Last updated: 06 Jul 2026 03:00 Posted in: AIA
With a distinguished background spanning accountancy, business administration, compliance, governance and corporate services, Dr Joey Teng brings a uniquely broad perspective to her role as President of the AIA Singapore Branch. Having earned advanced qualifications in accounting, business administration and compliance, she has built a career focused on strengthening governance, mitigating risk and helping organisations achieve sustainable growth.
A passionate advocate for continuous learning, professional excellence and ethical leadership, Joey is committed to strengthening member engagement, expanding regional collaboration and ensuring the profession remains future-ready in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. As she begins her presidency, her focus is clear: building a stronger, more connected AIA community while maintaining the highest standards of governance and trust.
IA: Joey, your career spans accountancy, compliance, governance and business administration. What first inspired you to pursue this path?
JT: I have always been drawn to mathematics, analytical thinking and problem-solving. My professional journey began in accountancy and finance, where I developed a strong grounding in accounting principles and financial management.
As my career progressed, I realised that financial expertise alone was not enough. Organisations succeed when finance is integrated with leadership, operations, human resources, technology and strategy. That understanding led me to pursue further studies in business administration, ultimately completing both an MBA and a Doctorate in Business Administration.
At the same time, I became increasingly interested in governance, risk and compliance. These areas play a vital role in protecting organisations from fraud, strengthening internal controls and ensuring long-term resilience. Together, these experiences shaped my belief that effective leaders need both technical expertise and a broad understanding of how organisations operate as a whole.
IA: What leadership priorities have you set for your term as President of the AIA Singapore Branch?
JT: My first priority is ensuring that the branch maintains the highest standards of governance and compliance. Before any organisation can successfully pursue growth opportunities, it must have strong internal controls and a solid foundation.
Alongside that, I want to expand AIA's presence and engagement across Asia. Singapore is a highly regulated but relatively small market, so collaboration is essential. I see significant opportunities to build stronger relationships with members and professional communities in Indonesia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, China and other parts of the region.
Through partnerships, joint initiatives and knowledge-sharing activities, we can raise awareness of AIA and strengthen its influence throughout Southeast Asia and beyond.
IA: You've identified governance, compliance and sustainability as key priorities. Why are these areas so important for today's accountants?
JT: Governance and compliance provide the foundation upon which sustainable organisations are built. Without effective governance, organisations expose themselves to unnecessary risks and may struggle to meet regulatory obligations.
Once governance is established, businesses can focus on sustainability and long-term value creation. Today's accountants have an important role to play in helping organisations balance financial performance with social and environmental responsibilities.
Sustainability is about much more than reporting. It requires organisations to think carefully about profitability, social impact and environmental responsibility, while ensuring their strategies remain viable for future generations. Accountants are increasingly at the centre of these discussions because they help measure, communicate and monitor organisational performance across all three areas.
IA: Member engagement is clearly important to you. What plans do you have for strengthening connections across the AIA community?
JT: Digital engagement is critical. Our members operate in an increasingly global profession, and maintaining strong communication channels helps everyone stay informed, connected and responsive to change.
One initiative I am particularly keen to develop is a stronger LinkedIn presence that enables members to communicate, exchange ideas and build professional relationships internationally.
I also intend to offer consultation support for members facing business challenges and host regular knowledge-sharing sessions where members can discuss emerging issues and industry developments. These events will create opportunities for professional development while strengthening the sense of community within the Singapore Branch.
IA: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming every industry. How do you see AI affecting the accounting profession?
JT: AI will undoubtedly transform many routine accounting processes and significantly improve efficiency. Tasks such as bookkeeping, data processing and certain compliance activities can increasingly be automated.
However, AI remains a tool. It can analyse large volumes of information quickly, but it cannot replace professional judgement, ethical reasoning or human oversight.
Accountants will continue to play a critical role in verifying information, interpreting results and ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory requirements. When new regulations emerge or unexpected market developments occur, professionals must apply experience and understanding that technology alone cannot provide.
Rather than replacing accountants, I believe AI will create opportunities for the profession to deliver greater value by focusing on advisory services, strategic decision-making and risk management.
IA: How can accountants prepare themselves for this rapidly changing environment?
JT: Continuous learning is essential. Professionals must remain curious and actively expand their knowledge throughout their careers.
I have personally begun studying AI to better understand both its capabilities and limitations. The profession must do the same. Continuing Professional Development (CPD), practical training and professional certification will become even more important as technology evolves.
I also see significant opportunities for AI-supported learning, particularly in areas such as compliance, KYC, customer due diligence and updates to financial reporting standards. These tools can help practitioners stay current while improving the efficiency and accessibility of professional education.
IA: Singapore is recognised as one of the world's leading international business hubs. What opportunities does this create for AIA members?
JT: Singapore offers excellent opportunities for professionals seeking international careers. It attracts global investors and multinational organisations, creating demand for people who understand both local regulations and international business practices.
For AIA members, this creates opportunities to develop expertise in cross-border business, taxation, compliance and governance. As regulations and markets continue to evolve, professionals who combine technical knowledge with a global perspective will be particularly well positioned for success.
The key is remaining adaptable, continuously developing new skills and staying informed about international developments that may affect businesses and their clients.
IA: Looking ahead, what would success look like at the end of your term as President?
JT: Success would mean building a stronger, more connected and more visible AIA Singapore Branch.
I would like to see deeper engagement among members, stronger partnerships throughout the region, and greater recognition of AIA within the wider business and professional community.
Most importantly, I want our members to feel supported and equipped to succeed in an increasingly complex environment. If we can strengthen governance, encourage collaboration and help members continue developing professionally, I will consider that a meaningful achievement.
IA: Finally, what message would you like to leave with AIA members across Singapore and the wider region?
JT: Stay curious, continue learning and never underestimate the importance of professional integrity. The profession is evolving rapidly, but the qualities that define trusted accountants remain the same. If we embrace change while maintaining strong ethical foundations, we will continue to create value for businesses, communities and future generations.
"I want our members to feel supported and equipped to succeed in an increasingly complex environment. If we can strengthen governance, encourage collaboration and help members continue developing professionally, I will consider that a meaningful achievement."
Dr Joey Teng, President, AIA Singapore Branch