When Accounting Gets A Glow Up: The First-Ever Asian ENGAGE Conference

Let's be real, "accounting conference" isn't usually the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a buzzing, must-attend event. But listen up, because AICPA & CIMA just brought their globally acclaimed ENGAGE Conference to Kuala Lumpur for the first time ever, and it wasn't just about spreadsheets and debits. Held on August 18 and 19 at the JW Marriott, this event was all about the future of finance, and let's just say, the future is looking a lot less… beige. It's about empowering business leaders with the smarts to handle a world that's getting more complicated by the minute.

AI, ESG, and Other Fancy Acronyms That Matter

Gone are the days when a finance talk was just about numbers. This two-day pow-wow was packed with 12 cutting-edge topics that sound like they came from a sci-fi movie. We're talking about Artificial Intelligence (AI), the increasingly crucial world of ESG and sustainability, and the ever-evolving landscape of digital finance. Seriously, they had sessions on leadership and regulation, but spiced it up with interactive breakout sessions where attendees could actually talk to the speakers and not just fall asleep in their chairs.

Malaysia's Got The Government's Nod

To show just how big of a deal this was, none other than YB Lim Hui Ying, the Deputy Minister of Finance, showed up to officiate the opening ceremony. This is a big signal that the Malaysian government is all in when it comes to supporting innovation in the financial sector. So yeah, it's official: embracing future-proof business practices is a national priority.

Why KL, Lah?

In a statement, Venkkat Ramanan from AICPA and CIMA explained why they chose our very own Kuala Lumpur for this landmark event. He said bringing the conference here is a "clear signal" that Asia is influencing global direction. It's not just about certifications and qualifications; it's about giving professionals the right mindset and judgment to make smart decisions. The fact that they chose KL shows their commitment to supporting our region's momentum and leadership. So, next time someone says Malaysia is just a small country, just tell them we're a hub for global finance big shots.

A Star-Studded Lineup of Brainiacs

Of course, a big event needs big speakers. The conference featured a truly impressive list of industry giants. We're talking about folks like Mark Koziel and Andrew Harding from the global alliance formed by AICPA and CIMA themselves, alongside local and regional heavyweights. There was Dixon Wong, CFO of Capital Aviation Services at AirAsia, and Amanah Aboobucker, Chief Sustainability Officer at AmBank Group. Plus, experts from Bursa Malaysia, Oracle, and Tenaga Nasional Berhad. These are the people who are not just talking about the future—they’re building it.