Public Services Internal Audit Conference 2024
On 18 April 2024, IIA Singapore successfully hosted the Public Services Internal Audit Conference, attracting over 300 professionals, primarily from the Singapore public sector. The conference, themed "Embracing Change and Building Trust in the Digital Economy", provided a platform for sharing insights, discussing emerging trends, and fostering professional connections within the internal audit community. Strategic partners of the conference included the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), Accountant-General’s Department, and Civil Service College.
Senior public sector leaders present at the event included Goh Soon Poh, Auditor-General from the Auditor-General’s Office, Ow Fook Chuen, Accountant-General from the Accountant-General's Department, and Evan Law, Assistant Chief Executive (Accountancy Sector Development Group) from ACRA.
In his welcome address, Simon Ong, Vice President of IIA Singapore, emphasised the pivotal role of internal audit in building trust within the digital economy. He underscored that internal auditors must evolve to become strategic advisors, providing assurance not only on financial and operational risks but also on emerging risks associated with digital transformation. He said that internal auditors must position themselves as trusted advisors to management, providing insights that go beyond assurance to include strategic guidance and foresight.
The conference concluded with a lucky draw, where participants shared their passion for internal audit. One attendee was awarded a free conference pass to the upcoming IIA Singapore Annual Conference on 24 October 2024.
Feedback from attendees was largely positive, with many expressing appreciation for the practicality and relevance of the topics discussed. Many remarked on the well-organised sessions and appropriate duration, which allowed for meaningful engagement and discussion. This feedback underscores the success of the event in meeting the expectations of the internal audit community.