Mazars kicks off 2023 with record five new partners in Singapore

Global accountancy and consultancy Mazars has kicked off 2023 with five new partners in Singapore, with the record intake boosting the diversity mix of the firm’s leadership echelon.

Joining the partner team per 1 January 2023 are Chin Chee Choon (Audit & Assurance), Chester Liew (Risk Consulting), Elaine Chow (Tax), Rain Chong (Outsourcing), and Justin Lim (Outsourcing).

“The record five new appointments are not only a recognition for the partners’ contribution, but they also mark a significant development for Mazars. This announcement is a strong reflection of our successful growth in the past year, and our aspiration to be a leading audit, tax and advisory firm in Singapore and the region,” said Rick Chan, Managing Partner of Mazars in Singapore.

Chin Chee Choon has been with Mazars since 2021, having previously served at two Big Four firms in Malaysia and Singapore, and a mid-tier accounting firm in Singapore. He also held roles in industry.

He has significant experience in auditing companies of various sizes including those listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange (SGX). He has also acted as Reporting Accountant for companies looking to list on SGX. Beyond his core roles, he also has experience in risk advisory, corporate governance, internal audit and sustainability reporting.

Reflecting on his appointment, Chee Choon said: “I am delighted to join the Mazars global partnership. This new year will see me accelerating the growth of our audit proposition and advisory business in Singapore and the region. Alongside my incredible team, I will continue bringing the best of Mazars’ quality to our clients.”

Chester Liew leads the Risk Consulting and Sustainability practice in Singapore. He has over 15 years of experience gained at international consulting firms and commercial companies.

He has worked with multiple blue-chip listed companies in Southeast Asia and some of the world’s largest multinational corporations in delivering a broad range of client focused solutions, ranging from business process improvements, ESG, pre-IPO internal controls review, enterprise risk management, quality assessment eeview to internal audit.

Liew, who works for clients across industries, said: “Due to the existing global challenges, businesses will continue to face growing challenges and opportunities in areas such as sustainability, governance and ‘right-sizing’. I am thrilled to be a partner at Mazars, and I hope to collaborate and showcase our consulting capabilities to meet our current and new clients’ needs.”

Elaine Chow brings more than 20 years of international tax experience to the Mazars partnership. Prior to serving Mazars, Chow works in banking, oil & gas sectors, and in the tax consultancy space with Big Four firms. She specialises in mergers & acquisitions, private equity and international tax advisory.

She has extensive experience advising on multi-country transactions, structuring share/asset acquisitions, new investments, corporate restructuring, pre and post deal restructuring, efficient profit repatriation techniques, and negotiating tax indemnities and warranties.

Chow on her career milestone: “I am excited to be joining the Mazars partnership. As a partner, I look forward to growing our M&A tax practice and addressing the complex challenges faced by our clients across Asia.”

Rain Chong leads the Accounting & Advisory practice at Mazars. She has over 13 years of audit and accounting experience in Singapore and Malaysia.

Chong has a strong understanding of the Singapore business environment and regulations, and extensive experience in setting up accounting practices and advising accounting technical treatment. She serves clients from various industries, covering manufacturing and distribution, luxury retail, oil and gas, and investment companies.

“It is a great honour to be appointed as a partner,” said Chong. “With a passion for learning and development, I am eager to bolster our outsourcing team and deliver exceptional services to our clients as we go from strength to strength.”

Justin Lim is the Head of Corporate Secretarial practice and leads the Payroll & HR practice at Mazars. With over 12 years of experience, he is a qualified Chartered Secretary and an Associate Member of the Chartered Secretaries Institute of Singapore (CSIS).

He manages a portfolio of companies and assists the boards with compliance and regulatory requirements. He serves a broad range of local and international clients in various industries including aerospace, oil & gas, commodity, finance-related, tech, engineering, owner-managed business, retail, professional services, food & beverage, telecommunications, education, energy, and pharmaceuticals.

Lim stated: “I am elated to be part of the Mazars partnership. This is an exciting time in the industry, and I look forward to helping more clients with their outsourcing needs this year and growing the Outsourcing practice in Singapore.”

In Singapore, Mazars has around 350 professionals. In its latest financial year, the firm booked double-digit growth.