International 

Hong Kong and China
Bermuda and the Caribbean
Internationalization of the Syllabus

CGA-Canada represents the CGA designation internationally, including sitting on various international boards and committees, marketing the CGA Program of Professional Studies internationally, and expanding the worldwide presence of the CGA designation.

The year began with a change to the Board structure, resulting in improved representation for international members. Under the new structure, the Board includes two non-voting members, one from Bermuda and the Caribbean, and one from Hong Kong and China. As well, the International Forum, which was established by the Board in March 2002, met for the first time in September 2002.

Chaired by Board Past-Chair Dale Gislason, FCGA, the Forum includes representatives from Bermuda, Barbados, Bahamas, China, and Hong Kong. It was established to enable greater participation of the international affiliates in the further development of the designation. [ TOP ]

Hong Kong and China

In September, CGA-Canada signed an affiliation agreement with CGA‑Hong Kong, giving it full responsibility for delivering member services and all aspects of the education program for CGAs and students in Hong Kong and Macau.

This step is an indication of the dedication and effort CGA-Hong Kong members have put into building a strong organization to represent the CGA designation in Hong Kong. The agreement took effect July 1, 2003.

A bronze sponsorship of the prestigious World Congress of Accountants, held in Hong Kong in November, solidified CGA’s strong international presence. CGA‑Canada maintained a high profile at the WCOA with a strong representation of delegates from across Canada and Hong Kong, and a CGA booth at the forum’s trade show.

This past year, as in the previous year, the International Committee and the CGA‑Canada International Department have focused attention on existing international markets and activities. In China, this has meant expanding the successful resale projects to Chinese universities.

In 2002-2003, four universities signed purchase agreements, bringing to 12 the number of Chinese universities using CGA education materials in their undergraduate programs. Efforts also continue to grow the certification of members in China and to organize those members. [ TOP ]

Bermuda and the Caribbean

The CGA designation’s already substantial presence in the Caribbean region was enhanced in March when the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Guyana formally recognized CGA as a qualifying accounting body.

This followed similar recognition last year by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Caribbean (ICAC), and will enable CGAs to become members of the institute and obtain a practicing certificate in Guyana.

CGA-Canada is still in discussions with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica to secure recognition in that country, the only ICAC member that has not yet formally recognized the CGA designation. The other six ICAC members have officially recognized the CGA designation for a number of years. [ TOP ]

Internationalization of the Syllabus

Internationalization of the CGA Syllabus continued this year with the internationalization of five more courses. A total of 12 courses from the CGA Program of Professional Studies have been adapted and modified to conform to International Financial Reporting Standards and International Standards of Auditing. The courses also incorporate international case studies and best practices.

The result is a curriculum that is equivalent to, but not identical to, the Canadian program. It is a curriculum that is ideally suited to meet the education needs of many emerging economies around the world. Marketing of the internationalized curriculum has not yet begun. [ TOP ]