A New Identity, A Smarter Future: CLA Southeast Asia Launches AI Centre of Excellence to Drive Workforce Transformation

CLA Global TS announced its transformation into CLA Southeast Asia and the launch of the CLA AI Centre of Excellence for Southeast Asia.

Singapore, 29 September 2026 – CLA Global TS today announced its transformation into CLA Southeast Asia and the launch of the CLA Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre of Excellence (COE) for Southeast Asia, signalling a bold commitment to regional growth and workforce transformation in the AI era.

Established in partnership with the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA), AI Robotics & Cybersecurity Singapore (ARCS), and leading Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), including the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), the Centre will serve as a platform for advancing AI capabilities across the accounting, business advisory, and wider professional services sectors. The announcement was made before more than 100 CLA Global partners gathered in Singapore, making the occasion a fitting launchpad for the firm's next phase of growth and innovation.

The event marked a defining moment in the firm's evolution, celebrating its transformation into CLA Southeast Asia while reaffirming its commitment to shaping an AI-enabled workforce for the future. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan, Assistant Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and Member of Parliament for Pioneer Single Member Constituency (SMC).

“Our rebranding to CLA Southeast Asia marks an important milestone in our growth journey and reflects our commitment to helping businesses navigate opportunities across Southeast Asia, China and beyond. While our name is changing, our people remain the same. Clients will continue to be supported by the trusted team that has spent more than 30 years helping businesses achieve growth, transformation and cross-border success.

As we embark on this new chapter, we are also investing in the future of the profession. The launch of the CLA AI Centre of Excellence for Southeast Asia underscores our commitment to building an AI-ready workforce and helping organisations harness AI responsibly and effectively. Through collaboration with industry leaders, professional bodies, educators and technology partners, we aim to accelerate AI adoption, strengthen capabilities across the profession and create lasting value for businesses and communities across the region,” said Mr Henry Tan, Group CEO & Chief Innovation Officer, CLA Southeast Asia.

The brand transition reflects the CLA Southeast Asia’s strategic focus on Southeast Asia and China, with its Singapore headquarters and regional offices progressively adopting the names CLA Singapore, CLA China and CLA Malaysia.

"The brightest futures are never built alone. Henry Tan has brought together a bold coalition of innovators, educators, industry leaders, and public partners to create an AI Center of Excellence that will not simply prepare people for the future, but empower them to shape it,” said Jen Leary, CEO, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP).

The CLA AI Centre of Excellence aims to build an AI-ready workforce and strengthen organisational capabilities across the region. Its key areas of focus include workforce training and professional education; applied AI use cases in accounting, audit, tax, advisory, and finance; student and talent development programmes; research and innovation initiatives; prototype development and testing; responsible AI governance; and industry thought leadership. Through regional collaboration and knowledge sharing, the AI Centre of Excellence seeks to scale successful initiatives and advance the digital transformation of the professional services ecosystem.

Mr Seng Chin Chye, Principal, ITE College Central, said: “ITE is pleased to partner CLA Southeast Asia in advancing AI capabilities and preparing our students for an increasingly AI-enabled workplace. Through this collaboration, our students and staff will gain greater exposure to industry applications of AI, while having opportunities to learn from and engage with industry practitioners. This partnership will complement ITE’s efforts to equip our students with relevant technical skills, AI fluency and the adaptability needed to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.”

Associate Professor Justina Tan, Vice President, Strategic Partnership & Engagement, and Vice Provost, Global Engagement & Strategy, said: "AI is changing how accounting and professional services work, but professional judgement remains essential. At SUSS, we want students to learn by tackling real industry challenges alongside practitioners. Our collaboration with CLA Southeast Asia gives us a platform to explore student projects and applied research shaped by industry needs, while also helping working professionals develop practical AI capabilities for the evolving workplace."