‘Accounts in Action Week’ helps Curtin foundation students develop entrepreneurial skills

Miri – 6 May 2023 – 75 students in the Foundation in Commerce programme at Curtin University Malaysia’s School of Pre-U and Continuing Education (SPACE) recently put their entrepreneurial knowledge and skills to practice in a ‘Accounts in Action Week’ activity jointly organised on campus by SPACE and Petronas Dagangan Berhad.

The students opened booths where they sold a variety of handmade products and food and beverages to the campus community for two days from April 26 to 27. Given the uniqueness of the products and the students’ enthusiasm in marketing them, the campus community gave its wholehearted support throughout the two days.

The event was part of the students’ learning assessment for an introductory accounting unit (Accounting 062) they are taking in their foundation programme. According to unit lecturer Siti Kasmah Mohd. Kassim, the assessment was designed to provide them with a real-life experience where they can undertake the responsibilities of running a business and practise recording business transactions through a fun and interactive activity.

“The activity is also aimed at fostering teamwork among the students, and helping them hone their entrepreneurial skills, which will prove beneficial in their undergraduate years and in their future careers,” said Siti Kasmah.

Prior to the activity, the different groups of students were presented cash by main sponsor Muhammad Yazid bin Abdul Sallam of Senadin Petronas Station as capital for their businesses.

During the activity, the students made the rounds of all the booths and practised recording transactions and taking stock of inventory, while interacting with their customers.

One of the students remarked that the activity enabled him to assume an active role in managing a business’ operations and finances, acquire an entrepreneurial mindset, and prepare himself for the future workplace.

SPACE was established in 2021 with the aim of creating educational and training opportunities for youth so that they can unlock their potential. The School offers diploma and foundation programmes that are pathways to degree programmes at Curtin Malaysia and other Curtin campuses, as well as professional education, including corporate training, short courses, and micro-credentials, for young learners and working adults to take their careers to the next level.

To find out more about SPACE, visit its website at cmspace.curtin.edu.my, or send them an email at cm.space@curtin.edu.my.

Information on Curtin Malaysia can be found on its website at www.curtin.edu.my, or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok.

Main sponsor Muhammad Yazid of Senadin Petronas Station and Michelle Phua, Head of SPACE’s Department of Arts and Commerce with Accounting 062 students.

Muhammad Yazid bin Abdul Sallam handing out cash as capital for each group of students

Eager customers patronising one of the booths

Siti Kasmah (centre) with one of the groups selling Korean food