THP FBF academics nurture school students for career readiness

All smiles for a successful workshop with Headmaster of ACS Kampar Hardavev Tanah Singh (front row, standing third from right)

Committed to equipping school students with essential knowledge for their future careers, a group of academics from the Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance (THP FBF) conducted a workshop that emphasised the importance of integrating the latest trends in accounting education to enhance career readiness.

The workshop was endorsed by THP FBF Dean Assoc Prof Dr Au Yong Hui Nee, and coordinated by Department of Commerce and Accountancy Head Dr Sonia Johanthan, alongside academics Ms Foo Pik Yin, Ms Loh Chun T'ing, and Ms Chin Yoon Mei. Form Four and Form Five students from ACS Secondary School, Kampar, benefitted from the session.

Ms Foo was the first speaker, introducing and promoting the Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) Accounting programme. She enlightened the students on UTAR’s continuous commitment to incorporating the latest trends, including but not limited to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies into its curriculum. She also elaborated on the Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) Accounting (BAC)’s UBAM2023 Performance Management, UBAF2144 Auditing and Assurance Services II, and UBAF3023 Corporate Reporting and Current Issues courses, which integrate components such as environmental cost of quality reporting, sustainability statement audit, and green accounting in the courses syllabi respectively.

Ms Loh, the second speaker, further enlightened participants on the professional exemptions available for BAC graduates from bodies such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), as well as the various professional pathways to becoming a Chartered Accountant in Malaysia.

A quiz was then conducted, covering basic concepts in financial and management accounting, taxation, auditing, IT, and current issues related to ESG. Participants competed based on accuracy, completeness, and speed in submitting their answers. Rationales and explanations for each question were provided to deepen their understanding. During the session, Ms Chin also shared practical tax insights while the students enjoyed light refreshments. Participants received UTAR brochures with detailed programme information, and winning teams were awarded attractive prizes.

Dr Sonia kick-started the event with enthusiasm