The accounting and bookkeeping profession stands at a critical technological crossroads, where rapid advancements in artificial intelligence are fundamentally reshaping daily workflows, client expectations, and the very definition of a modern practice. This evolving landscape took center stage this October as cloud accounting platform Xero successfully concluded its highly anticipated Asia Roadshow 2026. Drawing a cumulative attendance of over 1,300 accountants, bookkeepers, and key industry representatives, the roadshow stopped in Kuala Lumpur on October 20 before heading to Singapore for a second major gathering on October 27.
The dual-city event brought together a diverse community of long-time Xero partners, industry veterans, and newcomers alike, all united by a shared goal to understand what it takes to build a resilient, future-ready practice. Against the backdrop of a fast-paced business environment in Southeast Asia, the overarching theme for this year’s roadshow resonated deeply with the audience: Elevate today, own tomorrow. This guiding philosophy emerged from a collective recognition within the industry that the accounting profession is transforming at an unprecedented velocity, and that the practices destined to thrive in the coming years are those taking proactive, confident steps today. Throughout both full-day events, a central question dominated the discussions: as artificial intelligence and automation take over an increasingly large share of routine compliance and reporting tasks, who will step up to orchestrate what comes next?
A morning that started with magic
The tone for the day was set early, combining high-energy professional insights with unexpected entertainment. Following a lively and engaging welcome from comedian and emcee Gajen Nad, Koren Wines, Xero’s Managing Director for APAC, took to the stage to deliver the opening keynote address. Wines addressed a question that has been weighing heavily on the minds of many financial professionals: why does the business and technological landscape seem to be moving at such a dizzying speed?
In her address, Wines suggested that modern technology is rapidly closing the gap between action and outcome. This acceleration happens so efficiently that the complex work happening behind the scenes has become almost invisible to the end user. When the mechanics of a process are hidden from view, she noted, the results can easily begin to feel like magic.
To explore this concept further, the event organizers introduced a surprise guest who understands the illusion of effortless execution better than almost anyone. Internationally renowned illusionist Cosentino captivated the audience with a series of striking stage tricks, demonstrating the sheer power of misdirection and performance. However, Cosentino’s core message was rooted in reality rather than supernatural forces: he reminded the audience that there is no real magic involved in illusion, but rather a combination of rigorous method, precise timing, meticulous preparation, and having the right tools immediately to hand.
The parallel to the modern accounting profession was unmistakable. Wines and subsequent speakers emphasized that technology is merely the apparatus, not the magician. While artificial intelligence can produce comprehensive reports, analyze vast amounts of data, and surface critical business insights at incredible speed, the fundamental pillars of the profession remain firmly human. Understanding a client’s unique personal and business situation, making nuanced judgement calls, navigating complex regulatory environments, and helping business owners plan strategically for the future are deeply human capabilities that technology alone cannot replicate.
This strategic shift is already underway among the region’s leading firms. During the event, Xero previewed its newly released Modern Practice Playbook, offering attendees an exclusive look at how top-performing accounting practices across Asia are successfully leveraging artificial intelligence to eliminate administrative friction and free up valuable time. Crucially, these leading firms are then reinvesting those reclaimed hours into high-value advisory work and strengthening interpersonal client relationships. For attendees looking to implement these strategies, the Modern Practice Playbook for both Malaysia and Singapore was made available for download, providing a roadmap for digital transformation.
Embracing a future shaped by rapid technological shifts can naturally feel daunting for professionals who have spent decades perfecting traditional compliance workflows. Addressing this psychological hurdle was the focus of a compelling session titled Staying curious: Adapting to a future that feels like magic. In this featured discussion, award-winning actor and producer Tan Kheng Hua—widely recognized for her memorable work in television and film, including Phua Chu Kang and Crazy Rich Asians—drew upon an extensive, highly adaptable career defined by continuous reinvention. Sharing lessons from her own professional journey, Tan advised the audience to maintain a relentless sense of curiosity, to begin pursuing new initiatives before they have all the answers mapped out, and to treat the unknown as an exciting space to explore rather than a risk to avoid.
The tools behind a future-ready practice
Just as a master illusionist relies on specialized equipment to execute a performance, modern accounting and bookkeeping professionals require an integrated, sophisticated suite of digital tools to navigate the complexities of today’s business environment. This practical reality was the focal point of the Xero Showcase session, which was designed to introduce attendees to smarter tools and sharper insights intended to streamline everyday workflows, reduce manual data entry, and enhance overall operational efficiency. The showcase provided a clear look at how platform enhancements can reduce friction within practice management.
The educational and showcase sessions were complemented by an extensive exhibition area, where roadshow participants had the valuable opportunity to interact directly with representatives from Xero’s robust network of app and financial services partners. Exhibitors featured at the events included AccountKit, Airwallex, CAS360 by BGL, Dext, fileAI, JustLogin, MuRho, Payboy, SimpleAI, Talenox, and Tofu. Xero extended formal expressions of gratitude to all participating exhibitors, as well as to government agencies IMDA and IRAS for their ongoing institutional support of the digital transformation journey within the regional business community.
Beyond the formal presentations and software demonstrations, the roadshow fostered a collaborative community spirit through a variety of interactive experiences designed to encourage networking between sessions. Attendees participated in the Roadshow Quest, tested their coordination at the Shophouse Putt and Mega Pickle zones, and capped off the day’s proceedings with an engaging, friendly round of Xero Trivia that brought together professionals from across the industry.
As the events in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore drew to a close, participants were encouraged to preserve the memories and insights gained throughout the day. Official photo albums capturing the key moments, keynote presentations, and networking highlights from both the Kuala Lumpur and Singapore legs were made available online for attendees to browse and share. Additionally, registered participants were informed that a comprehensive takeaway guide would soon be delivered directly to their email inboxes to help them action the strategies discussed.
With the successful conclusion of the 2026 edition, Xero expressed its appreciation to all the accountants, bookkeepers, partners, and industry representatives who contributed to the vibrant atmosphere of the Asia Roadshow, setting the stage for continued technological evolution and professional growth across the region’s accounting sector heading into 2027.
