CCS & Co PLT guest lecture equips THP FBF students with industry insights

The journey from classroom to career can be daunting and sometimes a catch-22. Issues such as unclear aspirations, limited work experience, and the challenge of navigating different career paths often leave fresh graduates unsure of their next steps.

Front row, from left: Dr Chan, Mr Wong, Dr Annie Ng, Mr Chin, Ms Vivian Lim, Prof Liew, and Mr Tang with participants

On 8 September 2025, students from UTAR Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance (THP FBF) had the opportunity to bridge this gap when the Department of Commerce and Accountancy organised a guest lecture at the Kampar Campus. The session focused on employers’ expectations and tips for fresh graduates entering the accounting field.

For the lecture, THP FBF invited guest lecturers from CCS & Co PLT to share practical insights into the professional world of accounting. The speakers were Mr Chin Chee Seng, Ms Vivian Lim, and Mr Tang Siok Yek.

CCS & Co PLT, a recognised employer by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) Australia, is an award-winning network of independently owned accounting firms in Malaysia. The firm provides professional services in accounting, auditing, taxation, and business advisory.

During the sharing session, Mr Tang and Ms Vivian addressed the challenges faced by fresh Accounting graduates. They highlighted the differences between career paths in audit firms and the commercial industry, and engaged students in a discussion on essential skills and key factors to consider when choosing an employer. Their insights offered students a deeper understanding of career opportunities in the field.

Mr Tang explaining the differences in accounting career paths between audit firms and commercial industry

Ms Vivian Lim (left) and Mr Tang sharing their working experiences at CCS & Co PLT

As students learned practical industry insights that complemented their academic curriculum, they were equipped with pertinent skills and knowledge to thrive in their future careers. UTAR provides a holistic learning environment that combines academic training with opportunities for professional exposure, industry engagement, and personal development. Through diverse initiatives like industry talks, industrial training, workshops, and academic-industry programme development, the University ensures that graduates are not only academically competent but also career-ready, confident, and adaptable to the ever-evolving demands of the professional world.

UTAR extends its sincere appreciation to CCS & Co PLT for their invaluable contribution in nurturing the next generation of accounting professionals.

Also present at the lecture were UTAR Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT) Dean Prof Ts Dr Liew Soung Yue, THP FBF academics Dr Annie Ng Cheng San, Mr Wong Tai Seng, and Dr Chan Pui Yee, along with UTAR staff and students.