Singapore’s national accountancy body, the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) was established in 1963. Today, ISCA has around 36,000 members working across 40 countries. Their 2023/24 report has some stunning illustration work, but ultimately, underuses it.
ISCA’s 2023/24 annual report is designed to resemble a science-fantasy role playing game (RPGs). The idea works because of the illustrations. The uncredited illustrator goes to great lengths to create a lush, painted world that uses elements of surrealism, hopepunk, futuristic architecture, and whimsy. The first 16 pages of the report pull the reader in with beautiful landscapes and beguiling sights.
Curiously, the illustrations are not carried through the whole report. They begin on a strong note but after the first 16 pages, they are not used or referenced again in any meaningful way. The rest of the 120-page report is fit for purpose but lacks the spark of its opening pages. From an organisation that won a platinum award for their annual report at the 2022/23 Hermes Awards, this is a shame. Hopefully they will remedy this in their next report.
