THE National Accountants Convention 4.0 (KAN 4.0) opened in Kuala Lumpur today under the theme “Empowering Accountants: AI Technology, Professional Responsibility and ESG”, with Deputy Prime Minister II and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, emphasising the evolving role of accountants in a rapidly transforming economy.
Addressing the delegates at Dewan Tun Hussein Onn, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, Fadillah stressed that integrity and professionalism remain the cornerstone of the accounting profession.
Quoting the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), he said: “Indeed Allah loves His servant who, when performing a task, perfects it.”
He explained that this principle is central to every professional undertaking, requiring diligence, discipline and sincerity.
Highlighting the profession’s wider societal role, he invoked the wisdom of Ibn Khaldun: “The strength of a civilisation depends on the strength of its morals and integrity,” underscoring accountants’ responsibility in fostering public trust, transparency and economic stability.
Fadillah described accountants as more than record-keepers.
“In the new era, accountants are strategic partners — analysts, advisors, and decision enablers who determine the survival and competitiveness of organisations,” he said, noting the profession’s increasing reliance on AI, blockchain, and big data.
Yet, he cautioned that technology alone cannot replace human judgment, integrity, and professional wisdom: “No matter how advanced AI is, it cannot substitute for human insight — honesty, discretion, moral values, and the prudence of professional accountants.”
The Deputy Prime Minister further linked accountants’ responsibilities to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, aligned with Malaysia MADANI’s vision for sustainable and balanced development.
“Accountants act as custodians of value, ensuring ESG outcomes are recorded, evaluated, and reported transparently,” he said, referencing the words of Salman al-Farisi RA: “Goodness does no harm, and evil does not endure.”
He also highlighted initiatives under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and Water Transformation Plan (WTP) as examples where accounting oversight ensures accountability and sustainability, stressing that the profession’s future hinges not on certifications or technology alone, but on commitment, integrity, and adding value to the nation.
Closing the convention, Fadillah invoked Imam Nawawi’s reminder: “Indeed deeds are judged by intention, and every individual attains what they intend.”
He officially launched KAN 4.0, reinforcing the conference’s commitment to empowering accountants to navigate the challenges of AI, ESG, and professional accountability in Malaysia’s evolving economy. - November 20, 2025
