THP FBF students turn tax concepts into creative reels

Promoting tax awareness through creativity and innovation, the Reel Taxes x Real Impact Contest successfully engaged UTAR students in understanding taxation concepts beyond the classroom. Organised by the Department of Commerce and Accountancy of Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance (THP FBF), in collaboration with PVDS Consulting Sdn Bhd, the contest took place on 19 September 2025 at UTAR Kampar Campus.

The contest aimed to cultivate tax literacy among the younger generation while supporting the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia’s A.E.S. approach — Awareness, Education, and Services — in nurturing a more informed and responsible taxpayer community. It also provided students with an avenue to strengthen their communication, critical thinking, and presentation skills while gaining exposure to potential career pathways in taxation and accounting.

A panel of distinguished judges comprising PVDS Consulting Managing Director Mr Yong Chee Keong, UTAR academics Assoc Prof Dr Leong Lai Ying, Ms Yvonne Hoh Jgin Jit, Ts Saravanan Subbiah, and Dr Yip Yen San evaluated the participants’ entries. Ten finalist teams presented their creative tax-themed reels, each followed by a brief introduction and an interactive Q&A session. The presentations impressed the judges and audience alike with their innovative ideas, humour, and practical insights on taxation.

The event continued with a welcome speech by THP FBF Dean Assoc Prof Dr Au Yong Hui Nee, who encouraged students to embrace creativity, apply industry knowledge to their studies, and remain adaptable in an ever-changing professional landscape.

Adding depth to the event, a roundtable discussion titled Readiness at Work: Climate Tips from Industry Professionals was delivered by Mr Yong. Drawing from his extensive experience as a Chartered Tax Practitioner and Approved Tax Agent, he shared valuable insights on workplace preparedness, the evolving role of accountants, and strategies to thrive in today’s dynamic business environment. His sharing resonated strongly with students eager to enter the professional world.

The contest concluded with an award presentation ceremony celebrating the students’ creativity and enthusiasm. The Champion team, 404 Tax Not Found, received RM1,000, while Predestined Big 5 and Summer won RM500 and RM200 respectively. Seven other teams received consolation prizes of RM50 each, all sponsored by PVDS Consulting.

In her closing remarks, Dr Chan Pui Yee congratulated the winners and expressed appreciation to the organising committee, judges, sponsor, and participants for their collective effort in making the contest a success. She also highlighted the significance of industry-academia collaboration in producing well-rounded graduates capable of contributing to the nation’s development.

The Reel Taxes x Real Impact Contest concluded with a sign-out session and group photographs, leaving participants inspired to view taxation as more than just figures — but rather as a crucial part of civic responsibility and sustainable national growth.