Frankie Chia
Managing Partner
Managing Partner's Message
Dear Readers,
As we begin a new quarter, one theme stands out across boardrooms, operating teams, and policy circles: the need for certainty amid constant change. Organisations that succeed are those that plan proactively and execute with discipline, whether navigating cross-border tax, adapting to sustainability regulations, rethinking professional services for the digital economy, or pursuing growth in rapidly evolving industries.
This quarter’s edition presents four timely perspectives that highlight a clear message: the rules of engagement are shifting toward greater transparency, collaboration, and future-ready capabilities.
We begin with a regional perspective on transfer pricing dispute resolution and the increasing demand for predictability. Insights from Competent Authorities in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia reveal a shift from reactive auditing to proactive dispute prevention. The article explains why Advance Pricing Arrangements (APAs) and Mutual Agreement Procedures (MAPs) are now strategic tools, not just remedial measures. This is especially relevant for businesses managing intercompany transactions across Southeast Asia, where characterisation, FAR alignment, and economic volatility can complicate outcomes.
Next, we provide a practical update for GST-registered businesses impacted by Singapore’s environmental policy rollout. With the Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) effective from 1 April 2026, IRAS guidance confirms that the SGD 0.10 refundable deposit is not subject to GST. This distinction affects pricing displays, invoicing formats, and POS or accounting systems. The article outlines what to separate, how to label clearly, and ways to avoid over-declaring output tax.
We continue to examine how Singapore’s professional landscape is evolving, focusing this time on the legal sector. The second instalment of the “Reinventing Law” series explores the drivers of transformation: regulation, government initiatives, and digital innovation. The article considers the role of the Legal Services Regulatory Authority and the evolution of foreign and local practice models, offering insight into how policy and innovation are redefining competitive advantage in legal services.
Finally, we look ahead to the future of the Technology, Media and Telecommunications (“TMT”) sector in Singapore, where growth is increasingly linked to innovation and sustainability. In this fast-paced sector, the article highlights that tomorrow’s leaders will balance experimentation with resilience and scale with responsibility.
Thank you for reading and for engaging with these important topics. I hope these articles encourage valuable discussions within your teams and support your next steps in the coming months.
Frankie Chia