10 August 2019, Apia Samoa. Accountancy professionals from across the Asia and Pacific region gathered at the Taumeasina Island Resort to discuss key issues and challenges facing the development of Pacific Accountancy Organisations (PAOs) in the region.
The Samoa Institute of Accountants (SIA) hosted delegates of the Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants (CAPA) for the Professional Accountancy Organisation Development Committee (PAODC) on Thursday ast week before the exclusive one-day conference themed “Navigating for Change” on Friday 9th August.
Acting Prime Minsiter Fiame Naomi Mataafa delivered the keynote address and said the chosen theme resonated what is happening globally and in our Pacific region.
“Climate change being a serious global issue that affects us here in the Pacific with real threats to our people and livelihoods”, said the Acting Prime Minsiter who is also Samoa’s Minister of Environment.
“What stands out is the focus on Ethics and Trust, the fundamental principles that we all endeavour to uphold irrespective of profession.”
“This forum explores the fundamental principles of the accountancy profession and how they remain an integral part of the work that professional accountants are expected to do. Governments, businesses, communities; our people need professionals who are competent, innovative, visionary and change makers. But without ethics and trust, these will not be achieved,” added Acting Prime Minister Fiame.
The President of the Samoa Institute of Accountants, Ms Susana Laulu said, “The professional accountancy organisation in Samoa is delighted to welcome and host our overseas delegates to this International Forum. We are privileged to have an illustrious panel of speakers from the Asia Pacific region whose wealth of experience will be shared with the participants;
“Included in our program is a high calibre of local specialists to complement our overseas presenters and speakers from the Asia Pacific region.”
The topics for the International one-day forum include: The Fundamental Pillars of Ethics and Trust, Embracing Diversity and Change in Leadership, Emerging Challenges in the Digital Age and Being Champions of Change for the Future of the Profession.
“All of the topics selected will culminate the main focus of the day – What are the real challenges facing the accountancy profession today?, and how do we ensure a future-ready resilient profession in Samoa and the Asia-Pacific region?,” added the SIA President.
The International Forum ended on Saturday with a meeting of the Pacific Collaboration initiative which includes Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Samoa.
“The intention in forming this initiative, is for the 4 Pacific PAOs to work together on issues of mutual interest, for example, capacity building, quality assurance, ICT management systems and mutual recognition of qualifications across borders,” said Ms Laulu.
“The overarching objective is to foster collaboration towards the collective growth and development aspirations of the Pacific PAOs in their journey towards PAO maturity. This means that strong Pacific Accountancy Organisations will provide relevant and adequate support to its professional members to deliver high quality service to our clients and stakeholders. This in turn supports sustainable Pacific economies”.
“We have members from ADB, World Bank and developing PAOs in the CAPA here in Samoa this week to discuss these key issues, which will ultimately see improvements in service delivery within the accountancy profession across the region,” said the SIA President.
The CAPA is the regional accountancy profession organisation of which the SIA is a member.
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