SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 3 December 2025 - The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is taking a major step forward in its internationalisation journey with two new strategic partnerships aimed at expanding the pipeline of CA (Singapore)-qualified talent and supporting Singapore companies growing their presence overseas.
As global businesses increasingly operate across borders, the demand for accountants with international expertise, mobility and cultural fluency continues to rise. ISCA is responding proactively by strengthening collaboration with Jiangsu, one of China's most dynamic economic regions, to co-develop talent, elevate professional standards, and deepen industry-education integration.
The partnerships were formalised on 3 December 2025 at the 19th Singapore–Jiangsu Cooperation Council Meeting in Nanjing, co-chaired by Mr Liu Xiaotao, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Jiangsu Provincial Committee and Governor of Jiangsu Province, and Ms Indranee Rajah, Singapore's Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Finance and National Development.
These agreements position both regions to jointly address the growing need for skilled accountants who can support companies' overseas expansion, strengthen cross-border governance, and operate confidently in global business environments.
MOU with Jiangsu Institute of Certified Public Accountants (JICPA)
The MOU between ISCA and JICPA marks a strategic milestone in bilateral cooperation. Both organisations will collaborate in the following key areas: professional exchange, talent development, members services and business expansion. This collaboration enhances both regions' ability to develop globally competent accountants who can support multinational and regional operations, including Singapore companies expanding into China and Chinese companies setting up in Singapore.
Mr Li Zailin, President of JICPA said: "The signing of this MOU is a landmark in accountancy cooperation between Jiangsu and Singapore. Singapore's deep experience in accounting standards, regulation, and professional services complements Jiangsu's vibrant and rapidly growing accountancy sector. Through this partnership, we will strengthen professional exchange, develop global-ready talent, support member firms in cross-border development, and enhance the international competitiveness of our accounting firms."
Academic Partnership with Nanjing Audit University (NAU)
In addition, ISCA also signed an MOU with NAU, establishing a strong foundation for the development of accountancy talent and industry advancement. The areas of collaboration include resource-sharing, curriculum collaboration, ISCA qualification pathways, continuous professional development and student membership benefits. This strengthens the flow of international talent into Singapore's professional ecosystem and supports regional business needs for accountants with robust cross-border competencies.
Professor Li Qianwen, Member of the Party Committee & Vice President, Nanjing Audit University said: "In this era of internationalised higher education, NAU remains committed to openness and collaboration. ISCA is widely respected in the global accounting community, and this partnership creates a strong bridge for our students to step onto the international stage. We look forward to leveraging our complementary strengths, co-developing innovative training models, and providing comprehensive career development support as our students prepare to enter the global professional arena."
The signing ceremonies and collaborations at this year's Singapore–Jiangsu Cooperation Council Meeting mark a new chapter in professional exchange, talent cultivation, and business development between both regions. With sustained efforts from all parties, the accountancy sectors of Singapore and Jiangsu are poised to reach new heights of growth and prosperity.
ISCA President Mr Teo Ser Luck said: "In a rapidly globalising world, strong international partnerships are vital for our profession. Our partnerships with JICPA and NAU strengthen our international talent pipeline and deepen Singapore's connectivity with one of China's most dynamic regions. By working closely together, we can develop global-ready accountants, uplift professional standards, and support Singapore companies as they grow overseas. This is an important step in ISCA's journey as a globally recognised professional body, and we look forward to advancing innovation and economic progress together."
ISCA's efforts to expand its international networks are already supporting Singapore companies anchoring their presence in China.
Mr Michael Chen, CEO of BIPO said: "With ISCA's introduction, BIPO has successfully registered on Nanjing Eco-Tech Island. This will allow us to better support Singapore and regional companies entering China with one-stop HR solutions, from talent recruitment to compliance. With ISCA's continued support, we are confident of growing our presence and helping more companies succeed in the Chinese market."
Hashtag: #ISCA #JICPA #NAU #MOU #Accountancy #SCAQ
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Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)
The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore with around 43,000 ISCA members making their stride in businesses across industries in Singapore and around the world. ISCA members can be found in over 40 countries and members based out of Singapore are supported through 12 overseas chapters in 10 countries.
Established in 1963, ISCA is an advocate of the interests of the profession. Complementing its global mindset with Asian insights, ISCA leverages its regional expertise, knowledge, and networks with diverse stakeholders to contribute towards the advancement of the accountancy profession.
ISCA administers the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification programme and is the Designated Entity to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore – CA (Singapore) – designation.
ISCA is a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global family that brings together the members of leading institutes to create a community of over 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students in more than 190 countries.
For more information, visit www.isca.org.sg.
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HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 1 June 2026 - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today announced the appointment of internationally renowned physician-scientist Prof. LI King-Chuen as the Founding Dean of its School of Medicine, effective June 1, 2026.
HKUST announced the appointment of internationally renowned physician-scientist Prof. LI King-Chuen as the Founding Dean of its School of Medicine. Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST (second left); Ms. Edith SHIH, Vice-Chairperson of the University Council and Chair of the Search Committee (second right); Prof. Li King-Chuen (center); Prof. Hong-Kam LO, Dean of Engineering (first right); and Prof. Yung-Hou WONG, Dean of Science (first left) met with the media.
Following a rigorous global search, Prof. Li was selected for his exceptional track record in academic leadership, medical education, and biomedical innovation, as well as his unique experience in founding a new medical school.
Prof. Li previously served as Founding Dean of the Carle Illinois College of Medicine at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) from 2016 to 2021—one of the world's pioneering engineering-based medical schools. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in developing a technology-oriented curriculum, recruiting founding faculty, and building academic-clinical partnerships. Under his leadership, the College's early graduating cohorts achieved a 100% pass rate in licensing examinations, reflecting the outstanding quality and rigorous standards of the programme.
An internationally distinguished physician-scientist and biomedical innovator, Prof. Li currently holds the titles of Dean Emeritus and Professor Emeritus at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, as well as Adjunct Professor of Radiology at Stanford University School of Medicine. His career spans leading institutions including Stanford University, the U.S. National Institutes of Health, Weill Cornell Medical College, Wake Forest School of Medicine, and UIUC. He holds a Doctor of Medicine (with Honours) from the University of Toronto and an MBA from San José State University.
Prof. Li's appointment comes at a pivotal moment as HKUST advances its plans to establish a new School of Medicine. The School will offer a four-year graduate-entry MBBS programme, with its inaugural cohort expected to commence in the 2028/29 academic year.
His experience aligns closely with HKUST's vision to develop a future-ready medical school that integrates clinical excellence with engineering, data science, and emerging technologies. His proven approach to training physician-innovators—combining strong clinical foundations with interdisciplinary expertise—will provide a robust foundation for the School's development, while being adapted to HKUST's unique strengths in science and technology.
Known for his commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, Prof. Li has consistently bridged fields such as radiology, bioengineering, computer science, and nanotechnology—an approach that will be instrumental in shaping HKUST's innovative model of medical education.
Beyond medical education, Prof. Li is a highly accomplished innovator. He is a Fellow of the US National Academy of Inventors and has received the Gold Medal of the Association of University Radiologists. He is also a Fellow of several leading professional bodies, including the American College of Radiology, the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, and the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. He holds 20 issued patents across the United States, Australia, and Europe, and has founded a company based on his translational research.
Prof. Harry SHUM, Chairman of HKUST Council, said, "I would like to extend my warmest welcome to Prof. Li on his appointment as our Founding Dean of the School of Medicine. His proven expertise and experience are invaluable to the University as we plan to develop a distinctive model of medical education for the future. We have full confidence in his exceptional leadership in spearheading our medical school, which is one of the most significant undertakings in HKUST's 35‑year history. The Council is committed to giving its support to ensure the success of the School."
Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST, said, "Prof. Li brings a rare combination of founding dean experience, academic excellence, and a forward-looking vision for technology-driven medical education. His leadership will be central to building a medical school that is globally competitive, locally relevant, and impactful for Hong Kong and the wider region. We warmly welcome Prof. Li to the University and look forward to his leadership in the establishment of the HKUST School of Medicine, as well as in shaping a new generation of medical professionals and advancing innovation in healthcare. I also extend our sincere appreciation to the Search Committee, chaired by Ms. Edith SHIH (Vice-Chairperson of the Council), and its members including Prof. FOK Tai-Fai and Prof. Raymond LIANG for their dedication and diligence in completing this important international recruitment process."
Prof. King Li, Founding Dean of the School of Medicine, said,"I am deeply honoured to be appointed as the Founding Dean of HKUST's new School of Medicine. Returning to Hong Kong—where my roots are—to take on this role at HKUST and having the chance to give back through the place I grew up, is deeply meaningful to me. HKUST has a remarkable track record of turning bold visions into reality, and I am excited to build a medical school that reimagines physician training through the integration of engineering, data science, and biomedical innovation. Drawing on my experience and working closely with our partners in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, I look forward to nurturing a new generation of physician-innovators who will transform healthcare for the benefit of patients and society."
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Prof. Li brings with him a strong personal commitment to advancing Hong Kong as an international hub for medical education and innovation. He has long-standing ties with the local academic and medical communities.
The University community is expected to provide its full support to Prof. Li as he expands partnerships with teaching hospitals, the government, industry, and the global medical community, and further strengthens connections with the Greater Bay Area and other regions.
Hashtag: #HKUST
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About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university known for its innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. With a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach, HKUST was ranked 6th in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, 3rd in the Times Higher Education's Young University Rankings 2024, and 19th globally and 1st in Hong Kong in the Times Higher Education's Impact Rankings 2025. Eleven HKUST subjects were ranked among the world's top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. In addition, in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026, HKUST's Computer Science discipline which encompasses areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, has been ranked No. 1 in Hong Kong for ten consecutive years. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world's top 30 most sought-after employees. In terms of research and entrepreneurship, over 80% of our work was rated "internationally excellent" or "world leading" in the Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of the Hong Kong's University Grants Committee. As of May 2026, HKUST members have founded over 1,900 active start-ups, including 11 Unicorns and 22 exits (IPO or M&A).
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