1.0 About the theme
A comparison of Kenya to Malaysia in terms of economic development would result in a classic example of ‘so similar, yet so different’ cases. Both former British colonies, the two countries have a lot in common; from spectacular tourist attractions to agri-business based economic models. Malaysia’s GDP currently stands at $296 billion while Kenya’s is a meager $63.4 billion; ranking 36th and 75th in the world, respectively (2015 data). Additionally, an individual in Malaysia is 92.3% less likely to be unemployed than in Kenya. The deviation is even clearer in the comparison of people living below the international poverty threshold, where 3.8% of citizens of Malaysia compare against 43.4% of Kenyans. The two key questions are: what exactly made the current difference and what can Kenya and other similar countries learn from Malaysia?
2.0 Target
The 21st ICPAK Executive Seminar is planned to give chance to the seminar delegates to have practical, first-hand information on how to build a globally competitive organization through professional thought and action. This premier event targets Accountants, Chief Managers, Academics, Board Members, CEOs, MDs, CFOs, Board Committee members, Strategy and Governance Consultants, Heads of Government Units/ Parastatals, County Governors, Speakers and other top level county executives.
3.0 Topics
Over 80% of speakers for the 21st Executive Seminar will be experts drawn from both private and public sectors in Malaysia. The topics to be covered include:
i. Opening Session: The Malaysian Trajectory
An organization’s board and chief executive play a major role in shaping its performance. The same holds true for a country in that a country’s leadership directly and appreciably influences the joint socio-economic status of its citizens. This session will give an overview of Malaysia’s economic growth curve, opportunities for trade and partnership in the country today as well as possible correlates of the country’s economic status laying emphasis on lessons to learn.
ii. Navigating the Next Industrial Revolution
The world stands at the brink of the next major economic paradigm shift that is guaranteed to essentially change operations in all areas of life. This new era is characterized by a blending of technologies that are quickly blurring the line between digital and physical spheres. Business processes, including communication, money transfer, storage of information and accounting have evolved from physical to virtual processes. This session will guide organizational leaders in championing the adoption of these changes to stay relevant and competitive in the market. The session will shed light on indicators of futuristic organization today in terms of preparedness for greater success.
iii. The Executive Governance Roundtable
The Executive Governance Roundtable session will focus on current issues in corporate governance. This session will begin with a discussion of board election matters, including issues of proxy access and universal ballots. The discussions will then shed light on shareholders’ rights to participate in corporate decision-making. Other issues to be discussed will range from poison pills, rights to call a special meeting, rights to submit shareholder proposals, board composition and leadership, board diversity and refreshment, and the separation of chairman and CEO duties and responsibilities.
iv. Effective Public-Private Partnership as a Growth Strategy
Public-private partnerships enable the public sector to harness private sector expertise and efficiency in delivering services. This is an innovative strategy that has seen many a nation develop rapidly through optimization of the available resources. On the other hand, PPP enables private sector players to contribute significantly to economic growth while earning revenue. A win-win approach to challenges, public-private partnerships are crucial, yet many face challenges such as poor initiation, lack of clarity on roles and absence of consistent protocol. This session will have seasoned leaders share best practices in formulating and implementing successful PPP. The point of reference will be how has Malaysia implemented PPP and what are the results?
v. The Elusive High Productivity Meeting
For many organizations, holding productive board meetings is almost an unattainable feat. While executives are usually very busy, many of them are aggrieved by unproductive meetings which end up being planning sessions for further meetings. Conducting a brief, high impact meeting is an art that requires finesse. Learn the different tactics fellow board members and CEOs have gathered over the years which they now employ. This session will be a panel that will enable delegates to learn from personal experiences of the panelist on what works for effective board meetings.
vi. Business Continuity
Business continuity, which is the ability of an organization to weather any storms, is a very vital current concern for board members and CEOs. The world over, cases of dominant companies going under have become the norm. The recent global economic downturn was a thorough hit on organizations, and many of them crumbled. In Kenya, historic corporate giants such as Kenya Airways, Uchumi Supermarkets and even middle tier banks are experiencing going concern issues majorly attributed to poor strategic planning and lack of accountability. These are some of the issues that will be tackled in this session, along with questions on how to effectively achieve organizational sustainability.
vii. Audit Committees: Need, Role, Expectation and Effectiveness
The Public Finance Management Act, 2012 and Public Finance Management Regulation, 2015 requires that each public entity shall establish an Audit Committee. The Audit Committee forms a key element in the governance process by providing an independent expert assessment of the activities of top management, the quality of the risk management, financial reporting, financial management and internal audit, to the board of directors or a supervisory board or executive management. This session will be dedicated to simplification and expounding on the role, expectations and effectiveness of Audit Committees in public entities.
viii. Emotional Intelligence: Interaction with Management
The oversight role of the board members and CEOs requires them to inspire management and staff to passionately work towards attaining the strategic goals of an organization. An attribute many leaders lack, emotional intelligence is crucial to attaining organizational goals. The question is: How would one employ emotional intelligence concepts and skills to spur exceptional performance?
3.0 Your Financial Commitment
The seminar charges for the Executive Seminar are as follows:
| Category | Early Bird Registration
|
Normal Registration
|
| Booking & Payment or LSO/LPO received by ICPAK on or before 8th November 2016 | Booking & Payment or LSO/LPO received by ICPAK by after 8th November 2016 | |
| Members | 159,000 | 164,000 |
| Non Members | 164,000 | 174,000 |
| International Delegates | 1700 USD | 1800 USD |
| Accommodation | Ksh. 12,500 or $130 (Bed & Breakfast, Single Room per night) at the InterContinental Hotel | |
The charges above cover conference fees, writing materials, meals during the conference, a welcome cocktail, a gala dinner and certificates for participants. Only a few rooms have been reserved by the Institute at the seminar venue and this will be allocated on first come-first served basis.
4.0 Installment Payments
Delegates may pay in consecutive installments using the fees provided above. Full seminar fees must have been paid on or before the Friday 12th November, 2016 deadline.
5.0 Online Booking and more information
Please note that booking MUST be done online before Friday 4th November, 2016. Online booking can be done at https://www.icpak.com/event-registration/. For more information or enquiries please email memberservices@icpak.com or visit www.icpak.com
6.0 Travel Information
Kenyan delegates do not require a VISA to enter Malaysia. Yellow fever certificate and hotel booking are however essential for a smooth travel. Evidence of Hotel booking may be necessary at the point of entry. You are also advised to carry some cash in globally acceptable currency. For non-Kenyan delegates, please enquire with your embassy on the travel requirements. Where needed, ICPAK shall processed invitation letters to support delegates VISA processing.
7.0 National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) Reimbursement for Kenyan Delegates
ICPAK is registered as a trainer with National Industrial Training Authority. The Institute’s registration number is DIT/TRN/47. Kenyan participants who are registered levy contributors should apply to NITA for reimbursement of their fees. Please note that this is applicable for Kenyan citizens only and subject to NITA regulations. Remember that to qualify you should apply to NITA for approval prior to the date of the conference. Further details can be obtained from their website (www.nita.go.ke).
8.0 Sponsorships
A congregation of executive board members and CEOs offers a rare opportunity for brand marketing and lead generation. The delegates present will be capable of making purchasing decisions as well as providing access to huge markets. Sponsorship opportunities range from item sponsorships, exhibitions, advertising and sub-event sponsorship within the major event. For more information or enquiries please email linda.wambua@icpak.com
9.0 Excursions
The institute is organizing visits historical sites in Malaysia. Final plans and associated costs will be communicated in due course.
