2nd CATA-Asia Regional Collaboration Workshop successfully held on 26 feb 2025 on the Topic Effective Communication

The 2nd Asia Regional Collaboration Workshop, titled Effective Communication: Regional Experience Sharing Session, was conducted virtually on 26th February 2025. Organized jointly by the CATA Secretariat and the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA), the workshop aimed to enhance collective expertise on effective communication in tax administration. The session was focused on fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration across the Asian region, with the primary objective of improving taxpayer engagement and compliance through effective communication strategies.

The workshop gathered stakeholders from various countries, including communication teams involved in tax administration. Participants gained insights into practical communication approaches and challenges faced in regional contexts, with a focus on knowledge transfer and networking to support continuous improvement.

This workshop commenced with a brief Welcome Address delivered by Ms. Fathimath Ameeza, the Deputy Commissioner General of Taxation at MIRA. In her remarks, she emphasized the critical role of communication in building trust and promoting effective taxpayer engagement.

The first session, Session 1 on The Role of Communication in the Introduction of E-Invoicing: The Malaysian Experience, was presented by Dr. Rasyidah Che Rosli, Director of the e-Invoice Division at the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia, and Ms. Nazaitul Bahiyah Mohd Yusof, Senior Executive Officer at the same division. This session offered an in-depth look at Malaysia’s journey in implementing e-invoicing. The presenters shared how communication strategies, campaigns, and engagement plans were critical to the smooth transition to the new system. They also discussed the challenges faced, such as resistance to change, and the solutions that were implemented to ensure successful adoption.

The workshop continued with Session 2, Navigating Change: Educating Taxpayers and Stakeholders on New Laws and Regulations, presented by Mariyam Waheed, Senior Tax Officer for Taxpayer Education at MIRA. This session focused on the Maldives' efforts to inform and educate stakeholders about changes in tax laws and regulations. The presentation covered the comprehensive communication process that MIRA followed, from the initial communication of changes to the ongoing efforts to ensure stakeholders were informed and equipped to adjust to the new laws and regulations.

An open discussion followed, providing participants with the opportunity to share their experiences and best practices in communicating with stakeholders. This session allowed for rich exchanges of ideas, solutions to common challenges, and advice on overcoming obstacles faced by tax administrations in the region.

The workshop concluded with Closing Remarks by Dr. Esther Koisin, Executive Director of CATA. She acknowledged the contributions of all participants and reinforced the importance of continued collaboration and knowledge-sharing to strengthen tax communication strategies across the region.