Media OutReach
ISCA Academy Launches Hands-On AI Programme Across ASEAN to Close Finance Skills Gap
New initiative equips finance, audit and accounting professionals with immediately applicable AI skill from Excel automation to AI agents as demand for practical AI capability accelerates across the region
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 April 2026 – As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly shifts from experimentation to everyday business use, the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) Academy has launched a hands-on AI training programme across ASEAN to address the region’s growing skills gap in finance and accounting.
Designed for immediate workplace application, the new programme equips finance, audit, and accounting professionals with practical AI capabilities, from automating Excel workflows and extracting data from documents to building dashboards, generating presentations, and deploying AI agents to support complex processes.
Developed in partnership with Singapore-based AI training specialist Skybots, the programme focuses on real-world tasks using widely accessible tools such as Microsoft Copilot, enabling participants to deliver tangible productivity gains from day one.
Leveraging ISCA’s network of overseas offices, the initiative will be rolled out across key ASEAN markets including Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines, with an initial target to train 2,500 finance professionals in the first phase, positioning Singapore as a regional hub for applied AI capability in finance.
Ms Cyndi Pei, Chairperson of ISCA Academy, said the programme represents a strategic response to a rapidly evolving profession: “The window for treating AI as a theoretical topic is closing. Finance professionals across ASEAN are now expected to apply AI in their daily work — safely, effectively, and immediately. ISCA Academy is stepping up to lead this transformation regionally, ensuring professionals across Southeast Asia have access to practical training that delivers real outcomes, not just awareness.”
Immediate Impact in the Workplace
Unlike traditional AI programmes that focus on concepts, ISCA Academy’s approach is fully task-based. Participants work on real scenarios such as financial analysis, document review, reporting, and workflow automation, producing outputs they can directly replicate in their roles. Across pilot sessions, participants have reported completing tasks in minutes that previously took hours, a shift that compounds quickly across teams and reporting cycles.
A key differentiator is its emphasis on responsible AI use, embedding considerations of confidentiality, ethics, compliance, and governance into every module, which are critical for regulated professions.
Early pilot sessions have demonstrated measurable impact. Dr Jenny Tan, Head of Group Internal Audit at CapitaLand, noted: “What stood out about the Practical AI programme was how hands-on and relevant it was. Rather than focusing on theory, our staff came away with techniques they could use from day one and we have observed a real shift in how our team approaches their daily work.”
Built for Mainstream Professionals
The programme is designed for broad accessibility, requiring no coding knowledge or significant technology investment. Participants learn to leverage free and low-cost AI tools to enhance productivity and output quality.
Mr Daryl Aw, Founder and Director of Skybots, who brings a unique background as both a Chartered Accountant and three-time UiPath Most Valuable Professional (MVP), said the programme demystifies AI for finance professionals: “There is a common misconception that AI requires technical expertise or large budgets. In reality, the tools are already available. What professionals need is the confidence and practical know-how to apply them effectively and responsibly. This programme is built to deliver exactly that.”
Regional Rollout and Expansion
The first phase of the programme launches in mid-April, focusing on audit, accounting and finance professionals across the private sector, public sector and charities. A second phase in the third quarter will expand coverage to additional sectors including tax, corporate secretarial, human resources, banking and finance, and legal.
Through its regional network, ISCA Academy aims to train finance professionals across ASEAN and support broader efforts to accelerate digital upskilling and strengthen workforce competitiveness.
A Broader Shift Across Industries
The initiative reflects a wider transformation across ASEAN, where AI adoption is expanding beyond technology teams into core business functions. Finance, public sector, and corporate professionals are increasingly using AI for practical applications such as extracting insights from unstructured data, streamlining compliance workflows including KYC and AML checks, and automating reporting processes.
The message from ISCA Academy and Skybots is consistent: meaningful AI adoption does not require large budgets or deep technical expertise. With the right training, professionals across ASEAN can begin generating real value from AI from day one.
Hashtag: #ISCA #DifferenceMakers #Accounting #Accountancy #CharteredAccountants #ChooseAccountancy #AI #ArtificialIntelligence
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) Academy
The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore. Established in 1963, ISCA administers the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification programme and is the designated entity by the Singapore Ministry of Finance to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore [CA (Singapore)] designation.
ISCA supports over 43,000 members across industries in Singapore and globally, with members in more than 40 countries. With a growing international presence, ISCA has 12 overseas chapters, 7 offices across 10 countries and a network of over 150 strategic partners, strengthening professional connections and opportunities across borders. ISCA is also a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global network representing more than 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students across over 190 countries.
ISCA advances professional development and lifelong learning through ISCA Academy, its training arm and drives community impact through ISCA Cares, its charity arm.
ISCA Academy, the leading business school of ISCA, delivers immersive, industry-informed learning across accountancy, finance, technology, governance, and leadership. We equip learners to reskill, reconnect, and reinvent – empowering them to stay relevant and ahead by choice.
For more information, visit www.iscacademy.sg.
Skybots Pte Ltd
Skybots is a Singapore-based specialist in practical AI training and automation solutions, serving organisations across the public and private sectors. The firm has a particularly strong presence in the finance and accounting community, working closely with finance, accounting, audit, tax and corporate secretarial professionals to apply AI to real workplace tasks. Founded by Daryl Aw, a Chartered Accountant (CA) under ISCA and three-time UiPath Most Valuable Professional (MVP), Skybots designs and delivers hands-on programmes that equip professionals with immediately applicable skills — without requiring technical backgrounds or large technology budgets.
Skybots serves clients across Singapore and internationally, with training delivered in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Bhutan. It is a recognised training partner of ISCA and sits on ISCA’s AI Solutions Sub-Committee.
For more information, visit www.skybotssg.com.
Media OutReach
iHerb Launches “Heatwave Essentials” Campaign for Singapore Consumers (22% off sitewide)
Despite the sweltering weather, Singaporeans’ passion for an active lifestyle remains strong—from post-work gym sessions to weekend outdoor runs. To help Singaporeans maintain their peak performance, iHerb has curated a “Heatwave Essentials” guide focused on hydration, fatigue resistance, and recovery.
As part of this initiative, iHerb is offering a 22% discount sitewide from April 10 to April 24, with consumers able to apply the promo code “78IHERB” at checkout.
Essentials for Hydration and Recovery
In Singapore’s climate, sweating is constant—but many don’t realise that perspiration depletes both water and essential electrolytes, which is why plain water alone may not be enough to prevent fatigue.
- For Instant Hydration: Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets are a top choice for active commuters, offering a balanced blend of sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
- For Natural Purity: Wilderness Poets Evaporated Coconut Water Powder provides a refreshing, sugar-free alternative rich in natural potassium.
- For Long-term Balance: Nutricost Potassium + Magnesium capsules offer high-efficiency support to maintain neuromuscular balance and prevent heat-induced weakness.
Expanded Heatwave Essentials for Daily Wellness and Recovery
As part of its “Heatwave Essentials” guide, iHerb features a curated selection of products that supports broader daily wellness needs during warmer conditions. This includes supplements commonly incorporated into routines for general nutritional support, post-activity recovery, and day-to-day maintenance:
- Swanson Albion Magnesium Glycinate is a popular choice for supporting relaxation and overall daily wellness.
- California Gold Nutrition Brain Health vegetarian capsules provide multi-nutrient support for those requiring prolonged focus.
- Nutricost HMB Capsules have become a favorite among the local fitness community for supporting physical endurance and recovery under high-temperature conditions.
- Doctor’s Best Natural Vision Enhancers – formulated with lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 (DHA/EPA), and included within iHerb’s broader wellness offering.
Shop Smarter, Live Cooler
To support the growing demand for daily health management, iHerb is offering a 22% discount sitewide from April 10 until April 24. Simply enter the promo code “78IHERB” at checkout to access savings across a wide range of health and wellness products, including those featured in the “Heatwave Essentials” selection.
- Free Delivery: Enjoy free shipping on orders over S$60.
- Fast Shipping: Products typically arrive in Singapore within approximately 4 days.
Hashtag: #iHerb
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Phuc Yen IP covers 111.3 hectares in Phuc Yen Ward in the northern province of Phú Thọ, with a total investment of approximately VNĐ1.98 trillion and a 50-year operating licence.
Regarded as a key project in the province’s economic development strategy, Phuc Yen IP is expected to become a magnet for high-quality investment, particularly from enterprises in technology and electronics, precision engineering, supporting industries and logistics.
Strategic location and world-class infrastructure
Phuc Yen IP enjoys outstanding connectivity, with direct access to the Noi Bai – Lao Cai Expressway, a location approximately 10 minutes from Noi Bai International Airport and strong links to major economic hubs in Hà Nội, Phú Thọ and neighbouring provinces.
All technical infrastructure is built to international standards, including internal roads, high-capacity power supply, water supply and drainage systems, a centralised wastewater treatment plant and urban landscaping – enabling businesses to begin operations immediately upon land handover.
Development timeline
- Phase 1 (Q1/2024 – Q1/2026): Legal procedures, site clearance, construction commencement
- Phase 2 (Q2/2026 – Q1/2027): Full infrastructure construction – site levelling, internal roads, power and water system, wastewater treatment – culminating in project completion and handover
VISIZ General Director Nguyen Hai Tung said on behalf of the investor consortium: “We are fully committed to mobilising all available resources to deliver this project on schedule, ensuring synchronised, high-quality and modern construction standards.
“Phuc Yen IP is more than a production facility – it is a sustainable industrial ecosystem where investors can build and grow their operations with confidence over the long term.”
Socio-economic impact
At full capacity, Phuc Yen IP is expected to attract dozens of domestic and international investors, generate thousands of stable employment opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to annual State budget revenues. The park will serve as a catalyst for commercial services, urban development and industrial real estate growth across Phuc Yen Ward and surrounding areas.
Media Contact:
Hotline: (+84) 333 699 996
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.visiz.com.vn
Hashtag: #VISIZ #SHINEC
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
Botanica Luxury Villas Rides Phuket’s Rise as Global Luxury Property Hub with HYTHE by Botanica
Vertical villa-style condominium positioned to capture surging investor demand
PHUKET, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 April 2026 – Phuket, a world-class tourist destination, is emerging as one of Southeast Asia’s hottest residential and real estate investment hubs. In 2025, over 10 million international tourists visited Phuket, generating nearly 546 billion baht in tourism revenue.
The condominium market has seen significant growth. Colliers Thailand reports that in 2025, 23 new condominium projects launched in Phuket, totaling over 8,372 units worth more than 47.349 billion baht. A key driver keeping Phuket’s rental market buoyant is the attractive yield of 7–11% per year in prime locations.
Botanica Luxury Villas, a leader in Phuket’s luxury property market with over two decades of experience, has grown its portfolio to meet shifting demand, entering the condominium market for the first time with HYTHE by Botanica. Drawing on its pool villa expertise, Botanica has developed the project under the Vertical Villa concept—combining the privacy and generous space of a villa with the convenience of condo living. Prices start at 10.8 million baht*. The project occupies a prime position in the heart of Laguna Phuket, one of the most sought-after areas among investors, just 6 minutes from Layan Beach and 20 minutes from Phuket International Airport.
Mr. Attasit Intarachooti, Chief Executive Officer of Botanica Luxury Phuket Co., Ltd., said: “HYTHE by Botanica is built to meet the growing demand in Phuket as a global destination for long-term living and investment. The Vertical Villa concept delivers a living and investment experience unlike anything currently on the market. We project rental yield of 5–7%* per year in a location with consistent capital appreciation.”
HYTHE by Botanica comprises four six-story residential buildings with 276 units in total, plus a clubhouse, set across over 21 rai of lush greenery. Units start from 57 sq.m., with options ranging from one to three bedrooms, duplexes with pool access, and penthouses. HYTHE by Botanica is part of Botanica Grand Avenue, a mega project offering a full suite of on-site amenities.
For investors, the project comes with comprehensive after-sales support, including Botanica’s service and maintenance programs. Show units are now open for viewing at the sales gallery, Botanica Grand Avenue, Phuket. For more information, visit botanicaluxuryvilla.com, Facebook: BOTANICA Luxury Villa, or call +66 81 324 2999 and +66 94 636 2836.
Hashtag: #BotanicaLuxuryVillas
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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