Curtin Malaysia launches CPA Tuition Programme to empower future financial leaders

Miri – 14 February 2024 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently launched a cutting-edge CPA Tuition Programme, a comprehensive programme designed to empower aspiring accounting and finance professionals on their journey to becoming Certified Practicing Accountants (CPAs).

In response to the growing demand for high-quality Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) preparation courses, Curtin Malaysia is partnering with CPA Australia to run a tuition programme that combines academic rigour with practical applications, ensuring that students are well-prepared to excel in their CPA exams and thrive in their careers. While CPA courses are designed to be self-study, the tuition classes are ideal for those who require additional support to supplement their study and understanding of the module content.

The CPA programme is a professional credential offered to individuals who meet specific educational and experience requirements and successfully pass the CPA Exam. To complete the CPA Programme, candidates need to complete six subjects: four compulsory and two elective subjects. A subject is delivered over a single semester with an examination at the end.

The first module session on ‘Ethics and Governance’ will start in July 2024, while the exam will take place in October 2024. Composed of a variety of formats such as workshops, seminars, lectures and tutorials, 10 tuition sessions will be conducted, with three hours per session. Subsequent modules will cover ‘Financial Reporting’, ‘Strategic Management Accounting’, and ‘Global Strategy and Leadership’.

The tuition classes will provide not only tutor support but also supportive learning material for students plus tutors’ resources, and continuous assessment to gauge the progress prior to the final exam. The final exam is conducted during the two-week exam window.

“CPA Tuition Programme is not just a programme; it’s a commitment to nurturing the next generation of finance leaders. Being the only CPA tuition provider on the island of Borneo, and by combining academic excellence with real-world application, we are setting a new standard for CPA preparation,” said Professor Pauline Ho,  Dean of the Faculty of Business at Curtin Malaysia.

The collaboration between Curtin Malaysia and CPA Australia is a result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last year that was aimed at promoting industry-academia collaboration and bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, fostering innovation, and providing invaluable opportunities for students and industry professionals alike.

“This collaboration marks a significant turning point in how academia and industry can work hand-in-hand to drive innovation and provide unparalleled opportunities for our students. We are excited to see the positive impact this partnership will have on the educational and professional journeys of our student community and those in the wider community,” said Yip Ka Yii, the CPA Tuition Programme Coordinator and the Faculty of Business’ Associate Dean of External Engagement.

CPA Australia is one of the world’s largest accounting bodies with more than 160,000 members working in over 100 countries and regions, including over 28,000 members in senior leadership roles. There are more than 25,000 CPA Australia members working in senior leadership positions. However, the CPA Programme goes beyond the numbers; it teaches aspiring accountants and finance professionals the skills that will help them reach the next level in leadership, strategy and business.

“Being a CPA gives you a competitive advantage over your peers. CPAs are internationally recognised and membership is associated with a strong legacy, international presence and thought leadership,” Yip added.

She also highlighted that, as part of its ongoing partnership with CPA Australia, students taking the Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance double-major at Curtin Malaysia are eligible to become Associate Members of CPA Australia (ASA) immediately upon completion of their three-year courses. This sets them on the course to becoming full-fledged CPAs upon further completion of the professional CPA Programme and obtaining of three years’ relevant work experience.

To find out more about the CPA Tuition Programme at Curtin Malaysia, contact Ka Yii by email at kayiiyip@curtin.edu.my.

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

Signing of MoU between CPA Australia and Curtin Malaysia the catalyst for the CPA Tuition Programme

Dean of Faculty of Business Prof Pauline Ho

CPA Tuition Programme Coordinator Yip Ka Yii