Curtin Malaysia’s CPA conference equips future business leaders with industry insights

Miri, Sarawak – 4 September 2026 – More than 160 students and participants from across the region gained valuable insights into the accounting profession, career development and leadership at the CPA Undergraduate Business Conference 2026, recently hosted by Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia).

Held under the theme “Future-Ready Professionals: From Students to Future Leaders,” the one-day conference went beyond classroom learning to connect participants with industry professionals, explore career pathways and highlight the skills and competencies needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving business environment.

The conference was organised under the guidance of Dr Lynn Ling Yew Hua, Advisor to the CPA Australia Student Charter (CPAASC) at Curtin Malaysia, together with co-leads Yip Ka Yii, Dr Ting Qian Hui and Wendy Law. Student leaders also played a key role in bringing the event to life, with CPAASC President Badrul Hafizy Sazaly serving as Organising Chair and Vice President Justin Su as Vice Organising Chair.

The conference further strengthened Curtin Malaysia’s ongoing collaboration with CPA Australia. Dr Ling, Yip and Professor Pauline Ho, Dean of the Faculty of Business, serve as CPA Ambassadors for East Malaysia, helping to foster stronger links between academia, students and the accounting profession across the region.

Delivering the keynote address was Vincent Mok Yau Yee, FCPA (Aust.), Group Chief Risk Officer at GXS Bank and Councillor of the CPA Australia Malaysia Divisional Council. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in banking and risk management, he shared practical insights on navigating the transition from university to professional life and developing the adaptability required in today’s dynamic business landscape.

Participants also gained first-hand exposure to industry opportunities through Deloitte, which introduced the Deloitte Audit Business Challenge 2026, encouraging students to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world auditing scenarios.

CPA Australia Country Manager Marieanne Morris also addressed participants, while Business Development Manager Serena Wu outlined professional qualification pathways and career development opportunities. The session culminated in the ACE Scholarship Award Ceremony, recognising outstanding student achievements.

Complementing the industry-focused sessions, PERKESO conducted a Career Preparation Workshop covering practical skills such as résumé writing, cover letter preparation and interview techniques, helping participants strengthen their readiness for the workplace.

The participation of delegates from Kolej Vokasional Miri further broadened the conference’s reach, highlighting the importance of stronger connections between higher education and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in developing regional talent.

Dr Ling attributed the conference’s success to the strong collaboration among the academic team, student leaders, CPA Australia and industry partners.

“By bringing students together with industry professionals, the conference gives them a clearer understanding of the opportunities ahead and the capabilities they need to succeed,” she said.

The conference reaffirmed Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to producing future-ready graduates through a combination of academic learning, industry engagement, professional development and student leadership.

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

Justin Su; Dr Dhanuskhodi; Prof Pauline Ho; Vincent Mok; Marieanne Morris; Badrul Hafizy; Serena Wu; Dr Lynn Ling; and Lim Jing Long with conference participants.

Professor Pauline Ho delivering her welcoming address.

Marieanne Morris (2nd right) presenting a token of appreciation to Vincent Mok, as Prof Pauline Ho looks on.

Prof Pauline Ho (right) presenting a token of appreciation to Marieanne Morris.

Serena Wu (left) receiving a token of appreciation from Prof Pauline Ho.