AFA and VAA held 24th AFA Conference with theme “Green Accounting and Finance: Shaping a Sustainable Future”

Watch the full conference on AFA’s YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/YT_AFA

The one-day event opened with welcoming remarks by Prof. Dr. Doan Xuan Tien (AFA President 2024–2025), Dr. Kao Kim Hourn (Secretary General of ASEAN), and Mr. Jean Bouquot (President of IFAC), followed by the AFA Presidency Handover Ceremony, marking the transition from Prof. Doan Xuan Tien (VAA) to Dr. Ardan Adiperdana (IAI) as AFA President for the 2026–2027 term. In his keynote remarks, Jean Bouquot (President of IFAC) commended ASEAN’s collective leadership in sustainability and called for continued alignment with international standards. He reinforced that “accountants are builders of trust in markets, enablers of transparency and accountability, and contributors to the stability of our societies and ecosystems.” Mr. Bouquot also highlighted the importance of global harmonization through IFRS S1 and S2, credible assurance under ISSA 5000, and the profession’s ethical responsibility to combat greenwashing and uphold public trust.

The conference then featured three thematic panel discussions that explored key dimensions of ASEAN’s sustainability journey. The first panel, “Sustainable Accounting and Reporting – The Foundation for Transparent Green Finance,” moderated by Aucky Pratama (ACCA), featured Pulkit Abrol (ACCA), Truong Hanh Linh (KPMG Vietnam), Simon Tay (MIA), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luu Duc Tuyen (Ministry of Finance Vietnam), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung (UEH). Discussions focused on the adoption of IFRS S1 and S2 as a cornerstone for transparent and comparable sustainability disclosures. Pulkit Abrol emphasized that “strong ESG reporting and accounting integrity build investor confidence and serve as the true foundation for sustainable capital markets in ASEAN.” The session underscored the need for professional accountants to bridge global standards with local realities and build capacity among SMEs and preparers to embed sustainability within business practices

The second panel, “Green Finance in Practice: Transitioning to a Sustainable Future,” led by Richard Spencer (ICAEW), gathered experts Kevin Foo (KPMG Malaysia), Dr. Can Van Luc (BIDV), Tran Thi Thuy Ngoc (Deloitte Vietnam), Chu Thi Lan Huong (Techcombank), and Hoang Hung (IIA Vietnam/VNIDA). The discussion showcased case studies where green bonds and sustainable funds have successfully mobilized investment for renewable energy and infrastructure projects across ASEAN. Dr. Can Van Luc noted that “Vietnam’s financial system can only achieve sustainable growth if green finance instruments are backed by transparent ESG data and credible assurance mechanisms.” Panelists agreed that consistent reporting frameworks, reliable data, and strong regulatory collaboration are key to scaling green finance in the region.

The final session, “Training and Technology for the Future of Sustainability,” moderated by Janoearto Alamsyah (AFA Executive Director), brought together Nguyen Viet Long (EY Vietnam), Le Hong Quang (MISA JSC), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dao Tung (Academy of Finance), Patricia McKenzie (World Bank), and Koh Wee Kwang (ISCA). Panelists explored how emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and data analytics can enhance the accuracy and reliability of sustainability reporting and assurance.” The session concluded that the combination of innovation and continuous learning will prepare ASEAN accountants to lead the region’s sustainable transformation.

The Conference concluded with a renewed commitment to regional collaboration and collective action in advancing AFA’s sustainability agenda. The success of the 24th AFA Conference represents a shared milestone for the profession — a reflection of ASEAN’s unity, leadership, and shared purpose toward shaping a sustainable future together.

AFA (www.afa-accountants.org) was organised on 12 March 1977, to serve as the umbrella organisation for the recognised national Professional Accountancy Organisations (PAOs) ofthe Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Member States. Our ten Primary Members collectively represent a regional network of more than 200,000 accountants in ASEAN jurisdictions, supported by a global network of Associate Members with around 2million members and students worldwide. AFA is an accredited Civil Society Organisation of ASEAN 5ecognized under the ASEAN Charter and a Regional Network Partner of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC).