Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants 2023 Congress

Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants 2023 Congress

“The 50th FICA Congress sponsored by Vodafone will be held on 23-24 June 2023 at the Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa in Yanuca Island’s, Sigatoka,” was announced by FICA President Tarlochan Singh at the official Congress Launch on Friday 12 May 2023.

This joint press statement serves to reaffirm the partnership between FICA with Vodafone Fiji. Mr Singh emphasises that it is only through such commitments can FICA continue to host the Congress and provide delegates with the opportunity to share, discuss, learn and participate on all matters relating to all sectors of the Fijian economy.

Vodafone Fiji’s Head of Corporate Sales Salman Khan said, “Our sponsorship of $50,000 further strengthens Vodafone’s two decades of longstanding partnership and support for the congress and the profession in Fiji. The congress is a significant event in the business fraternity attended not only by accountants but also by a large number of senior leaders and business executives. And we see our partnership as a catalyst for improvement, collaboration and engagement across the business community”. Vodafone has supported the Congress since 1997, individually as major sponsors or support sponsors.

Over the years other than the financial sponsorship, Vodafone have also provided other forms of administrative and logistical assistance to FICA. In the midst of recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, in 2022 FICA celebrated its 50th Anniversary and Vodafone continued to support the Institute being the only major sponsor for our event. The Institute is grateful and appreciative of Vodafone’s continued partnership and collaboration despite the financial scares and impact left behind by the pandemic. Vodafone’s support enabled the Institute to successfully celebrate its 50th Anniversary in a successful manner.

“Through our sponsorship, we are making a valuable contribution to the profession that has helped us thrive over the years. The congress undoubtedly encourages talent development, enables sharing of knowledge, allows discussion on the latest developments and trends and of course a great platform for networking, said Khan”. For the 2023 Congress, FICA has received a total of $50,000 in cash sponsorship exclusive of in-kind for Vodafone for administrative and logistical assistance. Khan added that “Vodafone Fiji is to be partnering with Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants as the major sponsor for the 2023 FICA Congress. Together, let us embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, navigate the challenges with resilience, and shape a brighter future for the accounting profession”. 

FICA President is also the Chair of Congress Committee explained that through such sponsorships, FICA is able to prepare for the Congress and host such a premier event. “The funds from sponsorships received allows the Congress Committee to organise the conference venue including the evening activities, bring in world class speakers, organise accommodation, prepare marketing materials such the congress booklets and coordinate all the administration, logistics and media activities.” Mr Singh affirms that although there is still some work to be done, all preparations are well on track for the Congress. The theme for the congress this year is “Fiji’s Tomorrow Today” focusing on embracing new change, empowering and developing resilient organisations & individuals for a better tomorrow.

Our decision today shapes our tomorrow. Some of the key topics shared at the Congress are: persuade with confidence, changing without fear, technological trends, leadership, selfcare and more. “Our partnership will once again enable this platform for professionals to come together and explore the latest trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in accounting. And this is where we fit in aptly as sponsors, continuing our passion for empowering the nation towards a connected future. I would like to add to the notion that technologies like artificial intelligence, Blockchain, and data analytics are transforming the landscape. These new realities require accountants and the relative industries to adapt, upskill, and embrace a mindset of continuous learning. The industries need proactive approaches to address these new work forms, whilst equipping members with the tools and knowledge to stay ahead of the curve.

We have in the past and will continue to support the Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants as through this partnership we invest in the future of accounting, and nurture the next generation of leaders who will shape the profession and contribute to Fiji's socioeconomic development”, added Khan. The FICA Congress last hosted more than 400 delegates from across the country in 2019. These are professionals, industry leaders, ministers, government officials, executives and directors of corporate bodies, business owners, middle managers, junior associates and academics. Mr Singh further states that Congress is a much-awaited premium forum. This event will stimulate constructive discussions on what we need to do as a nation, organisation, family, and individual by taking the bold step recognising the need to change, embracing, encouraging and supporting one another to make a better tomorrow. Fiji’s tomorrow rests within our hands today, so let’s work together.

Registration is now open and will close on 23 May 2023. For more information, please visit our website on www.fia.org.fj or email sheenal.prakash@fia.org.fj or contact her on mobile 222 2250