If you are a registered member of the Fiji Institute of Accountants and are looking forward to the annual con­gress than lock May 24 and 25 in your di­ary.

The launch of the annual event spon­sored by Vodafone and Westpac was held yesterday at Vodafone headquarters in Tamavua.

The 47th annual FIA congress will held at the Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa in Yanuca Island, Cuvu.

About the FIA speakers

FIA president Zarin Khan noted because of the success of last year with more than 400 delegates in attendance, they are ex­pecting more this year.

“This year we have eight speakers from Fiji, the region and international.

“We are humbled to have the President Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konusi Kon­rote is the keynote speaker at the con­gress.

“Some of the topics and themes that will be covered during the congress include innovation, residence, technology, art and social responsibility.

“Each year we have motivational speak­ers whose professional journey is an in­spiration to many.

“This year will be no different and that the delegates will be inspired, empowered and further would have been able to foster a culture of innovation personally and professionally.”

Words from the sponsors

Vodafone Fiji chief operating officer Ronald Prasad said: “We are once again really proud and happy to join hands with Westpac to sponsor the 2019 FIA Congress.

“Vodafone sponsors a lot of these busi­ness forums and this is primarily done to provide a platform for our young people to participate and gain some knowledge, experience and exposure.

“So we see ourselves as an enabler in this whole process.”

Westpac Fiji’s chief executive Kip Hanna said: “Fiji is now part of a global market­place and Fijian businesses are now trad­ing globally and servicing a wide range of customers – locals and right across the world.

“So this year’s theme of Priotising Hu­manity is very fitting.

“It is always wonderful to have overseas speakers join with local accounting elites to debate ideas and help find global solu­tions to issues affecting the profession in a fast-paced world.

“It helps us to help our businesses navi­gate issues that arise. It helps us to un­derstand working in different cultural contexts.

“And it helps us to see how we can better fulfil our role as accountants and leaders.

“Through FIA congress, all of us will be able to stay on top of merging trends.

“And we can also hear about, and discuss, the needs of Fiji’s accountants, chief fi­nancial officers and into the future.

“I invite accountants across the country to start registering and not miss this pre­mier event.”

Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj