Accounting Ignition

A group photo after the opening ceremony

Accounting Ignition (AI) 2018 with the theme “A Spectrum of Opportunities” is the first student convention organised by UTAR Accounting Society (UAS) in collaboration with Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) at Hotel Bangi, Putrajaya on 26 and 27 May 2018.

“This event aimed to provide the accounting students with a platform to connect with one and another, explore and network with peers from other universities and campuses. It also aimed to deliver valuable insights about the current issues in the accounting industry and provide career information,” said AI 2018 Organising Chairperson Peh Kong Chean during the opening ceremony.

The objectives of the event were to develop the leadership of participants in achieving a successful teamwork outcome, to expose participants to professional bodies, accounting and commercial firms and peers from other universities, to act as a great networking platform for participants to exchange their ideas and widen their network and to foster the synergy among the participants in terms of team success.

From left: Peh, Peter Gabriel, Janice Low, Dr Sia, Khairul Amira and Chen

The ceremony was successfully launched by Faculty of Accountancy and Management Dean Dr Sia Bee Chuan, Maybank Talent Attraction and Workplace Futurisation Analyst Janice Low Ming Huey (Platinum Sponsor), ACCA Business Development Manager Peter Gabriel (Gold Sponsor), Grant Thornton Malaysia Talent Acquisition Associate Chen Vin Dee (Gold Sponsor) and KPMG Talent Acquisition Executive Khairul Amira.

Also present were FAM Student Development and Industrial Training Deputy Dean Assoc Prof David Ng Ching Yat, Head of Accountancy Department Shamini Kandasamy, UAS Advisor Shubatra Shanmugaretnam, Institute of Internal Auditors Assistant Manager Siti Arafah Abdul Aziz (Silver Sponsor), Institute of Internal Auditors Nor Faeizatul Jalaluddin (Silver Sponsor), Mazars Malaysia Human Resource Manager Grace Yap (Silver Sponsor), Mazars Malaysia Marketing and Communication Assistant Hakiman (Silver Sponsor), CIMA Business Development Co-ordinator Alex Ooi (Corporate Sponsor), CIMA Contact Centre Advisor Kohilavani Balan (Corporate Sponsor) and also students from UTAR, TAR UC and KDU University College. 

 Peh delivering his speech

In his remark, Peh said that the event catered fun yet challenging activities such as Scavenger Hunt and self-developed business scenario games like BizMania. He also mentioned that informative forums like “My Journey into Accounting”, “The Generation in E-commerce. Is Malaysia ready to embrace 4^th Industrial Revolution?” and Impression Management workshop were organised for the participants.  He thanked all the participants for attending the event. He also specially thanked the sponsors for making the event a success.

Dr Sia during the opening ceremony

Dr Sia mentioned that Accountancy is important to ensure the continuous progress of a business, as it helps generate growth in a company and create job opportunities. It also helps some companies to manage their business, especially the ones which are inexperienced.

She said, “Regardless of what may take place, you (Accounting students) need not be worried. You can be anywhere because you are dealing with business. It is an advantage to be an Accountant because you make a difference, a great impact. Remember in life, success is 10 percent of inspiration and 90 percent of perspiration.”

The opening ceremony ended with Dr Sia presenting a token of appreciation to the sponsors.                         

Dr Sia presenting the token of appreciation to the sponsors   

From left: Peh presenting the token of appreciation to Dr Sia

A group photo after the launch

The event saw another two activities, namely Mission IM-possible and Career Booth Exhibition. Mission IM-possible required the participants to present and debate the topic given and the other was a career booth exhibition from well-known accounting firms and professional bodies who attended to provide the participants with information regarding accounting.                   

Participants during the games session

Participants presenting their ideas during Mission IM-possible session

 Career Booth Exhibition

Photo courtesy of Shane Ong Shee Yen