KPMG holds 18th MESA Conference in Sri Lanka

KPMG SL Managing Partner Reyaz Mihular, KPMG International Chairman Bill Thomas, KPMG EMA region Chairman Sikandar Sattr, Melstacorp CEO Amitha Gooneratne, DFCC Bank Chairman Jegan Durairatnam and DIMO Chairman Ranjith Pandithage 

The 18th KPMG MESA Conference on the theme ‘Reinventing to Meet Clients’ Agenda’ brought together more than 100 Partners from 13 countries in the Middle East and South Asia (MESA) sub-region and the wider KPMG network. 

The conference, which was held on 7 November, growth in the region was driven by factors such as expanding economies, demographic growth, introduction of new tax systems and state initiatives, including efforts by oil-dependent nations to diversify their income sources.  

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was the chief guest at the MESA Partners’ Conference. 

Addressing the gathering of more than a hundred partners, Prime Minister commended KPMG for its drive to become even more client-focused – and talked about the wider community benefits resulting from client-centricity. To demonstrate this, he highlighted examples of infrastructure projects across Sri Lanka which are set to provide greater accessibility, encourage foreign investment and provide more opportunities for Futuristic Sri Lanka.

Central Bank Governor Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy was the keynote speaker for the Conference. Supporting the Prime Minister’s message, he highlighted the economic opportunities, the initiatives being taken by the Central Bank to strengthen the banking sector stability, and emphasised the vital role professional services firms like KPMG can play.

KPMG Sri Lanka Managing Partner and MESA Chairman Reyaz Mihular spoke about the role played by KPMG in automating the company registration process, a move which is expected to help the country advance in the Global Ease of Doing Business index and working in conjunction with Sri Lanka CERT the regulating body for Cyber Security in the country to assess the cyber security readiness of the State sector. Reyaz Mihular provided an overview of the MESA region’s performance and future focus, highlighting that the MESA region is among the fastest growing regions in the KPMG network.

Other speakers included KPMG Global Chairman Bill Thomas and KPMG EMA Chairman Sikandar Sattar. Bill Thomas spoke to the partners on the importance of the Conference theme – ‘Reinventing to Meet Clients’ Agenda’, focus on Growth with Quality and benefits of the Collective strategy. Topical presentations covered areas of emerging client needs, changing regulatory requirements, importance of collaboration across the network, new technologies and alliances.

An interactive client panel discussion followed with CEOs providing their perspective on how professional services firms could enhance propositions and better support clients through their digital disruption journey.  A millennial panel discussion with Entrepreneur and Technologist Jeevan Gnanam, BOV Capital Director Prajeeth Balasubramaniam, and Steradian Capital Co-Founder Hardy Jamaldeen focused on enhancing the experience of the 4,000+ millennials which make up more than 50% of the KPMG MESA region’s workforce. 

These were followed by a panel discussion with the KPMG MESA Board members who provided perspective on growth, talent, quality, collaboration and investments in the region.