USM PENANG, 14 February 2020 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has embarked on a strategic collaboration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), paving the way for USM to be recognised as an ICAEW ACA Strategic Credits Partner.

Hence, USM joins the rank of only five universities in the world, whose undergraduate accounting programmes have been accorded ICAEW ACA Strategic Credits status. Besides USM, Universiti Malaya (UM) has also been awarded the same prestigious accolade. 

This also puts USM and UM in having the privilege to be the first two public universities in Asia to receive the ICAEW Strategic Credits Partner status.

The partnership will include a transfer of knowledge from ICAEW’s Chartered Accountant (ICAEW ACA) qualification, one of the most advanced learning and professional development programmes.

In addition, ICAEW will work with the USM School of Management that offers the accounting programme to train students through structured work experience placements with ICAEW’s Authorised Training Employers. 

According to ICAEW Head for Malaysia, Loh Wei Yuen, in today’s competitive business environment, there is a need for professionals who possess relevant, up-to-date skills with the highest level of ethics.

“We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with two of the country’s leading public institutions – USM and UM.

“This collaboration underscores our shared commitment towards developing world-class business leaders, and supporting the talent pool for Malaysia,” she added.

Meanwhile, USM Accounting Chairperson from the School of Management, Dr. Zubir Azhar said it has been an amazing endeavour to build a better future for its accounting students with the world’s renowned professional accounting body, ICAEW.

“We are very excited about this partnership, which is going to be a great opportunity for our students to fulfil their dreams of becoming professional accountants with the right agility and mindset needed by the market within the dynamic business environment,” he said.

ICAEW ACA Strategic Credits Partners undergo a stringent qualification process involving the most advanced learning and professional development programme set under global standards of excellence.

There are over 150,000 ICAEW Chartered Accountants who work across various industries around the world, many of whom helm some of the world’s most recognisable and respectable brands.

Text: Dr. Zubir Azhar, School of Management, USM/Editing: Tan Ewe Hoe