The fifth International Conference conducted by the Doha Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) provided “an excellent platform” for international speakers with extensive experience to speak on a variety of topics under the theme ‘Sustainability & Growth in the Digital Era’, the organisers said.
The recently held conference was attended by the members of ICAI Doha Chapter, overseas delegates and finance professionals representing various key organisations in Qatar, India and GCC countries.
Inaugurating the conference, chief guest Ashraf Abu Issa, chairman of Abu Issa Holding, spoke on how retailers should bring the customer experience to their stores.
His address also covered the disruption caused by technology and how his Group was coping with challenges in the digital era.
Sripriya Kumar, guest of honour, Central Council member of the ICAI and chairperson of the CPE Committee, spoke about the role a chartered accountant could play in the digital era.
Mohamed Asim Mirza, guest of honour and director of Client Affairs, Qatar Financial Centre, noted that the conference will contribute towards the facilitation of meaningful discussions that address the effect of digital technologies on economic activities, while offering new ways to meet challenges and opportunities in the fast-paced digital era.
Chapter chairperson Rupalakshmi Setty emphasised that sustainability and growth in digital era have brought both challenges and opportunities for businesses, organisations and professionals.
“We need to be able to embrace and leverage technological advances to our advantage to be able to continue to deliver enhanced value to our organisations and clients,” she added.
The Doha Chapter also launched a souvenir for the conference.
The CA Dilip Thakkar Professional Achiever Award was given to Hatim Hussain, past chairman of the Doha Chapter of ICAI and Group CFO and board member of Abu Issa Holding, at the event for his significant contribution.
In his acceptance speech, Hussain reiterated that “leave your workplace everyday a little better than you found it yesterday”.
Sheikha Athba al-Thani, CEO of ACC, addressed the conference delegates on how digitisation was going to make Qatar sustainable.
Addressing the valedictory session, Dr R Seetharaman, CEO of Doha Bank, said the conference provides an ideal platform for discussions on emerging trends in digital technologies and the evolving roles of chartered accountants in the digital era.
Sponsors were recognised on the occasion for their support to the conference.