On the 26^th of November 2024, The Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA) and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, in partnership with University Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) , unveiled  the MICPA x CA ANZ Lounge for UTAR’s Accounting Club at the Sungai Long Campus. This milestone reflects a shared vision: to inspire and nurture the next generation of accounting professionals in Malaysia.

The new lounge is more than just a physical space; it’s a hub for collaboration, reflection, and conversation. It’s designed to be a safe space where students can gather, share ideas and grow- both as individuals and as future leaders. By surrounding themselves with like-minded peers and mentors, students can explore the transformative potential of a career in accounting.

MICPA x CA ANZ recognises that the accounting profession is at the heart of businesses and society, providing the tools and insights to drive progress and innovation. With this initiative, the two organisations aim to spark interest in the field and demonstrate how a career in accounting can open doors to endless possibilities. The lounge is a tangible step toward making the profession more attractive and accessible to students, fostering a sense of belonging and ambition.

As a leading Professional Accounting body in Australia and New Zealand, CA ANZ aims to produce more Chartered Accountants in Malaysia through the MICPA x CA ANZ Qualifying Programme. The programme is designed to prepare future accountants with coursework-based subjects and open book exams, enabling students to think critically and apply their learnings in the real world. With UTAR being a partner university, students can enrol in the programme while they are in the third year of their degree, giving them a head-start towards becoming a professional accountant with dual qualifications: CPA (M) and CA (ANZ).

During the launch, students had the opportunity to hear from a MICPA x CA ANZ alumnus, Roger Loh CA,  Finance Advisory Director, Forvis Mazars, who shared how earning the qualification was pivotal in shaping his career. He highlighted the versatile nature of accounting, breaking the stereotype of “number-crunching” and instead showcasing its role in interpreting data and solving real-world challenges. His message resonated with attendees: accounting is a profession that aligns with diverse passions and opens doors to almost every industry. Even non-accounting students in attendance gained valuable insights into the profession and the myriad of career opportunities it offers.

Key stakeholders attending the ceremony included Prof Dr Faids Abdul Rahman, Vice President of UTAR; Dr Pok Wei Fong, Dean, Faculty of Accountancy and Management; and CA ANZ’s General Manager for International Development, Ms Geraldine Magarey. They collectively emphasised the importance of collaboration in raising awareness of the accounting profession among younger generations and expressed their commitment to achieving this shared goal.

This lounge is a step in the right direction for creating a supportive ecosystem where young minds can thrive. It’s a space that invites students to dream big, explore their passions, and discover how the accounting profession can align with their aspirations. Together, MICPA, CA ANZ, and UTAR are cultivating a brighter future for the profession and the communities it serves.

To learn more about the MICPA x CA ANZ Qualifying Programme, please visit https://micpacaanz.com/our-programme/