TAKEAWAYS
Growing up, I have always had a deep interest in how businesses function. I have wondered what it would be like to be an entrepreneur, and dreamt of owning my own business someday. I relished the prospect of having the freedom to make my own decisions, and creating innovative products or services to meet market needs.
My first foray into entrepreneurship was when I was in my early 20s (I am now 30), when I ran my own home-based doughnut business for a year.
The experience was both exhilarating and challenging, and it made me aware of the importance of understanding the market, having strong marketing skills, as well as having a solid grasp of financial management and strategic thinking. This realisation made me decide to pursue accountancy for my undergraduate studies.
Through my home-based business, I noted the risks and capital requirements associated with entrepreneurship. This prompted my conscious decision to first build up my capital and technical skills by pursuing a stable career in the corporate world after graduation.
I completed my internship in audit when I was in my second year of studies. The internship experience made me realise that it was essential to have a deeper understanding of the various areas within the accounting industry, before I decide if I want to follow the traditional path of working in a Big Four firm, like many of my seniors.
Needless to say, I was eager to step outside my comfort zone and explore new opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
One day, my professor sent us an email about the Global Talent Programme (GTP) organised by the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA), and it piqued my interest.
The programme promised a rare opportunity to network with C-suite professionals, connect with global participants, and experience Singapore’s vibrant business landscape over the course of a week, among other highlights. I saw this as a chance to push my boundaries and expand my perspective, so I applied for it.
After a series of rigorous interviews, I was thrilled to be one of the 11 chosen trainees from among over 1,300 applicants.
During the programme, I found myself surrounded by 10 enthusiastic trainees from diverse cultures and backgrounds, including South Africa, Estonia, South Korea and China, all united by a shared passion for learning.
Conversations with the foreign trainees broadened my world view. Discussions on cultural differences, political climates, and job trends across various countries enriched my understanding and highlighted the commonalities and variances in global job market trends.
As we were grouped into teams of three to work on a business case presentation, I worked closely with the trainees from China and India. We had different working styles and even used different communication platforms initially, but we managed to overcome our differences through constant communication and by tapping on each other’s strengths.
We were assigned a mentor, Johnny Gao, from The Ascott Limited, with whom we had many thoughtful discussions about the company’s sustainability initiatives. These discussions revealed the intricate balance between advancing environmental goals and meeting business objectives. In our business case presentation, we proposed the use of edible cutlery for events and algae tiles to reduce building humidity, as a nature-based solution for the company to achieve its sustainability targets.
Besides benefitting from mentorship, all of us relished the privilege of engaging with industry leaders and C-suite executives during the numerous corporate visits. This unique exposure offered a rare and invaluable glimpse into the macro-level decision-making that drives businesses.
Engaging with successful entrepreneurs like Quah Zheng Wei, Founder and CEO of Accredify, underscored the versatile applicability of accounting knowledge. Mr Quah’s journey from an accounting student to an investment banking intern and then a successful entrepreneur demonstrated how foundational skills in accountancy can open doors to diverse career opportunities. This reinforced the fact that our accounting expertise extends far beyond traditional roles as it equips us with tools applicable to various business ventures.
Another memorable interaction was with Jesher Loi, a third-generation leader at home-grown brand Ya Kun. His insights into the origins and growth of Ya Kun, and how his team overcame multiple challenges, were both inspiring and educational.
The GTP was instrumental in demystifying current industry trends such as generative artificial intelligence (genAI), fintech, and sustainability. For undergraduates like me, these areas can often seem abstract and elusive. The programme bridged this gap by offering direct insights from industry experts, demonstrating how these trends are reshaping job roles and organisational strategies. My newfound understanding of genAI and sustainability has sparked a keen interest in exploring how these dynamic fields are influencing the industry.
I also enjoyed the exclusive tours during the corporate visits, where I gained deeper insights into what the companies do.
During the tour of lyf hotel, which was where we stayed during the programme, I learnt about its innovative sustainability measures, such as vertical farming and curation of Insta-worthy spots. They highlighted how Ascott works towards enhancing customer experience, and showcases its foresight on delivering on emerging, future demands.
The GTP has profoundly shifted my perspective on accountancy and given me more clarity on my career goals. From my conversations with the mentors and C-suite leaders, I learnt that there are so many pathways available to me.
I now view our technical skills not just as tools for managing financial data but as essential means for interpreting and navigating the broader business landscape. This enhanced appreciation underscores the idea that accounting is the language of business, crucial for understanding and steering organisational performance.
Moreover, the GTP expanded my view of the accounting profession beyond conventional roles in audit and tax in the Big Four firms, as there are also possibilities to explore in the public sector and in entrepreneurship.
As I approach graduation in two years, I am contemplating a career in professional services, potentially in audit or advisory, and eventually becoming an entrepreneur.
The broad range of skills I am acquiring in accountancy opens up exciting opportunities and dynamic challenges, which I eagerly anticipate.
With the knowledge and connections gained from the GTP, I am determined to make a positive impact in my future career.
I hope that more youths will have such opportunities to interact with peers from other countries and gain a deeper appreciation of accountancy’s role in today’s business world through cross-cultural learning.
With the knowledge and connections gained from the GTP, I am determined to make a positive impact in my future career.
I hope that more youths will have such opportunities to interact with peers from other countries and gain a deeper appreciation of accountancy’s role in today’s business world through cross-cultural learning.
Harsimran Kaur d/o Kuldip Singh is a third-year accountancy student at National University of Singapore. She participated in ISCA’s inaugural Global Talent Programme in July this year.
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