17 March 2025
The inaugural SW Southeast Asia Conference was held on 6-7 March 2025 in Singapore, bringing together representatives from member firms across Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam within the international network. Hosted by SW Singapore, the conference featured a blend of in-person and virtual participation, fostering discussions on opportunities and strategies for sustainable growth in the ASEAN region.
Welcoming Remarks
The conference commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Kent Lim, Managing Partner of SW Singapore, who initiated regional collaboration across Southeast Asia. Kent highlighted Singapore’s strategic position as a key hub within Southeast Asia and conveyed the conference’s objective of serving as a platform for member firms to navigate emerging opportunities in the region together.
Emerging Business Trends
Mr. Koay Tatt Chong, Partner of SW Singapore, presented the firm’s expertise in Variable Capital Company (VCC) structures, a key offering that sets it apart in the wealth management sector. With a team managing over 400 high-net-worth family portfolios, SW Singapore provides a comprehensive suite of services, including accounting, tax, audit, fund management, wealth management, regional business expansion, and trust administration, demonstrating its strong capabilities in wealth management.
Mr. Jeff Qian, Audit Partner of SW Singapore, further shared an in-depth analysis of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), covering regulatory requirements, opportunities and risks associated with ESG business in Singapore. He pointed out the increasing global focus on sustainability and its critical role in corporate strategies. With extensive experience in ESG advisory services, SW Singapore is eager to strengthen collaboration with member firms to expand ESG-related service offerings across the region.
Regional Market Highlights
Mr. Michell Suharli, CEO of SW Indonesia, together with Ms. Samsul Erni, Audit Partner; Ms. Vonny Huryawanto, Tax Partner; and Ms. Febryanti Simon, ESG Partner, provided insights into SW Indonesia’s development in consulting, tax advisory, and ESG services. The firm’s expertise has reinforced its position as a key player in the local market, delivering value through innovative and client-centric solutions.
Mr. TY Teoh, Managing Partner of SW Malaysia, highlighted the firm’s unique offerings, including Labuan foundation solutions and the Malaysia My Second Home Program. These specialized services cater to high-net-worth individuals, providing them with bespoke and diversified wealth management solutions.
SW Thailand and SW VACO from Vietnam also supported the conference virtually, nurturing interactive connections with other ASEAN member firms.
Ms. Young Zhang, representative from SW International for Asia-Pacific and Europe, shared her experience in supporting Chinese clients in Indonesia. She reinforced SW International’s commitment to empowering member firms with the resources and expertise needed to achieve significant breakthroughs in their local markets.
Southeast Asia Desk
A key highlight of the conference was SW Singapore’s initiative to establish the Southeast Asia Desk (SEA Desk), which is designed to gather international investment from Singapore, facilitating onward expansion into Southeast Asia dynamic markets while offering clients seamless and integrated services. As a central hub for SW’s operations in Southeast Asia, the SEA Desk will consolidate resources, facilitate cross-border projects, and support clients in expanding their presence in the regional market.
Recognized Employer Partner
During the conference, SW Singapore was honored with the Recognised Employer Partner designation by CPA Australia. This recognition confirms the firm’s professional excellence and its contributions to the accounting industry, also reflecting SW’s strong connection with global professional accountancy bodies and its reputation as a leading player in the professional services sector.
Our Vision for the Future
The two-day conference laid a strong foundation for enhanced business synergy and regional collaboration across the region. By leveraging our SW global network and regional expertise, SW International and its member firms are committed to driving coordinated growth and seizing the opportunities ahead in the vibrant ASEAN market.