On 27-29 July 2023, Kreston Global, in collaboration with Kreston Indonesia, hosted the 2023 Kreston Global Asia Pacific (APAC) conference in Bali, Indonesia. The conference, attended by our own Partner, Kamal Thakkar, brought together over 100 delegates from across the APAC region. These invited experts and leaders of the Kreston Global network engaged in discussions on topical accounting matters and explored regional growth opportunities.
To begin the event, a welcome dinner took place on the first night at Westin Resort Nusa Dua, giving everyone an opportunity to connect and reconnect in this first APAC conference since COVID.
The following morning of the conference began with a warm welcome and opening remarks by Rich Howard, Chairman of Kreston Global. Following this, Erwin Winata, Managing Partner of Kreston Indonesia introduced and provided an overview of their firm. Delegates further delved into understanding business in Indonesia through insights from keynote speaker, Mr. Hariyadi Sukamdani, Deputy Chairman Advisory Board, Indonesian Employers Association.
The Kreston Way: Nurturing Bonds and Potentials
The focus of the conference very much built on “The Kreston Way”, the importance of relationships, recognising the challenges, and building resources across the network. In particular, various aspects of the conference aimed at looking at projects and initiatives that understand how businesses work in the APAC region, and how our members can work together in supporting such businesses and each other.
Kamal joined in these discussions and also learned about the ways technologies are impacting businesses. The opening sessions were followed by two breakout sessions in the afternoon: The Global Tax Group and Global Audit Group sessions.
Breakout Sessions: GAG APAC’s Opportunities
As the APAC Regional Director of the Global Audit Group (GAG), Kamal hosted the inaugural GAG APAC break out session. In his session, Kamal highlighted the importance of how the Kreston Way of working underpinned the ability to achieve the GAG APAC objectives. Though this comes with a number of challenges, such as differences in regulatory, market and local customs amongst the 37 member firms, across 23 countries in the APAC region, there is an exciting opportunity in a region that is home to some of the fastest and largest growing economies in the world. Guest speakers that supported Kamal present the objectives and opportunities throughout the breakout session included Rich Howard (Partner, CBIZ/MHM), Jenny Reed (Kreston Global Technical Director), Vineet Rathi (Partner, Kreston OPR) and Sudhir Kumar (Partner, Kreston Menon).
The presentations were followed by an interactive brainstorming session held amongst small groups of delegates to provide feedback on what they had heard and how GAG APAC can help firms in the region achieve mutual benefits of revenue growth, shared resources and increased global reach.
Success Stories and Strategic Insights
On the final day of the conference, the delegates enjoyed presentations of successful client case studies presented by several Kreston member firms in the region. These studies showcased real-world examples of client success stories, achieved through collaboration across member firms, and how their approach and solutions can add practical value to other members in our network.
Additionally, in what is fast becoming a key focus for the Kreston Global network, insights were shared in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, with related case studies and an overview of the Kreston Global ESG Committee were covered as part of the conference agenda. Other notable areas of focus included outsourcing case studies, which highlighted the crucial resource considerations of modern business.
Social Impact Beyond Sessions
Beyond the conference sessions, Kamal and the other delegates participated in an inspiring team-building activity: a building bicycle competition for children from a nearby orphanage. Delegates were asked to assemble bicycles by collecting parts after successfully completing mini challenges along the way, with children from the orphanage attending at the end of the competition to select their favourite bike! This activity not only encouraged teamwork but also embraced the spirit of giving back. It was a manifestation of the commitment of the conference attendees to social responsibility and community engagement.
Kreston Stanley Williamson (and Kamal!) is very proud to share that his team won the competition!
Kamal’s experience at the 2023 Kreston Global APAC Conference highlights the importance of networking, learning, and collaboration. As a Partner at KrestonSW and a leader in the Kreston Global Audit Group, Kamal’s journey highlights the value of connections and knowledge-sharing in achieving success through trust, collaboration and friendships amongst members of Kreston Global.
Author: Kamal Thakkar
*Correct as of 31 August 2023
*Disclaimer – this article has been produced by Kreston Stanley Williamson as a service to its clients and associates. The information contained in the article is of general comment only and is not intended to be advice on any particular matter. Before acting on any areas contained in this article, it is imperative you seek specific advice relating to your particular circumstances. Liability limited by a scheme approved under professional standards legislation.
