In this issue…

In this month’s interview, Joanna Ye FCCA, head of audit and financial advisory at Mazars Southern China, talks about her deep interest in Sino-European business. Elected to the board of the south chapter of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, she is serving a second two-year term. And along with her team at Mazars in Guangzhou, she works on large crossborder projects as Chinese companies look at international expansion.

To coincide with Global Ethics Day in October, we ask experts in Asia for their views on how to establish a cultural shift within an organisation so that the foundations are in place to build trust. We find out about ways in which businesses can create an ethical culture, along with some advice on how professionals can act on their values. And we showcase an ACCA report on applying ethics to sustainability reporting.

As we continue our coverage on artificial intelligence, we look at what practitioners in Asia are doing to prepare for generative AI and its impact on firms and clients. We also delve into an ACCA report that explores the technological developments that are likely to change the future of accountancy.

Elsewhere, columnist Chris Davis considers the impact the Belt and Road Initiative will have on accountancy services as Hong Kong leverages its position as a professional services hub. We find out the results of an ACCA talent trends survey that highlights the impact of the ongoing talent crunch in China. And we find out why firms in Asia should consider hiring older professionals with their wealth of experience and knowledge.

Lastly, just a reminder that registration for ACCA’s annual virtual conference ‘Accounting for the Future’ is now open. Find out about the topics under discussion over the three days (with 21 CPD units on offer), and register to watch live on 21-23 November or on demand. For members in the public sector, ACCA’s Virtual Public Sector Conference is being run on 24 November (and available on demand). Find out more.