USM, PENANG, 18 May 2018 – Kudos to the Accounting students (AGC 605) from the Master of Business Administration (MBA) Programme offered by the Graduate School of Business (GSB), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) for successfully organising an accounting forum entitled “Accounting in the World of Tomorrow” here last weekend.    

The half-day forum, organised by the GSB students with the support of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA), received overwhelming response, with an attendance of more than 160 participants comprising of GSB students and members of the public.  

Dean of GSB, Professor Dr. Azlan Amran, in his opening speech, said in recent years, technology advancement has posed the biggest challenge in the accounting field and also in reconstructing how business is conducted.

“From cloud technology to AI computing, accounting professionals and alike will have to actively embrace the ever-evolving changes in the industry to avoid ‘missing the boat'."

“Professional accountants must therefore equip themselves with the required knowledge and skillsets in ensuring impactful changes to organisations and the profession as a whole,” said Azlan.

He added, “We want our graduates to be visionary business leaders with a global perspective, who will drive the future in an intellectual and creative manner.”

The forum was moderated by Mr. Kim Chin Kuang, MIA Northern Region Committee Member and Senior Regional Finance Director of Jabil Circuit, with 3 panelists who are notable industry practitioners in the accounting field - Mr. Raymond Chong (Partner of Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler Malaysia (KPMG)); Mr. Parthiban (Finance Manager of Intel Shared Service Centre) and Mr. Chuan Yee Yang (Assurance Director of Ernst & Young).

They shared their views, knowledge and experiences on the current and future prospects of accounting in relation to the emerging of technology in the accounting industry, the importance of embracing the changes brought by Industry 4.0, to have a changed mindset and to innovate and integrate our knowledge and ideas in order to turn challenges into opportunities and stay relevant in the job market.    

The programme was sponsored by several companies; Jabil Circuit, MGE Ramesh, ACCA and EST and supported by Starbucks, Kenny Rogers Roasters, Wendy’s and MIA.

Also present were the programme’s advisors, namely Dr. Yuvaraj Ganesan and Dr. Fathyah Hashim, both senior lecturers of the Accounting for Managers course.

Text: Tan Ewe Hoe/Photos: Courtesy of MBA students (AGC 605), Graduate School of Business, USM