Cultural diversity was the central message during DFK Asia Pacific’s Annual Leadership Conference which took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Cultural diversity was the central message during DFK Asia Pacific’s Annual Leadership Conference which took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Held at the PARKROYAL hotel in the heart of the city’s business district, around 30 DFK members took part in the event, which examined a range of traditions, business etiquettes and accepted behaviours.
With 48 member firms in 20 countries, the accounting association’s Asia-Pacific region encompasses all of Asia east of Iran and south of Russia, and includes all of Australasia and the Pacific Islands.
For many delegates, including Lauren O’Neill, manager, DFK Gooding Partners, it was the first opportunity to attend an international conference on behalf of DFK – and it turned out to be an invaluable experience.
Lauren, who is based in Perth, Australia, said: “The leadership conference was a really rewarding experience and gave me the opportunity to learn more about the wide variety of countries that DFK has a presence in throughout the region.
“One of the key aspects of the event was being among people from such a range of cultures and traditions and learning about how they work.
“We are quite forthright and direct in Australia – that’s the way we communicate and do business with one another. So, it was really beneficial to learn about how people conduct themselves in other countries.”
Attendees were taught about a variety of leadership styles and how these different approaches complement senior positions.
They were also asked to examine their own approaches to management and to consider their strengths and shortcomings.
Lauren said: “I manage several junior members of staff. In any leadership role it is important to have a sense of self-awareness. The exercises and activities were useful as they encouraged us to reflect on how we deal with certain situations.
“The conference has also prepared me for interacting with colleagues and clients from across the region.
“Above all, I was really glad to meet so many new people and I’m looking forward to keeping in touch.”