Curtin Malaysia hosts one of the most globally inclusive MFA International Conferences to date

Miri, Sarawak – 10 December 2025 – More than 130 finance scholars, industry leaders, and policymakers from across the world convened at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) for the 27th Malaysian Finance Association International Conference 2025 (MFAIC2025), marking one of the conference’s most globally diverse editions in its long-running history.

Centred on the theme ‘Sustainable Finance and Business: Transition into a Resilient and Net-Zero Economy,’ the two-day event was co-organised by Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Business, the Malaysian Finance Association (MFA), and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad (SDEC).

Hosted at the Harry Perkins Lecture Theatre, the conference brought together delegates from Europe, Oceania, South Asia, the Middle East, and across Southeast Asia, making it a landmark gathering for international collaboration in sustainable finance.

Countries represented included Romania, New Zealand, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Brunei, the Maldives, Mauritius, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Nigeria, alongside participants from West Malaysia, Sarawak, and Sabah.

Miri City Councillor Kelvin Chia Kah Leong officiated the conference on behalf of Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I (Tourism). Also present were Ambrose Wong Ling Kai from SDEC and Joachim Soon from Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), the conference’s main supporter.

MFAIC2025 was chaired by Dr. Lynn Ling Yew Hua, CPA Australia East Malaysia Ambassador, who led the event with support from the Faculty of Business. Distinguished attendees included Professor Pauline Ho, Dean of the Faculty of Business; Professor Hooy Chee Wooi, President of the Malaysian Finance Association; keynote speakers Professor Jonathan A. Batten of RMIT University and Professor Felix Chan of Curtin University Australia; and Professor John Evans, former Pro Vice-Chancellor of Curtin Malaysia. Representatives from CPA Australia, Sarawak Tourism Board, Emerald Publishing, MJ, and Eden Empire Development were also in attendance.

In her opening address, Dr. Ling underscored the urgency of the conference’s theme. “This year’s theme reflects our collective commitment to rethinking how finance, innovation, and responsible business practices can support a more sustainable and inclusive future,” she said. “Our partnership with MFA aligns strongly with the spirit of this conference, fostering dialogue, knowledge sharing, and forward-looking perspectives within the finance and accounting research community.”

Speaking on behalf of Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Professor Vincent Lee, Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor, highlighted the broader global significance. “This conference presents an opportunity to explore how finance and business can lead the transition toward resilience and environmental responsibility. The theme resonates deeply with the world’s urgent sustainability transformation,” he remarked.

In his officiating address, read by Councillor Chia, Datuk Sebastian Ting emphasised the shared societal responsibility in advancing sustainability. “The journey toward a net-zero economy is not just a scientific or economic mission; it is a shared effort that calls for leadership, courage, unity, and responsibility. I hope MFAIC2025 will inspire bold ideas, strengthen partnerships, and drive impactful innovation for the future.”

The conference’s keynote sessions were among its main highlights. Professor Jonathan A. Batten, a globally recognised scholar in financial economics, delivered critical insights into sustainable finance. Professor Felix Chan, an expert in econometrics and applied finance, contributed both as a keynote speaker and as lead trainer for the R&D workshop. Their sessions sparked new research connections, collaborations, and dynamic discussions among participants.

A long-standing partner of Curtin Malaysia, CPA Australia played a pivotal role in the success of MFAIC2025. As one of the world’s largest professional accounting bodies, CPA Australia has consistently supported academic advancement, industry engagement, and talent development across East Malaysia. Their presence at the conference reinforced the profession’s commitment to nurturing future-ready finance and accounting professionals. The strong collaboration between Curtin Malaysia and CPA Australia continues to elevate the visibility and impact of finance-related research and events in the region.

The success of MFAIC2025 was made possible through the dedication of the Faculty of Business’s academic and professional staff, student volunteers, MFA committee members, and industry collaborators. Together, they demonstrated Curtin Malaysia’s strong leadership in advancing high-impact research, sustainable finance dialogue, and global academic engagement.

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

Group photo during the opening ceremony featuring VIPs, keynote speakers, and senior representatives from Curtin Malaysia, MFA, SDEC, and Business Events Sarawak.

Group photo during the opening ceremony featuring VIPs, keynote speakers, and senior representatives from Curtin Malaysia, MFA, SDEC, and Business Events Sarawak

Prof Felix Chan presenting during the Research and Development Workshop.

Prof Hooy presenting the Best Paper Award to Dr. Tanusree Chakravarty Mukherjee, with Prof Ho looking on.