ICPAS launches online knowledge centres on accountancy, business

Four micro sites will provide timely resources in domestic and international setting.

Singapore's national accountancy body, the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore (ICPAS), has launched four micro sites to equip its members and the public with timely resources related to business and accountancy matters. The four online knowledge centres – ICPAS Ethics Centre, ICPAS Country Desk, ICPAS Centre For Financial Reporting and ICPAS Research – offer information and updates on topics that are most relevant in today's business world in an accessible, timely, user-friendly manner, according to the group's release dated 20 April.

ICPAS President Dr Ernest Kan said, "With the online knowledge centres, we aim to deliver up-to-date, content-rich thought leadership material, giving business professionals the latest developments not just in the accountancy profession but also the business world at large. In today's business environment, speedy access and timely information are crucial. With this in mind, ICPAS decided to roll out four micro sites with distinctive focus areas that are relevant to today's business professional, helping them to make better decisions by keeping them informed."

"The online knowledge centres are part of our goal to provide innovative offerings that are aligned with ICPAS' strategic aims of Accountancy Excellence, Industry Growth and Member & Human Capital Development. They are also a platform for greater and more meaningful engagement with our members and the public. More online knowledge centres are in the pipeline and will be launched later this year," Dr Kan added.

ICPAS Ethics Centre (www.icpasethics.org.sg) discusses current ethical issues within the accountancy profession. Users will find details on the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics, frequently asked questions, case studies, local fraud cases and news on ethics.

ICPAS Country Desk (www.icpascountry.org.sg) provides information on some of the world's fast growing economies, with information on government and regulatory frameworks, accounting standards and legislation. The site currently features information on eight countries, including Singapore, China, India and Hong Kong.

ICPAS Centre For Financial Reporting (www.icpascfr.org.sg) aims to be a comprehensive one-stop-shop for information on financial reporting. Users will find the latest versions of Singapore and International financial reporting standards; frequently asked questions, news, publications, ICPAS' comment letters and information on financial reporting seminars organised by ICPAS.

ICPAS Research (www.icpasresearch.org.sg) provides practical insights for users with whitepapers, news articles and research papers in the areas of accounting, business advisory, auditing, business and finance, economics and regulations.

The online knowledge centres have been developed with the user in mind, with a user-friendly interface to promote ease of navigation and search engines to facilitate user search and retrieval of special resources of interest. There are also tools that allow users to share information on common social media platforms.