ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) has entered into partnership with the UK-ASEAN Business Council.

This agreement will help to support both organisations’ long-term strategy to support the rapid growth of domestic and trans-national business in south-east Asia.

ACCA has a strong and long-standing presence in the ASEAN region, having offices in Malaysia and Singapore for over 80 years. The global body for professional accountants is also seeing member and student numbers grow across the region, where there is clear demand for finance professionals to support flourishing economies. ACCA has 25,000 members across the 10 ASEAN nations and a further 77,000 students studying towards the ACCA qualification.

Helen Brand, chief executive of ACCA said: ‘ACCA very much sees ASEAN as a major driver of pan-Asian growth over the next decade. The region offers huge growth potential, but it is also a region that plays an important part in helping to build stronger global links with trading blocs, such as the EU, and international associations, such as the Commonwealth.

‘As these trade links strengthen, so does the potential for greater harmonisation of international standards. We are strong advocates of this, as it builds trust and transparency in trade across the region and beyond.’

Ross Hunter, executive director UK ASEAN Business Council added: ‘We are delighted to have ACCA on board our journey of strengthening the UK-ASEAN business relationship. British standards are highly respected and sought after in the region and we look forward to working with ACCA in providing development and lifelong learning opportunities for the growing work force in Southeast Asia.’

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About ACCA

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the global body for professional accountants, offering business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management.

ACCA supports its 219,000 members and 527,000 students (including affiliates) in 179 countries, helping them to develop successful careers in accounting and business, with the skills required by employers. ACCA works through a network of 110 offices and centres and 7,571 Approved Employers worldwide, and 328approved learning providers who provide high standards of learning and development.

Through its public interest remit, ACCA promotes appropriate regulation of accounting and conducts relevant research to ensure accountancy continues to grow in reputation and influence.

ACCA has introduced major innovations to its flagship qualification to ensure its members and future members continue to be the most valued, up to date and sought-after accountancy professionals globally.

Founded in 1904, ACCA has consistently held unique core values: opportunity, diversity, innovation, integrity and accountability. More information is here:www.accaglobal.com

About UK ASEAN Business Council

The UK-ASEAN Business Council (UKABC) is the leading UK-based organisation promoting trade and investment between the UK and ASEAN’s dynamic markets.

Created out of UK Trade & Investment’s 2011 Strategy ‘Britain Open for Business’, the UKABC is passionate about helping UK companies of all sizes export and invest in one of the most exciting, vibrant and fastest growing regions in the world.

Working closely with the UK and ASEAN governments, key partner organisations including the British Chambers of Commerce in ASEAN, influential corporates, experienced SMEs, market experts, and professional services providers, we have created an extensive UK-ASEAN business network that allows us to provide unique market insights, and links UK innovation and expertise with ASEAN’s vast commercial developments.