Accounting their way to success
THE Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA) and its partner, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) are very proud of three candidates of the joint MICPA-CAANZ Programme for achieving the top three highest scores in Malaysia for the Term 1, 2019 Financial Accounting and Reporting (FIN119) module. A total of 3,871 students sat for this module worldwide.
Scoring top marks at 97.5% is Neo Moon Wei, who also wins MICPA’s Datuk Oh Chong Peng Gold Medal as the top scorer in Malaysia for this sitting – one mark shy of being the world top scorer.
What makes her achievement exceptional is that Neo is still in her final year of degree at Multimedia University (MMU) Cyberjaya and is sponsored by a Big 4 firm under the MICPA Students Sponsorship Programme (SSP) before she has even graduated. To top it off, this was her very first module in the programme.
When asked about how she prepared herself for the exam, Neo shares, “It actually took a lot of sacrifice – instead of hanging out or watching dramas on weekends, I used the time to study. In addition, I kept on practising the worked examples and activities provided.”
She added, “The programme helps me master the knowledge and easily apply it in my work.”
The second highest top-scorer at 96% is Sunway University graduate Tan Siew Ying who is currently pursuing the programme part-time while working with a Big 4 firm as a Transfer Pricing consultant.
Incidentally, this is her second module and she also managed to get a Pass with Merit for her first module in Taxation. Her key to success was to study consistently, even if it was just a small section each day to avoid last-minute preparations.
Tan said, “With this programme, I have learnt to effectively organise and prioritise my workload, so I can be more efficient and productive.”
The third highest top-scorer for FIN119 scoring 93% is Pang Shu Ting, who is pursuing the MICPA-CAANZ Programme full-time after completing her degree at University of Wollongong in collaboration with INTI International College.
Her secret to success is, “Practice makes perfect. Before the exams, I did lots of pastyear papers, over and over again. My friends and I also formed a study group and learned from each other since everyone has individual talents and unique insights.”
As to why these outstanding candidates chose the MICPA-CAANZ programme, Neo shares, “I believe it will bring more opportunities to build a career in the accounting industry. Having the CA (ANZ) qualification in addition to the CPA (M) qualification will definitely help as I would like to experience working in Australia in future.”
Tan gave her views, “Once I have completed this programme, I will be qualified for dual MICPA and CAANZ membership and entitled access to the Global Accounting Alliance (GAA).
“Moreover, the programme’s course assessment structure consists of assessments throughout the module and a final open book written examination. The continuous assessments have prompted me to study consistently and keep track of my learning.”
Pang says, “Through this programme, I have the opportunity to interact with candidates from different firms and service lines.
“I believe the MICPA-CAANZ qualification helps pave a professional pathway for my future by equipping me with knowledge and experience. This qualification is not just simply about the brand name but the skills gained, which will help me prove I am a versatile professional.”
MICPA and CAANZ celebrate 10 years of collaboration in conducting the joint programme in Malaysia this year.
■ For more details about the MICPA-CAANZ programme, call 03-2698 9622 or email eileen.mktg@micpa.com.my or visit www.micpa.com.my