Doha Chapter of ICAI organizes 6th International Conference on ‘Excellence Through Innovation”
The Doha Chapter (The “Chapter”) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) organized its 6th International Conference on the theme “Excellence Through Innovation” on 14th and 15th November 2019 at Hilton Doha. The 2-day conference was attended by more than 350 members and other delegates from all over the world.
The Chapter’s Secretary CA Nirlep Bhatt in his opening remarks welcomed the attendees who had come to take part in this glittering flagship event in large numbers.
The Chapter Chairperson CA Rukkaiya Pachisa congratulated the attendees and introduced the theme of the conference emphasizing that every organization should challenge every individual to be innovative within their respective spheres of influence. She enumerated Chapter’s past activities along with the topics for discussion during the conference.
Mr. Abdulla Al Misnad, the deputy CEO of Qatar Free zone authority and the Chief Guest for the event briefed about the benefits of Free Zone that includes 20 years of corporate tax holidays, no individual income taxes and zero customs duty on imports. Logistics, chemicals and technology are the focus factors of the Free zones.
H.E. P Kumaran, the Ambassador of India to the state of Qatar, greeted the members and congratulated Doha chapter for organizing such a wonderful event and mentioned that Doha Chapter of ICAI has followed the highest standards of professionalism. He mentioned that innovation not only requires ideas but also methods, and this is especially valid when it comes to developing new strategies to face uncertainties
CA Rajendra Kumar P, the Central Council Member of ICAI mentioned that innovation is change and the person who works along with change will alone be the winner. He also mentioned that the CAs are trained to adopt the change.
CA Dr. R. Seetharaman, the Group CEO Doha bank, said, “Excellence is not an act, but a habit”. He concluded by mentioning that our future lies in integrity, honesty and excellence, and we all know how excellence can be achieved through innovation”
Mr. Hassan Al Efrangi QGIR, Abdulla Al Mawlawi, Qatar Rail and Shaikh Falih Ali Al Thani, Ooredoo were the other dignitaries present at the event. The much-coveted CA Dilip Thakkar Professional Achiever’s Award for the first time was given to two exceptional nominees, namely CA Kurian Kuriakose and CA Ravi Shankar. The awardees in their acceptance speech thanked their teachers and families for the constant inspiration and support.
There was a highly informative and interactive panel discussion on Morality, Values, integrity and most importantly ethics which was moderated CA Rajeswar Sundaresan and the four panelists CA Saumya Krishna, Director at Deloitte Middle East, Mark Menton – Partner PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ali Al Shabibi, Partner KPMG and Julie Dill-Ex Chief Communication officer Spectra Energy Corp.
Mr. Marc Bertoneche, former professor of Harvard School, spoke on the ways to humanize Finance. He mentioned that Financial innovation is not like technical innovation and as uncertainty is growing, we would be needing more financial innovation and more complex and sophisticated financial products.
Mr. Shailesh Indapurkar, Senior director Protiviti mentioned “Digital leadership is a state of mind”. He stated the goal of digital transformation, its challenges and how they can be tackled. Mr. Hisham Abu Nabaa, executive director operations Surgery- Sidra medicine delivered on “Gaining competitive advantage with innovative analytics system.
CA M. P. Vijay Kumar, council member, ICAI spoke about how CFOs can be the Catalysts of change. He clearly narrated the role of ‘the C suite’ (CEO, COO and CFO) and how CFO must step into the shoes of COO & CEO, He also talked about the various initiative of the ICAI.
The members also witnessed a very informative talk by Dr. Ravinder Mamtani, Prof Weil Cornell Medicine Qatar on how we must go about in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, mentally and physically and reverse the disease. Major DP Singh, India’s first Blade Runner, spoke to members motivating them to face life as a challenge stating that “ lucky are those who are thrown into challenges, because that means you are the chosen one, who has the ability and strength to withstand and outgrow those challenges.”
The esteemed sponsors include Strategic Partner - Qatar Rail, Gold Sponsors – Ernst & Young, Protiviti, Aster Medical Center, Silver sponsors – Ooredoo, KPMG, Qatar Insurance Company Group, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Doha Bank, Deloitte Middle East, Morison V K & Partners, Support Sponsors – Supreme Committee of Delivery & Legacy, SASCO, Focus Softnet, Quantum Global Solutions, Denova Glosoft Limited, Mazar’s, Galfar Al Misnad, Gulf Incon and Rodl & Partners and media Partmers – Gulf Times and Radio Olive.
The vote of thanks was presented by the Chapter Vice Chairperson CA Sandeep Chowdhary. He thanked the dignitaries, members, sponsors, speakers, overseas delegates, students and organizing committee members whose support could make this event a huge success.
The Doha Chapter of ICAI is established in the year 1981 and is the oldest among the 35 overseas chapters of the Institute of Chartered Accountant of India. The current membership of the Chapter is approximately 300, who hold key positions in private and public sector establishments in Qatar and are actively involved in support and development of accounting profession in Qatar. The Chapter is actively involved in enhancing and updating the professional knowledge of its members, local professionals and non-members. Doha Chapter of ICAI is the first professional membership body to be registered with Qatar Financial Centre.
Members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India residing in Qatar and desirous of seeking membership of the Chapter may please contact, CA Rukkaiya Pachisa (Chairperson) – 5580 5162 or CA Sandeep Chowdhary (Vice Chairman) – 5526 2250.
