The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) Malaysia has once again set the stage for celebrating the outstanding achievements of Malaysia’s brightest accounting talents. The Celebrating Excellence 2024 event brought together members, Authorised Training Providers (ATEs), and Partners-in-Learning (PiLs) to honour students who excelled in ICAEW exams and completed externally moderated degrees at prominent Malaysian universities, including Universiti Malaya, Universiti Sains Malaysia, and Multimedia University.
Recognizing Malaysia’s Brightest Accounting Minds
The annual ICAEW Malaysia Celebrating Excellence event is a prestigious platform that recognizes top ICAEW students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and perseverance in their examinations. By acknowledging these high achievers, ICAEW not only encourages them to continue striving for excellence but also reinforces the importance of developing future chartered accountants who will play pivotal roles in building strong and sustainable economies.
This year’s celebration saw the presence of prominent ICAEW senior members and distinguished business leaders who reiterated their unwavering commitment to nurturing excellence within the accounting profession. The patrons of a dedicated trust, established to develop leaders equipped with the esteemed ICAEW ACA qualification, contributed to the awards presented at this event, emphasizing their belief in the potential of the younger generation.
Honoring Excellence in ICAEW Examinations
In 2024, six prestigious ICAEW Malaysia Prizes were awarded to students who excelled in the Advanced Level exams. These students, currently employed at ICAEW’s authorized training employers such as PwC, KPMG, and Deloitte, were recognized with certificates, prizes, and 24k gold-plated medals. The awards were presented under the patronage of respected Fellow Chartered Accountants, including Tan Sri Dato’ Hanafiah Hussain, Datuk Ali Abdul Kadir, and the late Tan Sri Azlan Zainol.
Additionally, 26 ICAEW Professional Level Prizes, along with 24k gold-plated medals, were awarded to students by esteemed members of the ICAEW Members’ Society Malaysian Chapter, including Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Abdul Wahid Omar, Dato’ Narendra Jasani, Dato’ Mohd. Faiz Azmi, Dato’ Gan Ah Tee, Mr. Bingley Sim, and Mr. Foo San Kan.
Shenola Gonzales, Head of ICAEW Malaysia, emphasized the significance of the trust established by senior ICAEW members: “I believe this trust embodies sustainability—not in the traditional ESG sense, but in sustaining this noble profession. It represents our Malaysian Chapter giving back to future members. This is the essence of ICAEW and what sets us apart because the ICAEW training not only shapes you into an exemplary finance and business professional but also instils values that surface when needed.”
A Commitment to Professional Development and Growth
ICAEW Malaysia’s commitment to excellence extends beyond student recognition. The institution plays a crucial role in supporting the government’s initiative to increase the number of professional accountants in Malaysia to 60,000 by 2030. By fostering excellence and offering robust support to students, ICAEW contributes to the development of highly skilled professionals poised to lead the finance and business sectors towards sustainable growth.
Gonzales further highlighted the value of ICAEW membership: “ICAEW membership is a mark of excellence, representing a commitment to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards. Our members benefit from a global network of professionals, continuous professional development opportunities, and the chance to work across regions, gaining invaluable international experience.”
Inspiring the Future
The ICAEW Malaysia Celebrating Excellence 2024 event not only celebrated student achievements but also highlighted the importance of lifelong learning and professional development in the accounting field. Through the continued support of senior members, patrons, and ICAEW’s extensive global network, the institution is well-positioned to inspire the next generation of leaders who will drive innovation, growth, and sustainability in the industry.