CPA Undergraduate Business Conference 2025 at Curtin Malaysia spotlights ESG, digital risk and pathways to the Big 4

Miri, Sarawak – 3 September 2025 – Future business leaders at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) got an insider’s view into the evolving world of accounting and corporate governance at the CPA Undergraduate Business Conference 2025, which brought together student leaders, industry experts, and academics to discuss how accountants can drive impact in an era of sustainability and digital disruption.

Held under the theme ‘Accounting for Impact: Pathways to Big 4 and Beyond in ESG, Sustainability, and Digital Risk’, the one-day conference was organised by the CPA Australia Student Charter (CPAASC) – Curtin Malaysia Chapter, in partnership with CPA Australia.

Opening the event, Professor Pauline Ho, Dean of Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Business, and Marieanne Morris, Country Manager for CPA Australia in Malaysia, urged students to build strong professional foundations while embracing sustainability practices and adapting to rapid digital change. Their remarks set the tone for a day of forward-looking dialogue on the skills and mindsets needed to thrive in the profession.

The programme featured keynote addresses by two prominent industry leaders who offered students invaluable real-world perspectives. Mak Wai Kit, Audit and Assurance Partner at Deloitte Malaysia, shared insights on career trajectories and the future of assurance in an ESG-focused economy, while Bryan Chen King Yi, Chief Operating Officer of Shin Yang Corporation, spoke on sustainability-driven corporate governance and the digital transformation of industry.

The discussions, moderated by Yip Ka Yii, the Faculty of Business’ Associate Dean of Industry Engagement, bridged academic theory with industry practice, underscoring the opportunities and challenges ahead for accounting graduates.

Behind the scenes, the conference was spearheaded by Organising Chair Japji Kaur Sangha, working closely with CPAASC President Badrul Hafizy Sazaly and advisor Dr. Lynn Ling Yew Hua. Their leadership ensured a seamless programme that remained highly engaging and student-driven from start to finish.

In his closing remarks, Professor Vincent Lee, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President, and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia, applauded the organisers for creating a platform that prepares students for global opportunities. He stressed that accountants are not just number-crunchers but strategic leaders shaping industries, and urged participants to complement their technical skills with adaptability, innovation, and ethical responsibility in order to excel in a rapidly changing professional landscape.

The success of the CPA Undergraduate Business Conference 2025 reaffirmed Curtin Malaysia and CPA Australia’s shared commitment to nurturing future-ready professionals through academic excellence, strong industry collaboration, and active student engagement.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

Group photo of participants at the CPA Undergraduate Business Conference 2025, held at Curtin Malaysia.

Professor Vincent Lee (right) presenting a token of appreciation to Mak Wai Kit.

Marieanne Morris (right) presenting a token of appreciation to Bryan Chen.

Professor Pauline Ho delivering her welcoming remarks.

Badrul (6th right) and Japji (4th left) with the CPAASC Organising Committee for the CPA Undergraduate Business Conference 2025.