Best In-House Global Tax Adviser – Singapore

NOL is the largest container shipping company listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX). With more than 7,000 employees and offices located in over 40 countries, the Group delivers quality services through its core business, APL.

I am a seasoned tax professional with over 24 years of international tax experience and currently I’m leading the global tax department of a SGX listed company – Neptune Orient Lines. I have held a balanced blend of industry and professional firm leadership positions in Asia and the US. I manage a full spectrum of tax matters for global companies. My tax specialty coverage currently spans from the shipping /transportation industry to high tech companies like IBM (2003 to 2013) and Rabobank financial industry (2000 to 2003).In particular, I was instrumental in developing and leading a world class tax team of over 90 tax professionals in Asia Pacific for IBM. Whether it’s corporate income tax, indirect tax or transfer pricing I am able to offer a full service to my clients.

In terms of our approach to people we are direct and straight to the point. We strongly believe this is the best way to approach our clients.

To remain on the cutting edge of new developments in the industry I do anything to stay relevant to the global tax landscape, that is keeping a close eye on the respective Budget announcements of the medium to high risk tax jurisdictions, development in BEPS, tax court cases in high risk jurisdictions like the US, India and the like and normal day-to-day read of tax newswires. You might be interested to know I have also been invited to speak in various tax seminars hosted by the Big 4 firms and other tax interest groups /organisers.

At present the shipping/transportation industry is facing tremendous headwinds with soft market demand and over capacity driving the freight rates to an all-time low. The backdrop of the shipping industry is extremely fragmented and hence to stay competitive, the market is moving towards consolidation. The recent announcement of CMA CGM merging with Neptune Orient Lines is one of the prime examples.

Looking ahead to the future I am keen to use this award as the platform for greater success in 2016 and beyond.

Company:
NEPTUNE ORIENT LINES
Name: Allison Cheung,
Global Head of Tax
Email: allison_cheung@nol.com.sg
Web: www.nol.com.sg
Address: 9 North Buona Vista
Drive | #14-01 The Metropolis
Tower 1 | Singapore 138588
Telephone: 65 6371 5267
Direct: | Mobile: 65 8181 0648

Gagan Malik, International Director, EYLLP Singapore in his personal capacity states his thoughts on Allison Cheung in her capacity as an independent Global Tax Adviser, “I have known Allison for past 8 years starting from IBM to NOL; and firmly believe that she is a very competent Tax Director in the region. Her focus in leading her tax team in APAC and now around the world, clearly demonstrates her professionalism, leadership qualities and vision in building a multi-country technically strong in house tax department. She is a role model not only for her team in a manner she empowers them and enables them to grow professionally but also for any aspiring tax director.

“In her role, I have personally seen her proactively identifying tax challenges, evaluating multiple solutions and taking a balanced view almost every time considering risks & rewards for the business. She is a finisher and hence ensures every project is taken to its logical conclusion. She has an amazing ability of staying calm in extremely challenging situations which has won her tremendous respect with C-Suite in her organization.

“Her ability to understand the business and work closely with them ensures strong partnership between the two functions leading to win-win solutions for the company as a whole. Despite being known as an intelligent & toughest tax director; I cannot overemphasize the fact that she is an extremely fair person whether it comes to dealing with her team or external consultants”.