CPA Inspirational Workshop 2016

First row from second left to second right: Tai Seng, Ching, Chin Aik, Priya and Leong posing with participants at the end of the workshop

Drawing inspirations from experts in the finance, accounting, and business field, participants were enlightened at the Certified Practising Accountants (CPA) Inspirational Workshop 2016 organised by the Accounting Society of Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF). The workshop, in collaboration with CPA Australia, was held on 16 April 2016 at UTAR Kampar Campus.

Present at the workshop were President of CPA Australia for the Malaysia Division Wong Chin Aik, Country head of CPA Australia in Malaysia Priya Terumalay, Relationship Manager of CPA Australia Leong Pui Kuan, CPA Inspirational Workshop 2016 Chairperson Lee Yong Jun, UTAR FBF’s Department of Commerce and Accountancy Head Ching Suet Ling, and co-advisor of UTAR Accounting Society Wong Tai Seng, along with 120 participants.

As UTAR exerts great effort to expand the expertise, services, and resources offered, the cooperative educational programmes with CPA Australia as such is also seen as an approach offering an enriching learning experience for UTAR students by cultivating a stronger sense of professionalism and social responsibility among students.

Kicking off the workshop, Lee and Ching were invited to give their opening speeches, which was followed by the opening ceremony by Chin Aik, Tai Seng, and Ching. With three sessions carried out at the workshop, the first began with an inspirational talk.  

In line with the workshop’s objective in encouraging participants to be CPA members, Leong spoke about the interesting CPA programs that shone light on the benefits of being a CPA member. Directing participants to pursue a career with in-depth and quality accountancy knowledge, the workshop also provided participants with enhanced understanding on being an accountant and the CPA career pathway set before them.

Participants learnt from Chin Aik and Priya as they spoke about their life experiences such as real-life working conditions, the essential skills to acquire, obstacles faced, and the ways to overcome challenges. With these life lessons gained at the talk, participants are better prepared for their careers.

“At this workshop, participants will learn practical subjects related to the work life that participants will not get from the textbook. These real life experiences shared by speakers will be a motivation for participants to set higher goals in attaining a bright future with CPA,” said Ching.

After an interactive Q&A session, the two-hour talk ended with a souvenir presentation to the guest speakers by Ching as a token of appreciation.

“I strongly encourage students to actively participate in this workshop that will further develop their soft skills and helps in their employability when they graduate,” mentioned Lee.

Proceeding to the second session, a quiz was conducted where participants were separated into groups and were tested on auditing, financial accounting, management accounting, and taxation topics; followed by lunch. At the final session, station games were set up with the groups competing with each other. The workshop then ended with three cheers of “Time to Inspire!” by all participants and committees.