Singapore’s drive to cultivate an accountancy profession proficient in artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing, with over 15,000 accountants and finance professionals enrolling in the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) AI Fluency Programme within just two months of its launch. This initiative is part of a national effort to build practical AI capabilities across the profession.
The ISCA AI Fluency Programme aims to equip 60,000 accountancy and corporate finance professionals over the next three years. It focuses on developing professionals who can effectively integrate AI capabilities with their technical expertise and professional judgement. The programme includes more than 180 practical AI use cases and over 600 learning activities, covering roles such as audit, finance, tax, and governance.
Participants, ranging from students to senior business leaders, have shown strong interest, with over 250 earning their AI Fluency digital badge. Nearly 80 have completed the full 30-hour course, earning recognition as AI Champions. The programme has received positive feedback, with an average rating of 4.85 out of 5.
Employers, including EY, Deloitte, and DBS, are supporting the initiative, recognising the importance of AI fluency in an increasingly AI-enabled economy. The Accountant-General’s Department has enrolled over 400 officers, with plans to expand to 4,000 public sector finance and audit officers.
ISCA is also preparing to expand the programme regionally, with versions in Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese. The programme will continue to evolve, incorporating new AI tools and industry developments to ensure professionals remain current. ISCA President Lee Boon Teck emphasised that AI will enhance, not replace, professional judgement, stating, “The strong response to the AI Fluency programme demonstrates that our profession is ready to embrace this next chapter.”
