· ISCA and EY Singapore sign 3-year MoU to launch the SCAQ Career Mobility Programme.
· Initiative targets accounting talents in Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam to pursue the SCAQ.
· Students gain training, cross-border exposure, and career pathways with EY Singapore.
The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) and Ernst & Young LLP (EY Singapore) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 19 August 2025 to roll out the “EY x ISCA SCAQ Career Mobility Programme.” This pioneering initiative is designed to develop, retain, and globally position accounting talent across Southeast Asia, further cementing Singapore’s role as a leading regional hub for accountancy excellence.
The launch comes at a crucial moment for the profession. With the global accounting industry undergoing transformation driven by digitalisation, sustainability reporting, and cross-border trade, demand for skilled professionals is rising sharply. Singapore alone is expected to need an additional 6,000–7,000 accountants by 2025, even as local accounting graduates have declined by more than 10% since 2018.
The programme focuses on high-potential university students from Southeast Asia particularly Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam and promotes the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification (SCAQ), a globally recognised credential that paves the way for international careers.
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ISCA President Mr. Teo Ser Luck noted: “The accounting profession is being reshaped by digitalisation, sustainability, and globalisation. Through this partnership with EY, we aim to build a strong regional pipeline of future-ready Chartered Accountants while reinforcing Singapore’s position as a magnet for professional excellence.”
Under the MoU, ISCA and EY will:
- Execute the SCAQ Career Mobility Programme to attract Southeast Asian talents to the SCAQ pathway.
- Partner with universities in Thailand and Vietnam to promote SCAQ as a qualification of choice.
- Train and certify students to become Chartered Accountants with cross-cultural skills.
- Offer opportunities to work in Singapore, strengthening cross-border experience.
- Expand and retain the region’s pool of Chartered Accountants for long-term growth.
Students who complete the SCAQ Foundation Programme and earn the ISCA Professional Business Accountant designation will receive guaranteed interview opportunities with EY Singapore. Successful candidates offered full-time roles will advance to the SCAQ Professional Programme and gain practical experience at EY Singapore, an Accredited Training Organisation.
Momentum for SCAQ continues to build, with enrolment up 47% year-on-year to over 4,200 candidates in 2024. ISCA is targeting 7,000 candidates in 2025, many of whom are expected to benefit from this new cross-border initiative.
Mr. Liew Nam Soon, EY Asia East Deputy Regional Managing Partner, EY Asean Managing Partner, and EY Singapore and Brunei Managing Partner, added: “The strength of our profession lies in the talent we nurture. This programme reflects our commitment to developing aspiring Chartered Accountants across Southeast Asia. EY is investing an estimated S$5 million over the next five years to strengthen the region’s talent pool and provide young professionals with cross-cultural and international exposure to thrive in today’s interconnected business environment.”
