Kuala Lumpur, 10 May 2024 – Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) have signed a landmark collaboration, which will see UTP incorporating ICAEW's prestigious Certificate in Finance, Accounting, and Business (CFAB) syllabus in its newly offered Accounting and Finance Minoring package.
UTP becomes the first university in Malaysia to offer ICAEW qualifications (CFAB and Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) to non-accounting students, including those in the Bachelor of Business Management (BBM) programmes and other disciplines.
In recognition of the growing demand for industry-ready accounting and finance professionals, UTP's Management and Humanities Department designed the minoring programme specifically to enhance graduate employability. The programme caters to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Business Management (BBM) programme as well as selected non-BBM programmes.
The agreement was signed by UTP Vice Chancellor Professor Dato’ Ir Ts Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib and ICAEW Head of Malaysia Shenola Gonzales. The signing ceremony was witnessed by UTP Pro Chancellor and PETRONAS President and Group CEO Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik and ICAEW Council Member Dato' Mohammad Faiz Azmi.
"Our partnership with ICAEW will open doors to a diverse range of career paths for our students. They will have the opportunity to pursue professional accreditation from ICAEW, a globally esteemed institution renowned for its excellence in accounting and finance. This prestigious accreditation will enhance UTP graduates' employability and unlock a vast array of opportunities in the global marketplace," Mohamed Ibrahim said.
Adding on to that sentiment, Shenola Gonzales said, “In today's competitive landscape, preparing graduates for success is paramount. The partnership between UTP and ICAEW offers a compelling solution to this challenge. By facilitating UTP students’ journey towards the Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) qualification, we improve their employability and provide a clear pathway to becoming chartered accountants. With the support of our Authorised Training Employers (ATEs), students can embark on their professional journey confidently, backed by a world-class institution and a globally recognised qualification.”
Through this collaboration, UTP and ICAEW will work together to align the Accounting and Finance Minoring package with ICAEW's CFAB syllabus. By leveraging ICAEW's expertise and resources, UTP aims to elevate the educational experience for its students and equip them with globally recognised qualifications that hold significant value in the industry.
A distinctive feature of this collaboration is its inclusivity. UTP extends the benefits of CFAB certification to students from diverse disciplines, including information technology, computer science, information systems, and even engineering programmes. This inclusive approach reflects UTP's commitment to providing a well-rounded education that equips students to thrive in a wide range of career paths and industries.
The agreement also provides UTP faculty members with unparalleled professional development opportunities through ICAEW. This will further enrich the learning experience for students as the faculty stays at the cutting edge of the field.
“The collaboration serves as a catalyst for growth and progress for both UTP and ICAEW. By aligning our curriculum with international standards and best practices, we ensure our graduates are well-equipped to flourish in the global marketplace," said Mohamed Ibrahim.
