Welcome Remarks by CEO, Mr Dennis Lui at the Board's Blind Spot: Tax Strategy & Risks in a VUCA World

Mr Dennis Lui, CEO of Tax Academy of Singapore delivering his welcome remarks at the inaugural joint seminar Board's Blind Spot: Tax Strategy & Risks in a VUCA World

Some of you may recognise that tune — Dust in the Wind, by Kansas. Written almost 50 years ago, in 1977, at a time when disco was exploding and rock music was becoming bigger and louder.

Yet this song was almost the opposite. Just acoustic guitars, voices and a violin. And here is what I find fascinating. A song about how everything passes away… has itself endured for almost 50 years.

There is something in that for us today. In a VUCA world, so much can change — markets, technology, business models, geopolitics, and yes, tax.

So perhaps the question is not only: What will change?

But also: What must endure?

Our strategies may change. Our ways of working may change.

But purpose, judgment, trust, and human connection must endure.

Because in a world this complex, no organisation has all the answers.

We need relationships, different perspectives, trusted partners.

Today is special - the first joint event between the Tax Academy of Singapore and the Singapore Institute of Directors.

Two communities, different perspectives, learning together.

Perhaps that is how we navigate a VUCA world:

Anchored enough to adapt, and connected enough to navigate change together.

On behalf of the Tax Academy of Singapore, a very warm welcome.

Mr Dennis Lui
Chief Executive Officer, Tax Academy of Singapore
Deputy Commissioner (Indirect Taxes, Law & Investigation Group),
Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore