Program

Day 1 - Wednesday 28 May 2025
Registration - Full Registration
	10:00am - 11:00am	Check-in with the friendly IPA team at the Pan Pacific reception, where you'll confirm your attendance and receive an overview of what to expect over the next three days and await the transfer to take you to the whimsical Garden's by the Bay.
Flower Power at Gardens by the Bay
	11:00am - 3:30pm	Explore the breathtaking 101-hectare national garden, Gardens by the Bay, a remarkable horticultural attraction. This stunning showcase of garden artistry features a diverse range of plants, including rare species from cool climates and tropical forests. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the OCBC Skywalk, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome, experiencing tranquillity amidst the captivating sights and scents of the flora.
Transfer to Pan Pacific & Delegate Free Time
	3:30pm - 5:00pm
Transfer to Australian High Commission Residence
	5:00pm - 6:00pm
An Exclusive Evening with His Excellency Allaster Cox
	6:00pm - 7:30pm	Step into the prestigious Australian High Commission Residence for an invitation-only cocktail hour with Allaster Cox, Head of Mission – Australian High Commission, Singapore. Enjoy handcrafted canapés and premium drinks as you gain exclusive insights into the dynamic trade relationship between Australia and Singapore. This is a rare opportunity to connect, converse, and engage in high-level discussions in an intimate setting.
Transfer to Pan Pacific & Delegate Free Time
	7:30pm

Day 2 - Thursday 29 May 2025
Breakfast & Settle In
	7:00am - 8:30am	Ease into the day with a gourmet breakfast spread. Once you're ready, make your way to education meeting space where a dynamic day of insights, interactive workshops, and case studies awaits.
Registration - Education Only
	8:30am - 9:00am	Check-in with the friendly IPA team at the Pan Pacific reception, where you'll confirm your attendance and receive an overview of what to expect over the next two days.
Welcome
	9:00am - 9:15am
Bridging Innovation: Technology & Financial Transformation in Australia and Singapore
	9:15am - 10:00am		TBA
Kicking off our Retreat in the capital of innovation explore the evolving landscape of technology and financial innovation in Australia and Singapore. This session will explore the key similarities and differences between the two markets, from regulatory approaches to emerging technologies shaping the financial sector.
Payday Super Draft Legislation - What's super and not so super!
	10:00am - 10:30am		Judy White, Executive Director - BDO
Employment taxes expert Judy White will take you through the draft legislation released for the Payday super regime. In essence the new payday super regime proposed to commence on 1 July 2026, requires super guarantee contributions to be paid on Payday rather than on a quarterly basis. Further, there are widespread proposed changes to the superannuation guarantee charge itself and its administration. This change is significant for all employers no matter what size, region or industry. Some of these changes (few) are super to see and some are not so super at all (most)! This will be a technical tax session with a focus on the commercial reality and practical issues that results from these proposed Payday super measures.
Morning Tea
	10:30am - 11:00am
It’s 2025: Should Your Clients Still Be Using ‘Bucket Companies’?
	11:00am - 12:00pm		Andrew Henshaw, Director - Velocity Legal
With evolving tax laws and compliance risks, are bucket companies still the right choice for your clients? In this session, we’ll break down when and why they might still be beneficial, the key risks to watch out for, and alternative strategies to consider. When a bucket company makes sense—capping tax rates and structuring for efficiency. The limitations—what happens when income can’t be alienated (like Personal Services Income)? Trust pitfalls—challenges from beneficiaries and structuring considerations. Key tax risks—navigating Section 100A, Division 7A, and critical distribution timing. What’s the alternative? Exploring company-driven income strategies.
Lunch
	12:00pm - 1:00pm

ESG Integration for Accountants: Business, Strategy & Impact
	12:45pm - 1:45pm		Amanda Yeo Yan Yin, Deputy Director, Sustainability and Circular Economy - SAMENTA
As sustainability becomes a key driver of business value, Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia are advancing ESG regulations that reshape corporate expectations. Accountants are required to adapt beyond traditional financial reporting to meet growing demands around ESG compliance and strategic integration. This session offers an overview of key ESG frameworks including the key guidelines and International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards to explores how these developments impact financial reporting. Gain practical insights and a roadmap for embedding ESG into your client’s strategy, governance, and reporting processes.
Travel Allowances - To record or not to record
	2:00pm - 2:45pm		Judy White, Executive Director - BDO
Employees are often unaware that record-keeping is still required even when the exception applies (ie when the substantiation record-keeping exception applies). Judy will take us through the issues including: Reasonable or not – Discuss reasonable rates per ATO determination. Deductions – Interaction with the ATO reasonable amount Record-keeping requirements: ATO guidance, and recent case law for truck drivers. Employer point of view – What are the employer obligations? Employee point of view – what are the individual employee obligations?
Afternoon Tea
	2:45pm - 3:00pm
Tax Talk Power Hour
	3:00pm - 4:00pm		Andrew Henshaw, Director - Velocity Legal Tony Greco, General Manager Technical Policy- IPA Group Judy White, Executive Director - BDO
Join our expert panel as they discuss the budget revelations, unpack the election, and explore key policy changes shaping the accounting and small business landscape. This interactive session goes beyond high-level analysis, providing practical insights and real-world implications to help you navigate what lies ahead. From tax reforms and economic shifts to regulatory updates, gain the knowledge and strategies needed to support both your practice and your clients.
Free Time
	4:00pm - 6:00pm
Transfer to The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
	6:00pm - 6:30pm
A Skyline Soirée
	6:30pm - 10:00pm
Begin your evening with an unforgettable golden-hour experience, taking in sweeping views of Singapore’s iconic cityscape and lush garden vistas from the exclusive Lantern Rooftop. Raise a glass to the breathtaking skyline and revel in the feeling of being on top of the world. Savour an indulgent three-course dinner overlooking Marina Bay, where every bite is complemented by the dazzling city lights. At 8 PM, the spectacle continues with the Spectra Light & Water Show. Enjoy a front-row seat to this mesmerizing display, where history, culture, and modern innovation come to life through a stunning fusion of fountain jets, vibrant projections, lasers, and ethereal mist effects— all set to a powerful orchestral score.
Transfer to Pan Pacific
	10:00pm
Day 3 - Friday 30 May 2025
Welcome
	9:00am - 9:15am
TASA Obligations, What July 1st Means For You
	9:15am - 10:00am		Tony Greco, General Manager Technical Policy- IPA Group
New code obligations are about to go live for practices less than 100 employees. Get ahead of what you need to know and also understand your obligations under breach reporting which started on 1 July 2024.
Leveraging AI for Tax Compliance and Reporting: The Future of Digital Tax Administration
	10:00am - 10:45am		Amy Ang, Head of Tax - Ernst & Young Advisory Manik Bhandari, Partner, Asean AI and Data Leader - Ernst & Young Advisory
Morning Tea
	10:45am - 11:00am
Tax Residency: Impact of Australia- Singapore DTA
	11:00am - 12:00pm		Peter Adams, Director - Augmentors
Canvassing the current scope and effect of the providing Australian tax residency framework in the context of the relevant terms of the prevailing Australia-Singapore double tax agreement.
Employment Termination Payments - unExpected Tax Pain ('ETP') implications
	12:00pm - 12:45pm		Andrew Henshaw, Director - Velocity Legal Judy White, Executive Director - BDO
Lunch
	12:45pm - 1:30pm
Tax Audits and Investigations: What to Do When the Tax Office Comes Knocking
	1:30pm - 2:15pm		TBA
When a client is flagged by the tax authority, whether for incomplete disclosures, inaccurate forms, or unusual financial activity, practitioners play a critical role in managing the investigation process and minimising risk. This session will walk you through the practical steps accountants must take once an audit is underway. From understanding the scope of the investigation to responding to queries, managing documentation, and advising clients on next steps, you’ll gain actionable strategies to support clients through complex tax reviews. Hear from experts with experience navigating high-stakes audits, and explore how to spot red flags early, manage client expectations, and maintain compliance. While Australia’s evolving AML and compliance landscape forms part of the broader picture, the focus is on equipping you for what matters most supporting your clients when they need it most.
Transfer
	2:15pm - 2:30pm
Inside the Singapore's Financial District: A Global Powerhouse
	2:30pm - 5:00pm		Discover the beating heart of Singapore’s financial district, a global hub for banking, fintech, and innovation. From its cutting-edge financial infrastructure to its role in shaping global markets, gain insights into what makes Singapore a powerhouse in the world of finance.
Transfer to Pan Pacific & Delegate Free Time
	5:00pm - 6:30pm
Transfer to Lau Pa Sat
	6:30pm - 7:00pm
A Taste of Tradition: Authentic Hawker Dining at Lau Pa Sat
	7:00pm - 9:30pm		Experience the electric atmosphere of Lau Pa Sat, Singapore’s most iconic hawker hall, where history and flavour come together in a feast for the senses. Under the elegant, Victorian-era cast-iron structure, indulge in the finest local cuisine—from succulent Hainanese chicken rice to sizzling satay skewers grilled over open flames. With the buzz of lively conversations, the clinking of ice-cold beers, and the rich aromas of Singapore’s diverse street food, this immersive dining experience will transport you to the heart of the city's vibrant culinary scene. Come hungry, leave inspired.
Event Concludes

Day 5 - Saturday 31 May 2025 (Add On Experience)
Activities OPTION 1 - Windows to Singapore
	9:00am - 12:30pm		Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Singapore's multi-ethnic communities. Stroll through Little India's colourful streets and discover a plethora of spices and curry bases. Explore Kampong Glam's Arab Street and witness the bustling street shops selling traditional trades. Admire the architectural beauty of the largest mosque in Singapore - the Sultan Mosque. Then, take a walk through the charming streets of Chinatown.
Activities OPTION 2 - Language of Perfume Workshop by Sifr Aromatics
	11:00am - 12:30pm		Step into the captivating world of scent with the Language of Perfume workshop by Sifr Aromatics. Explore rare ingredients, uncover the history of perfumery, and craft your own unique scent under the expertise of master perfumers.
Transfer from activities to Marina Bay Sands & Delegate Free Time
	12:30pm - 1:30pm
SkyPark Observation Deck
	1:30pm		Soar above the city and take in unparalleled, 360-degree views from the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck. Perched 57 storeys high, this iconic vantage point offers breathtaking panoramas of Singapore’s skyline, Marina Bay, and beyond to enjoy at your own pace.
Add-On Experience Concludes