high-impact panel discussions.
The first panel, Navigating the New Trade Winds, moderated by Dhruva Advisors partner Dilpreet Singh Obhan, featured Mr Steve Brice, chief investment officer, Standard Chartered Bank; Mr Rajat Bhattacharya, senior investment strategist, Standard Chartered Wealth Solutions; and Mr Steven Okun, founder and CEO, APAC Advisors. The session unpacked strategies to adapt to shifting trade dynamics and tariff resets shaping the global economy.
The second panel, Smart Finance, Sustainable Future, moderated by Ms Supriya Sen, senior adviser, Boston Consulting Group, included Mr Santosh Nair, regional head of innovation and process consulting, APAC IT, Siemens Healthineers; Mr Manoj Vembu, co-founder and director, TRST01; and Mr Sushil Anand, head of digital, wealth advisory and managed investments, Standard Chartered Bank who delved into the transformative potential of AI, Fintech, and ESG in financial leadership and sustainable growth.
Conceived as a premier platform for thought leadership, BLF aims to showcase the strategic role of chartered accountants in business transformation, investment, and sustainability across India, Singapore, and ASEAN.
After its successful 2024 debut, the overwhelming response ensured its place as an annual flagship event.
Mr Prabhu lauded the forum’s cross-border spirit, saying “Indian professionals are shaping the global economic landscape. Platforms like BLF foster collaboration that transcends geography.”
The event also served as a vibrant networking opportunity for professionals across banking, consulting, technology, and entrepreneurship, reinforcing ICAI’s mission of global excellence and ethical leadership.
Established in 2009, the ICAI Singapore Chapter represents over 550 Indian Chartered Accountants contributing to Singapore’s business ecosystem. It is part of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), one of the world’s largest accounting bodies with over 400,000 members.
