Fun Pics from the Running Hobby Group

Dear Students

We are members of the AISS Running Hobby Group that have joined in the i-run. i-run is a regular running session initiated by the Health Promotion Board and has helped busy ACCA/CAT students like us in terms of proper stress management. We feel fresher and more alert after running consistently every week for the past few weeks.

In August 09, we took part in the National Day fun run. All the participants were encouraged to run in red T-shirts. We sang national day songs throughout the 5 km run. At the start, the majority of the runners were shy but as time passed, they started to open up and everyone was singing happily as they were running.

We would like to invite more interested runners to join our Running Hobby Group. Pls contact Cassie at cassie.lai1012@gmail.com if you would like to join our runs. Hope to see you!

Discussion with Chairman, LEC Student Subcommittee on 20 Oct 09

The AISS Exco, together with our advisers from ACCA Singapore and ICPAS ESR, met with Mr Jeremy Hoon, Chairman of the Student Subcommittee and Partner, KPMG on 20 Oct 09 to discuss broad areas of cooperation in improving programs for ACCA and CAT students in Singapore. The Student Subcommittee is one of the subcommittees of the ACCA Local Executive Committee (LEC) which is spearheaded by prominent leaders of the local accounting and finance industry.

Maurice, AISS President, shared with Mr Hoon the slew of events that was lined up for students, including an FRS talk on 31 Oct 09 and a party in Jan 2010. Mr Hoon offered various suggestions on further programs that could be implemented, including one on resume writing/interview skills and an internship for students midway through the ACCA program.

The AISS Exco is grateful for Mr Hoon's inputs and will continue to work with our various stakeholders, including the LEC, ACCA Singapore and ICPAS ESR, to deliver exceptional benefits to the 18,500 students pursuing ACCA and CAT in Singapore.

Company Visit to Chio Lim

AISS organised a company visit to Chio Lim Stone Forest on 23 September 2009 for 50 students. It was an unforgettable experience as we were given the opportunity to get an insider's view of working in Chio Lim.

To provide some background, Chio Lim is a member of RSM International, which is the 7th largest network of independent accounting and consulting firms in the world. The visit started with a brief introduction of corporate culture of the firm. We were told that the firm has a strong emphasis on street smartness in its selection of employees.

After the introduction, we had a tour of the company's premises. We visited various departments in the firm. From there the students had a clear view of the working environment in the audit firm.

The company visit ended with a Q&A session where students asked many questions relating to the employment policy of the firm. Many would agree that this was a fruitful visit and would highly recommend it to others to attend next year's visit.

M1 Live Unlimited

Love running? Come join us!

Dear Students,

If you love running, want to look for a running mate or simply want to combat stress, we want YOU!

As part of the AISS Running Hobby Group activities, we would like to welcome students who fit the above criteria to take part in i-Run.

i-Run is an initiative of the Health Promotion Board to help participants set and meet their short, mid and long-term goals through running.

It provides regular running sessions to improve participants’ physical fitness as well as running clinics to impart relevant knowledge on running techniques and prevention of running injuries.

Students are welcome to join us at the weekly running sessions (3 km, 5 km, 7 km or 10 km available) at the Singapore River Promenade (next to UOB Plaza) every Tue & Thurs 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm.

Free drinks will be provided after the run!

For more information please click:
http://www.hpb.gov.sg/i-run/
http://www.teamfatbird.blogspot.com/

Brought to you by: AISS

Deloitte Company Visit: Views from a Student

To give students a closer look at how forensic accounting professionals work, AISS organised a visit to Deloitte & Touche on 15 Jun 09.

It was an enriching experience for the 30-plus ACCA and CAT students who were present. We were warmly welcomed and given a brief introduction to the company by the manager of the Human Resources Department to kickstart the talk.

The highlight of the visit was the engaging briefing on the nature and scope of work in the Forensic Services department. This department was newly established for about five years now and has been expanding since. It was our honour to have speakers like Mr Peter Coleman, Ms Dione Schick and Mr Andy MacDonald to give us an insight on the scope of work in relation to Fraud & Financial Investigations, AML & Sanctions and whistle blowing etc. Furthermore, it was rather interactive and students were able to voice out any queries. One interesting question raised was the selection criteria for employees to this department. Surprisingly, permanent staff comprise of those holding various degrees such as in psychology and IT to name a few.

Refreshments were served after the talk and students were given the opportunity to interact with the staff. As a whole, the session was very informative and it definitely helped students get a better understanding of how Forensic Services worked.

Urgent: Impt: Influenza A - H1N1 Virus Latest Update

An important message from the ACCA Singapore and the Exam and Student Registry (ESR) offices:

“Dear Candidates,

In view of the recent confirmation of the first Influenza A (H1N1) case in Singapore, we have been asked by Raffles Junior College and Anglo Chinese Junior College to make you aware of the following precautions that will be in place at these venues:

1. Students are requested to take their body temperature at home before going to the exam centre. You may be requested to provide your body temperature reading and your contact details at the exam centres for record purposes.

2. Please arrive at least 30 minutes earlier to allow time for the additional procedure above.

Note: Our invigilators may need to take the temperature of any candidates who appear unwell or have not taken their temperature at home

Car Parking Arrangements

In addition, candidates at RJC and ACJC are strongly advised to take public transport as parking may be an issue at these two venues.

Please remember to plan for alternative parking arrangements outside the RJC and ACJC exam centres if you are driving.”

ESR-ATTS eTimes May 2009 (Issue 1)

To download the registration form, please visit ESR website at http://esr.icpas.com.sg/ESR/www_en/esr_whcontent.jsp?id=318

ESR eTimes April 2009 (Issue 3)

A Session with Rhys Johnson - 4 April 2009

Over 120 ACCA students took time off from their busy schedules on a Saturday afternoon on 4 Apr 09 to attend a lively and informative session with Rhys Johnson, ACCA Regional Director for Asean and Australasia.

Rhys Johnson has over 15 years experience working in the field of accountancy, financial training and education. He was responsible for the development of the Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) qualification, undertaking a review of the ACCA professional qualification and developing the University and College Registration Scheme (UCRS).

The seminar started with a welcome note by Maurice Teo, AISS President, who then handed over the session to Rhys Johnson.

Rhys discussed updates to the ACCA exams for the June 2009 diet, as well as tips on how to do well for Papers F5, F8, P1 and P3. As a refresher to those who were present and for the benefit of those who weren't, the trick to passing these exams is to IMPRESS (scroll to the bottom for details). He recommended that participants read the articles related to all the papers on the ACCA website and those in Student Accountant.

The seminar was very well received by students (see poll on the right hand side). At the end of the session, a lucky draw was held. Rhys picked out 10 lucky students who were given book voucher prizes. The seminar closed with the presentation of a token of appreciation to Rhys.

Participants of the seminar may email 2009aiss@gmail.com to request for a copy of Rhys' slides.

ACCA and CAT Student E-Filing Volunteers

The public spirit of ACCA students is alive and well!

Last month, some 40 ACCA and CAT students in Singapore cast aside their studies long enough to learn about the finer points of income tax and e-filing. They had answered the call for volunteers, and were at the tax headquarters to be trained to help residents in Singapore to e-file. E-filing was introduced in Singapore in the 1990s, and students have always been called upon to help assist residents in this annual ritual. This group of students had jumped at the chance to do their bit for society and at the same time get to practice what they learn from their ACCA and CAT studies.

The tax officer in charge, Ms Clara Ng, was on hand to show the group around and introduced them to the other instructors at Revenue House. The students were given a tour of the gallery which showcases the history of Singapore and her tax system, and they quickly warmed up to the session with the friendly and helpful information and instructions. Soe Htike Htun was a first-time e-filing volunteer and he was looking forward to helping out after going through the training session held at Revenue House. Like the other students present, Soe looked forward to putting his knowledge to good use and to learn about tax from a different perspective. He felt that Singapore has one of the most efficient tax systems in the world, and he was definitely looking forward to helping taxpayers with their annual returns.

It was off to the computer lab for the training after a light refreshment, and the session proved to be equally engaging. “It was an enriching experience,” said Soe, “and I have learned so much more about the Singapore tax system.” The students would begin their service to the community from 28 March 2009 at the various community clubs around the island, so do say hello if you see them!

Master Advanced Excel for Reporting at S$107 Only

http://www.icpas.com.sg/edm/AER_EDM.htm