Curtin Malaysia and MICPA sign MOU to strengthen collaboration

Miri – 6 July 2021 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA) last week to strengthen collaboration in promoting the development of the accountancy profession and knowledge-sharing through the joint organisation of activities such as educational programmes, conferences, short courses, and other areas of collaboration for the benefit of students and academia.

Professor Simon Leunig, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia, and Dr. Veerinderjeet Singh, President of MICPA, signed on behalf of their organisations.

Also representing MICPA at the virtual signing ceremony were Vice President Dato’ Gan Ah Tee and Chief Executive Officer Novie Tajuddin, whilst Dean of Faculty of Business Professor Andreas Zins, Head of Department of Accounting Josephine Ling, Department of Accounting Programme Coordinator Dr. Jong Ling, Industry Engagement and Relations Committee Chair Yip Ka Yii and Industry Advisory Board Member Chan Kwok Mow represented Curtin Malaysia.

In his speech, Professor Leunig said the signing was significant as both organisations have had a close relationship for a long time and are now seeking a more meaningful partnership, particularly for students of Curtin Malaysia.

He added that it was apparent that MICPA’s role as a professional body in the advancement of the practice of accountancy in Malaysia, especially in relation to the maintenance and strengthening of professional and educational standards, were very much aligned with Curtin’s commitment to ensuring its accounting programme is of the highest standard.

Professor Leunig said this commitment is borne out by Curtin’s global rankings for accounting and finance, including Top 200 in the world for accounting and finance in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021. Curtin also entered the world’s top 200 in the QS World University Rankings 2022 and became one of only three Australian universities to achieve a QS Five Stars Plus rating.

Meanwhile, Dr. Veerinderjeet commented that MICPA was very pleased to continue its collaboration with Curtin Malaysia that has spanned over a decade as it is one of the leading private educational institutions in Malaysia offering an accounting programme that produces quality accountants who will contribute to the accountancy profession in Malaysia.

Dr. Veerinderjeet said that it is important for MICPA, as the national professional body, to work hand-in-hand with academia to ensure that competent accountancy professionals continue to be developed to contribute to the needs of the nation.

Since MICPA completed its accreditation exercise with Curtin Malaysia, it has given Curtin Malaysia’s accounting graduates who have completed the necessary prerequisite subjects full exemptions from its Professional Stage Examination, which means the graduates need only complete the Advanced Stage Examination which is currently offered jointly with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ).

“As Curtin is an Australian university and the MICPA Programme is based on the CA Program offered by CA ANZ in Australia and New Zealand, it is ideal for your accounting graduates who are already used to the Australian education system. Furthermore, this qualification opens many doors for their future careers, whether in Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand or anywhere around the world,” said Dr. Veerinderjeet.

Dr. Veerinderjeet commented that many employers prefer the MICPA Programme for the upskilling of their staff as it equips them with a balanced mix of technical and soft skills, such as communication, teamwork and collaborative skills. A key element of the Programme is the mentored practical experience which is highly valued by both employers and candidates.

Another benefit of becoming a MICPA member is the eligibility to become a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants, which is crucial for those intending to practice as accountants in Malaysia.

Dr. Veerinderjeet also highlighted that Curtin graduates have the option to obtain MICPA’s Associate CPA membership which is open to accounting graduates of accredited universities who have obtained at least three years of relevant experience. Once they have the prerequisite work experience, they can apply and attain Associate CPA membership by attending a professional ethics workshop.

On student engagement, Dr. Veerinderjeet commended the business students of Curtin Malaysia for consistently participating in the student activities organised by MICPA, such as the annual Investment Challenge and last year’s Accountancy Week which was held virtually for the first time. He said MICPA will continue to support students and academics at Curtin Malaysia by inviting them to join webinars it organises from time to time, in addition to virtual guest lectures by industry speakers from amongst its membership.

Curtin Malaysia offers Curtin’s three-year Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting as a single major as well as a double major combined with entrepreneurship or finance. The course helps students develop expertise in areas such as auditing, taxation, insolvency, compliance, and accounting systems and technology. When taken as a double major, students gain a wealth of information about two fields of interest, as well as a richer, rounder education and student experience, which will ultimately expand their career prospects.

Prof Simon Leunig, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President & Chief Executive, Curtin Malaysia

Dr Veerinderjeet Singh, President, MICPA

Prof Andreas Zins, Dean, Faculty of Business, Curtin Malaysia

Group photo of Curtin and MICPA representatives during the signing ceremony