Let the Show Begins

Depending on which part of the world you are at, the impact could be felt in one way or another. Yes, the FIFA World Cup 2010 has started in South Africa. In countries where some of the matches are shown live during early mornings, it would not be any surprise if some would turn up at their offices sleepy and tired.

24 teams representing the world's best are fighting for the ultimate glory, to be crowned as the Champion of this 19th edition. Given how globalised the world is now, this event is being watched by millions of people all over the world. Those with passion and financial ability are now in South Africa, providing teams which they support with whatever encouragement they could.

Is has been a gigantic task for South Africa, the host, to organise this kind of event. Although there were challenges and problems at certain stage, especially when the world was experiencing the worst financial crisis ever, the stage was open for competition as scheduled with a memorable opening ceremony. 

For statesman Nelson Mandela, this event would be the icing on the cake, the ultimate sign of his achievement in consolidating South Africa into a state belonging to all South Africans, whatever colour they are. It is unfortunate that Mandela is in mourning due to the demise of his grand daughter who died on the eve of the first kick off.

We are now at the early stage of the tournament. No doubt history will be created, future will be charted and many hearts will be broken. This greatest show on earth is more than just a sporting event. It means a lot the the poor most African countries, finally this great soccer event has reached their shores. Hopefully, more people would be enlightened and inspired, not just to play better soccer but to take up the challenges of their lives.

Let's see how this FIFA World Cup would progress further......

WCOA Early Birds Registration Ends This Month

The Malaysian Institute of Accountants will be hosting the World Congress of Accountants, the World Cup for global accountants in Kuala Lumpur in November this year. As usual, those who register early will be given preferred fee. This early bird rate will end this month.

Themed - Accountants: Sustaining Value Creation - The WCOA would bring global thought leaders and professionals to discuss and debate challenges and solutions to problems relating to the accounting profession and business. Given that sustainability is the ultimate aim of development, the roles of accountants in building business and sustaining the value created would be important. 


Being part of WCOA would certainly be a great opportunity to participate in a world class event in our own backyard. Furthermore, for Malaysian participants, the fee paid to participate in the WCOA is HRDF claimable.

Please visit http://www.wcoa2010kualalumpur.com/ for detailed information.

A Great Loss to the Malaysian Accountancy Profession

Although not unexpected, receiving the news of the passing away of Dato' Nordin Baharuddin was certainly a sad news indeed. Although I visited his home 2 weeks ago, he was too weak to accept visitors. For sure, he will be remembered as an honest gentleman with passion and principles, the fittest among all accountants in town.

Reproduced below is his biodata as copied from the website of the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants:

YBhg Dato' Nordin Baharuddin

YBhg Dato' Nordin Baharuddin is formerly the Chairman of KUB Malaysia Berhad. He was the Executive Chairman of Ernst & Young Malaysia from 1999-2004 and has over 35 years of work experience in both public accounting practice and in the commercial sector. Dato' Nordin was admitted as a member of the MICPA in 1982 and became a Council Member of the Institute in 2000. He is the Chairman of the Administrative & Financial Affairs Committee and a Member of the Executive Committee and the Public Affairs Committee of the Institute. After graduating from The London School of Economics and Political Science, Dato' Nordin joined Deloitte Haskins & Sells in London in 1973 to pursue Chartered Accountancy.

Upon qualifying, he joined Petronas in 1979 as Manager in the Production Sharing Audit & Accounts Department, which oversaw the implementation of production sharing contracts between Petronas and other oil companies.

Dato' Nordin joined Ernst & Young in 1980 as Manager and was soon promoted to Principal and Partner. In 1984, he was transferred to the Sarawak office of Ernst & Young to assist the Partner-in-Charge in developing the Ernst & Young offices in that State. In 1990, Dato' Nordin was appointed the Partner-in-charge of Sarawak with overall responsibility for the growth and development of the practice. He also had special responsibility for staff training, quality control and technical standards.

Dato' Nordin has participated in a number of public speaking engagements on a number of subjects relating to accounting, auditing and finance. He has many years of experience providing advisory, accounting and audit services and has also served as a member of the Working Group on Corporate Governance of the Islamic Financial Services Board.

Currently, Dato' Nordin is an Independent Non-Executive Director of Sarawak Enterprise Corporation Berhad, Scomi Engineering Berhad, Visdynamics Holdings Berhad and Senior Advisor to Citibank Berhad.

In recognition of his services to society and the nation, he was awarded the Darjah Setia Negeri Sembilan in 2000, which carries the title Dato'.

He is a Council Member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants and is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and a Member of the Financial Reporting Foundation.