Report & Pics: Wilson Saldanha, Shirthady/Kuwait
Kuwait, Dec 20: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) Kuwait Chapter under the leadership of CA Rabin Gonsalves organized 3rd Annual International Conference with a theme ‘Expand Your Horizons’ on December 16 at Al Baraka Ballroom, Hotel Crown Plaza- Kuwait.
The theme ‘Expand Your Horizons’ was carefully chosen to provide finance professionals with a dynamic platform to broaden their knowledge, skills, and perspectives in an ever evolving financial landscape. This exciting event brought together industry experts, thought leaders, and practitioners to explore innovative strategies, emerging trends, and transformative technologies that are reshaping the finance sector. By fostering an environment of learning and upholding excellence, one can guarantee sustained growth and relevance in an ever evolving marketplace.
The speakers of the day were Dr U S Vishal Rao - scientist & inventor - Artificial Voice Box, Utpal Sheth - CEO at RARE Enterprises (a Rakesh Jhunjhunwala Firm), Mohammed Qahtani - world champion public speaking who shed light on these expanding horizons and the frontiers of the future by creating opportunities where none existed, ‘Adapted’ to challenging situations, ‘Reinvented’ the default rulebook and inevitably ‘Excelled’ in their respective fields.
After the registration and networking, the programme started with the national anthem of Kuwait and India followed by lighting of the traditional lamp. Compere of the day, Lloyd D'Souza formally welcomed the audience and briefed the event. ICAI Kuwait chapter chairperson CA Rabin Gonsalves welcomed the audience officially briefing the event and achievements of the chapter during the past. A video message of CA Aniket Sunil Talati - president of ICAI was played as he couldn’t attend the programme personally.
During the inaugural address, chief guest Dr Adarsh Swaika - Indian ambassador to Kuwait appreciated the Indians- the largest expatriate community in Kuwait who works in all fields for their dedication and hard work for the country they live in and for being an important part of the development of India.
Guest of honour CA Suresh Prabhu - Former union minister and senior parliamentarian, government of India, won everyone’s heart by his humorous speech which covered many ongoing issues. He spoke about the difficulties of passing the CA exams which is still a nightmare for him and many as it still awakens him from sleep with a fear of exams even after so many years. He highlighted the saturation of infrastructure and the necessity of planning new ventures for the professional growth and satisfaction of themselves as well as the countries they work to face global challenges.
A souvenir was released to mark the event by the chief guest and other dignitaries. Special dignitary Sabah Mubarak Al-Jalawi - chairman, Kuwait Accountants & Auditors Association (KAAA) was present during the event. Adullah Marwan Al-Essa spoke about the necessity of regularly updating knowledge by studying and acquiring the additional certification for chartered accountants.
CA Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal - vice president ICAI addressed the audience and gave a brief on how Indian CAs contribute to the growth of the country they work and to the growth of the world. He explained the growth of digitalization and easy access of data compared to the old filing system which reduced the extra work of CAs.
All the dignitaries were honored with mementos by ICAI Kuwait chapter office bearers.
A panel discussion on ‘India: At the Threshold of Greatness’ was conducted by Anuj Singhal - managing editor - CNBC Awaaz, CA Sunil Singhania - CEO & founder of Abakkus Asset Manager LLP and CA Sanjeev Agarwal - CEO & managing director - Middle East & India, Protiviti Member Firm. The growth of manufacturing, India’s contribution to the world, financial saving situation of families, taking risk in trading, alternative energies etc., were discussed by the panel. A question answer session was conducted during which panel members answered the queries of the audience on these issues.
A raffle draw was conducted to keep the excitement in the audience in which Novel Wilfred Cutinha among the audience won 8 grams’ gold.
As the news of the sad demise of Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait announced, the event was concluded immediately with a minute of silence and playing Quran verses on the screen.
Following were the events missed for the day due to the mourning and respect to the departed soul of HH Amir.
- Dr U S Vishal Rao’s talk on ‘Possibility to Actuality - Making of a Possiblitarian’.
- Utpal Sheth’s talk on ‘Wealth Management techniques from a Dalal Street Wizard’.
- Mohammed Qahtani’s talk on ‘The Journey of a stuttering Champion’.
- Panel discussion on ‘Vision 2035 - Kuwait Economy’ by panel moderator CA Sriram Gopalakrishnan along with Abdullah Khaled Al Shaalan and Mijbil Al Qattan.
- Felicitation of event sponsors and media personnel conducted by CA Aditya Dhanuka - vice chairperson, ICAI Kuwait chapter.
- Felicitation of overseas members by CA Rabin Gonsalves - chairperson, ICAI Kuwait chapter.
- Vote of thanks by CA Aditya Dhanuka.
The Kuwait chapter was formed in the year 2007 to provide a forum for its members to comply with ‘Continued Professional Education’ (CPE) requirements as mandated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, among other professional development and networking opportunities. There are over 500 chartered accountant members registered with the chapter. The members serve in various high capacities across the country as finance ambassadors of India in Kuwait with some occupying C suite, board level and partner positions. They are looked upon by the local business community as trusted advisors and have built a reputation of integrity, reliability and professional excellence. The chapter also runs the revered CA examinations in Kuwait two times a year from which many students have benefitted and have passed the course successfully becoming chartered accountants.