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Singapore, November 9, 2024 – AGN International, a global association of independent accounting and advisory firms, hosted its 2024 Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting in Singapore on November 7-8.
The event, attended by nearly 50 AGN members from across the Asia-Pacific region, took place alongside the Nexia Singapore Conference, offering an ideal platform for members to meet, exchange ideas, and strengthen their collaborative alliance with Nexia.
The two-day meeting kicked off with a unique tea blending experience where participants explored Asian tea flavors and created custom blends. This activity encouraged informal networking among attendees, followed by a welcome reception at CHIJMES Hall, providing further opportunity for members to connect and build relationships to support ongoing knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
Day two opened with a Nexia global update by Phil Mandel, followed by an overview of AGN International’s activities, led by Global CEO Malcolm Ward and International Chair Brian Franklin. Ward and Franklin presented a comprehensive introduction to AGN’s global initiatives, activities, and committee groups, emphasizing the alliance’s role in fostering collaboration and growth across regions.
Attendees also heard from keynote speaker Jeremy Hyman at JHA Global, who shared practical guidance on choosing and implementing technology within firms, with an emphasis on clear, accessible communication to all equity stakeholders. Hyman highlighted the role of technology in enhancing firm operations and delivering client value.
AGN members gathered for a regional session led by Greg Cusack, Chair of AGN Asia Pacific. First-time participants and NextGenners were invited to introduce themselves before he shared a regional update of the Asia Pacific demography with a clear message that collaboration is the key to success.
Brian Franklin addressed the challenges firms face, particularly those identified in AGN’s Member Agenda, including key industry issues. He emphasized the benefits of our strategic collaboration with Nexia to address these challenges effectively. Malcolm Ward, CEO of AGN International, provided additional insights into AGN’s membership structure and demonstrated the member-exclusive section of the AGN website, which offers tools and resources aligned with AGN’s three key industry focuses.
The closing keynote by Iwan Yang of Speaker Sell Succeed focused on building trust and strong professional relationships. Yang outlined practical strategies for developing trust, drawing attention to the various stages of relationship-building in business.
The event concluded with a formal three-course banquet at the Hilton Orchard Hotel, where attendees reflected on the insights and connections gained throughout the conference.
“The AP Regional Meeting in Singapore provided a great opportunity to connect with peers from across the Asia-Pacific region and explore fresh ideas for our industry. The presentation on using technology to enhance our firms was especially insightful, and I left feeling inspired to put some new ideas into practice. Thank you for organizing such a valuable event!”
Yun Shan (Sandy) Lin, CPA at EnWise CPAs & Co, Taiwan
The AGN Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting continues to provide members with invaluable opportunities to learn, collaborate, and drive success in their practices.