2025 ACIIA Regional Conference - Malaysia
- Apr 7
- 2 min read
The 2025 ACIIA Conference, held on 9–10 September at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, convened more than 1,200 delegates from 17 countries to confront the pressing realities of our time under the banner “Internal Audit in a Polycrisis Era: Adapting, Assuring and Advancing.” In a world beset by overlapping shocks—climate disruption, geopolitical volatility, economic instability, technological upheaval—the gathering underscored that internal audit can no longer operate in a silo. As institutions navigate converging threats, the conference spotlighted how internal audit must recalibrate its tools, mindset, and influence to remain a strategic pillar of organisational resilience.
Over two rich days of keynotes, panels, workshops, and case studies, participants immersed themselves in four core themes: governance & leadership, sustainability & resilience, risk & crisis management, and technology & innovation. The program explored how auditors can bolster board communication amid turbulence, embed ESG assurance in evolving frameworks, and deploy AI, big data, and cybersecurity solutions as enablers of forward-looking audit. A Leadership Workshop led by IIA Global and engagements with distinguished guests including Anthony Pugliese (President of IIA Global), Javier Faleato, and Emely Katz enriched dialogue on global alignment and institutional partnerships.
Ms. Corazon Rey, past president of IIAP, shared her reflections on the event, highlighting the importance of cooperation, leadership, and collaboration among the 20 IIA Institutes. She noted that strengthening regional ties and pursuing shared initiatives can elevate the influence of internal auditing across Asia-Pacific. Also in attendance were Mr. Joseph Ian Canlas, fellow past president of IIAP, and Mr. Lauro Francisco, current president and chair, whose presence further underscored the strong Philippine involvement in this year’s conference.
As the conference drew to a close, one message stood clear: internal auditors must not only adapt to the challenges of a polycrisis world but also assure stakeholders with integrity and advance together as a unified profession. The ideas, partnerships, and commitments forged in Kuala Lumpur are set to ripple across the region, shaping the future of internal audit and reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of trust and resilience in uncertain times.
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