The launch of IVS 2017 was a major milestone in the IVSC’s mission to achieve global consistency and transparency in valuation. Since then, many valuation professional organisations (VPOs) in this region and throughout the world – including in Europe, Americas and the Middle East – have adopted, or are in the process of adopting IVS. As they do, valuation users and providers, market regulators, and the public at large are gaining further confidence in the quality and professionalism underpinning valuation.

Since its inception in the early 1980’s, the IVSC has established an international network of partners, all striving for the same goal: a robust and respected valuation profession, built on high-quality and internationally agreed standards. In recent years, this network has grown to include many more responsible and respected organisations across Asia.

The IVSC-WAVO Global Valuation Conference 2018 in Singapore is a further sign of strengthening partnerships and shared ambitions across the region. As a platform, the conference will empower our profession to promote and celebrate international standards, whilst championing the qualifications, training and education offered to valuers through VPOs such as WAVO.

I look forward to meeting many of you during the conference, and to working with you all as we continue to elevate and advance the valuation profession on the global stage.

This inaugural IVSC-WAVO Global Valuation Conference 2018 is an important collaboration between two key global organisations to develop the valuation profession, and enhance its professionalism throughout the world, and the adoption of a single set of an international valuation standards. It evolves from the landmark signing of the Memorandum of Collaboration between the WAVO and the IVSC in November 2016 as a critical step forward towards the recognition of global standards and competence in the valuation profession.

With Singapore as host country for the inaugural conference, it is a significant global recognition not only for the valuation profession in Singapore but also for the SISV for which the Institute is both a member of the WAVO and IVSC. This inaugural Conference of global congregation of valuers is most timely and this is where new ideas will be mooted that will help shape the future of the valuation industry not only in Singapore but also in the region and the world.

Finally I would like to take this opportunity to warmly welcome all to Singapore and to have an effective fruitful participation for everyone in this inaugural Conference.