SAV shares technical expertise at the 2025 ASEAN Auditors Conference

The morning session centred on the theme “Building trust through sustainability reporting and assurance in ASEAN.” Representatives from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) emphasised the vital role of auditing in strengthening public confidence in sustainability-related disclosures.

Speakers noted that to enhance the reliability of sustainability reports across the region, there is a need to develop an assurance framework tailored to the ASEAN context, grounded in international principles and global best practices. ACCA further recommended that Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) proactively engage in the sustainability assurance agenda, serving as strategic partners in promoting transparency, strengthening public governance, and supporting policy development in member countries.

In the afternoon, the conference continued with a session on “The Role of Digital Auditing in Strengthening Governance in ASEAN.” Experts from professional organisations, technical bodies, and regional audit institutions shared multifaceted perspectives on the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies to transform public sector auditing.

It was highlighted that digital auditing not only improves data collection and analysis but also facilitates a shift from reactive monitoring to predictive and proactive oversight. Many ASEAN countries are accelerating investments in digital infrastructure, modernising information systems, and developing a technology-proficient audit workforce to meet the demands of this transformation.

Delegates also proposed that the ASEANSAI should take the lead in building a regional digital auditing ecosystem—through the development of digital learning platforms, practical simulations, and expanded cross-border professional exchanges.

These discussions reaffirmed the importance of technological innovation in enhancing audit capacity and contributed to the vision of building a more transparent, effective, and future-ready system of public governance.

At the thematic sessions, the State Audit Office of Viet Nam (SAV) actively shared its experience in sustainable development auditing and the application of technology in audit operations. SAV representatives noted that the Office has played a vital role in fostering a stable and transparent financial environment, thereby supporting Viet Nam’s efforts to achieve its sustainable development goals.

On the role of digital auditing in strengthening governance, the SAV highlighted that, in recent years, the application of information technology (IT) in audit activities has been a strategic priority, yielding important results. SAV has invested in IT infrastructure and software solutions to establish a solid foundation for digital audit applications.

Previously, compiling audit recommendation follow-up data and engaging with audited entities posed significant challenges. Now, the introduction of an integrated IT system linking audited entities with the SAV has streamlined the process, saving time, effort, and costs. Audited units can update their implementation status directly into the system, enabling timely monitoring and reducing the need for in-person meetings. Additionally, the SAV is gradually implementing AI in its audit processes, including piloting remote audits.

On the sidelines of the conference, Deputy Auditor General Ha Thi My Dzung held bilateral meetings with the Heads of SAIs from Malaysia, Maldives, and Singapore. She commended Malaysia’s initiative in hosting the 2025 ASEAN Auditors Conference, marking the first ASEANSAI conference organised by the National Audit Department of Malaysia as part of the 46th ASEAN Summit activities. Leaders from the SAIs expressed their desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the near future.

Deputy Auditor General Ha Thi My Dzung also met with the heads of delegations from Laos, Maldives, Singapore, and Thailand. SAI leaders from these countries commended Viet Nam’s active role in multilateral forums such as ASEANSAI, the Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI), and the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), and expressed a strong interest in enhancing collaboration with the SAV through mutual exchanges and technical cooperation to bolster public sector auditing capabilities.

During a separate meeting with the Head of Delegation from SAI Maldives, their representative extended an invitation to the SAV to participate in a professional seminar hosted by SAI Maldives in 2026.

The conference concluded with a formal closing ceremony attended by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who delivered a keynote address underscoring the vital role of public sector auditing in safeguarding public assets and promoting transparent, efficient governance in pursuit of sustainable regional development.

At the closing, Auditor General of Malaysia Dato’ Seri Wan Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi extended her sincere appreciation to ASEANSAI, international organisations, and private sector representatives for their contributions to the conference’s success.