NAVIGATING NEW HORIZONS: A RECAP OF APAC’S THRIVING COLLABORATION AND GLOBAL OUTREACH IN 2023
As we head into the last quarter of 2023, it’s an opportune time to reflect on the exciting developments that have unfolded in the Asia Pacific region this year, showcasing our commitment to Seeking Opportunities to Win Together. Serving as the Asia Pacific Regional Director has been and continues to be a delightful journey, thanks to the amazing support of our regional board and enthusiastic member firms as we transform the region for the future. I am thrilled to share the highlights of our endeavours to foster more efficient collaboration within the region and globally.
The Grand Roadshow: Nurturing Connections across Ten Cities
In July and August, I joined Executive Vice President of Global Commerce Ozgur Demirdoven for a month-long roadshow that traversed ten vibrant cities. In addition to visiting member firms, this journey was about fostering robust connections with prospects and delving into meaningful discussions with trade associations, chambers of commerce, and other influential business affiliations across the region. Through meticulously planned engagements, we seized the opportunity to explore potential collaborations and synergies, establishing a foundation for future partnerships.
From the bustling streets of Beijing and Shanghai to the cultural richness of Tokyo, Taipei, and the tranquil beauty of Bali, the roadshow passed through a diverse tapestry of landscapes. The team also left its footprint in Hong Kong, Macau, Jakarta, and Singapore, with every stop strengthening ties to member firms and providing opportunities to engage with the broader business ecosystem.
This strategic approach ensured a dynamic exploration of potential avenues for growth, collaboration, and shared success. The richness of our roadshow interactions set the stage for the impressive outcomes that followed during the APAC Regional Conference and the Strategic Cooperation Signing Ceremony in Shanghai, marking a significant milestone in our journey toward global collaboration and excellence.
APAC Regional Conference: Uniting Minds, Igniting Ideas
The APAC Regional Conference in Bali was a crescendo of collaborative energy, aligning seamlessly with our theme of Seizing Opportunities to Win Together. Renowned speaker Jonathan Low set the tone with his keynote address, Achieving a Winning Sales & Service Performance Culture, inspiring attendees to cultivate excellence within their firms. Diverse panel sessions represented each region, delving into international tax trends, business development, and the power of global collaboration.
The conference also addressed crucial elements of future readiness, with a dedicated sponsor session on The Road to PCAOB Compliance, which provided essential insights for firms navigating impending transformations. Acknowledging the significance of sustainability, a session on seizing Sustainable Growth Opportunities with ESG considerations underscored our dedication to responsible business practices aligned with global sustainability goals. Allinial Global President and CEO Mark Koziel also led a session on strategic plans, where member firms actively contributed to shaping the trajectory toward 2026 and solidifying our collective vision for the future.
The APAC Regional Conference was more than just an event—it was a convergence of minds, ideas, and collaborative opportunities. The diverse sessions, insights, and strategies gleaned from this conference combined with a spirit of unity to lay a strong foundation for our member firms to thrive in the dynamic landscape ahead.
Strategic Cooperation Signing Ceremony in Shanghai: A Milestone Achieved
Another transformative moment for the region unfolded against the iconic backdrop of the Shanghai Tower during the Strategic Cooperation Signing Ceremony on July 27. Celebrating a groundbreaking alliance between AG China, SBA Stone Forest, and Lujiazui International Accounting Center, the ceremony symbolized a strategic leap in fueling the professional service industry’s development in Shanghai’s Pudong New Area.
Stone Forest China took the lead in this collaboration, aiming to leverage the platform provided by Lujiazui International Accounting Center to serve more Chinese companies going global while creating collaborative opportunities for AG member firms on the global stage. With speeches by Mark Koziel and Ozgur Demirdoven, this ceremony was more than a symbolic gesture that solidified a strategic partnership—it represented a tangible step forward toward reshaping the future of professional services in China.
Ultimately, the Strategic Cooperation Signing Ceremony signifies our commitment to facilitating global business growth and collaboration across international boundaries and reinforces our position as a driving force in global professional services.
Global Learning and Development Initiatives: Empowering Minds, Inspiring Growth
The Asia Pacific region also spearheaded a learning and development program designed exclusively for member firms in the region. At the core of this initiative is the highly successful Audit and Assurance Training Series, attracting up to 250 participants and setting a standard for quality assurance in the industry.
Complementing this series are specialized Corporate Finance Training Workshops that foster collaborative problem-solving while enhancing technical competencies, as well as Firm of the Future sessions that offer insights into emerging trends and position member firms at the forefront of industry evolution. Similarly, our Business Development Roundtable Discussions and dedicated Human Resource Development Sharing Sessions serve as forums where professionals can enhance client-facing skills, share success stories, and gain insights into talent management and leadership development.
As we continue to refine our program, we remain agile, responding to the evolving needs of member firms and committed to empowering minds, fostering growth, and ensuring our professionals are well-equipped for the challenges of the business landscape.
Record-Breaking Regional Participation at Global Forum
The vibrant spirit and engagement within the Asia Pacific region were perhaps most evident in the remarkable surge in regional participation at the 2023 Global Forum. Advocating for the invaluable benefits of investing in professional development, we have fervently encouraged member firms to prioritize sending their staff to a diverse array of conferences. The result has been nothing short of extraordinary, with a record-breaking 35 participants from the APAC region attending the Global Forum, signaling a dynamic shift in our collective approach toward global collaboration.
This substantial increase in participation reflects member firms’ growing realization of the multifaceted advantages of active engagement in Allinial Global events. Beyond the acquisition of knowledge and insights, these conferences provide unparalleled networking opportunities—an invaluable currency in building robust business and commerce for firms. By making their presence known at these international gatherings, our member firms are not only enhancing their visibility but also creating meaningful connections with like-minded professionals from around the world.
Networking remains a key catalyst in driving collaborative growth, and our regional firms are experiencing firsthand the transformative power of Allinial Global events in expanding professional horizons and fortifying their firm’s position in the global marketplace. This year’s record-breaking regional turnout reflects our dedication to fostering a culture of continuous learning, networking, and seizing opportunities for mutual success on the global stage.
Conclusion: Paving the Way for a Transformative 2024 and Beyond
As we stand at the threshold of a new era, the excitement within our association is palpable. Looking forward to 2024, we are thrilled to announce our strategic plans to leverage the prestigious Lujiazui International Accounting Center platform. In the coming year, we aim to extend invitations to our member firms globally, inviting them to showcase innovative solutions that streamline the investment process for Chinese corporations venturing overseas.
In mid-October 2024, just before the eagerly anticipated Global Forum in Singapore, we envision hosting ‘Doing Business In’ sessions for APAC, EMEIA, the US, LATAM, and more. These sessions will not only provide invaluable insights but also serve as a testament to our commitment to fostering global business opportunities and collaborations.
As we set our sights on the future, we look forward to the 2024 Global Forum, which will serve as a nexus for our collective wisdom and collaborative spirit. It promises to be a melting pot of ideas, experiences, and visions that will propel us to even greater heights.
In closing, we extend our gratitude to every member firm, partner, and stakeholder who has contributed to the success of our journey thus far. Your unwavering commitment to excellence and collaboration has been the driving force behind our achievements. As we embark on the next phase of our journey, we pledge to intensify our efforts, reaching out globally to plan more significant commerce collaboration projects for even bigger wins in 2024.
Together, let us continue to explore new horizons, embrace challenges as opportunities, and pave the way for a future where our collective success knows no bounds. Thank you for being an integral part of our thriving community. Here’s to a prosperous and collaborative 2024!
