Curtin Malaysia, MFPC partnership opens new pathways to financial planning careers

Miri, Sarawak – 29 October 2026 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) students will gain greater access to professional financial planning qualifications, industry mentorship and practical learning opportunities through a strategic partnership with the Malaysian Financial Planning Council (MFPC).

Formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in conjunction with Financial Literacy Day 2026 on 9 October 2026, the collaboration aims to strengthen students’ financial literacy, professional development and readiness for careers in Malaysia’s financial services industry.

The partnership combines Curtin Malaysia’s academic expertise with MFPC’s industry experience to bridge classroom learning and professional practice, giving students greater opportunities to develop industry-relevant knowledge, skills and connections.

A key benefit is the provision of exemptions for selected modules under the Registered Financial Planner (RFP) programme, offering eligible students a clearer pathway towards professional financial planning qualifications.

The collaboration will also strengthen the Curtin Finance and Investment Club (CFIC) through industry mentorship and financial support. Chang Kwang Cheat, Chairman of the MFPC Sarawak Chapter, will serve as an industry advisor to CFIC, providing students with professional guidance, industry insights and opportunities to deepen their understanding of financial planning.

In addition, MFPC will provide seed funding for CFIC’s financial planning-related programmes and activities. The support is expected to help the Club organise more industry-focused initiatives, giving students greater exposure to financial planning practices and the wider financial services sector.

Representing Curtin Malaysia at the signing ceremony were Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive; Professor Pauline Ho, Dean of the Faculty of Business; Dr. Ivy Hii, Associate Dean (External Engagement); Dr. Tanusree Chakravarty Mukherjee, Advisor to CFIC; members of the Faculty of Business leadership team; and CFIC student committee members.

MFPC was represented by Phang Kar Yew, Deputy President; Chang Kwang Cheat, Chairman of the MFPC Sarawak Chapter; Noorazlin Shanif, Deputy Head of the Membership Department; and Nurul Izzah Khirusalleh, Project Lead for International Relations and Strategic Development.

The partnership reflects Curtin Malaysia’s continued efforts to connect academic learning with industry expectations and professional development. By creating stronger links with financial planning practitioners, the university aims to help students build practical knowledge, expand their professional networks and explore potential career pathways while still at university.

For MFPC, the collaboration provides an opportunity to engage with emerging talent and support the development of future financial planning professionals through education, industry exposure and student-focused initiatives.

The MoU marks another milestone in the relationship between Curtin Malaysia and MFPC, reaffirming both organisations’ shared commitment to advancing professional education, strengthening financial literacy and nurturing the next generation of talent for Malaysia’s financial services industry.

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Professor Vincent Lee (right) exchanges the MoU with MFPC Deputy President Phang Kar Yew.

Phang Kar Yew presents a mock cheque to CFIC, witnessed by university and MFPC representatives.