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Heriot-Watt University Malaysia is proud to introduce the ACCA Accelerate Programme to its MA (Hons) in Accounting and Business Finance students. With this programme, the students will have the opportunity to embark on a fast-track pathway towards becoming a chartered certified accountant under ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants).
Earlier, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi, Provost and Chief Executive Officer of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia and Edward Ling, Acting Head of ACCA Malaysia, paving the way for the university to conduct the programme.
While currently Accounting and Business Finance students at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia receive up to nine paper exemptions, the ACCA Accelerate Programme will allow them to take the remaining five ACCA Professional papers beginning from the second year of their studies onwards. This gives students the opportunity to kick-start their professional career as a certified accountant earlier.
Additionally, the programme enables students to gain access to ACCA’s online learning community that allows them to build their professional network globally. They will also receive direct e-mail alerts, which include career advice and study tips as well as ACCA news updates.
Students who sign up for the ACCA Accelerate programme will enjoy numerous fee waivers, including the initial registration fee, annual subscription fee for up to two years, inclusive of their registration year, as well as deferment of exemption fees forup to 24 months after graduation
One of the strongholds of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia is our commitment to working closely with industry to ensure that our students receive education that is relevant and are industry-ready upon graduation. This collaboration with ACCA is a step forward in that direction. Students will not only be able to pursue their career earlier but also enjoy various advantages that will give them a competitive edge in the workplace.”
Pursuant to the MoU signing ceremony, Edward Ling awarded Heriot-Watt University Malaysia’s top five Accounting students with the ACCA Book Prize, worth RM1,000 each. Among the prize winners were Tok Jia Ying and Rebecca Chua Tang Tang.
"The Accounting and Business Finance programme is structured to train us to apply the knowledge we learnt in real life situations. In fact, studying in Heriot-Watt has challenged us to think critically as well as to be consistent in our studies. This Accounting degree has definitely geared us towards a sturdy career,”
Speaking at the ceremony, Acting Head of ACCA Malaysia said, “As the world’s most forward-thinking professional accountancy body, ACCA believes that accountancy is vital for economies to grow and prosper. This agreement establishes an accelerated pathway for outstanding accounting and finance undergraduates from Heriot-Watt University Malaysia to complete the ACCA Qualification and fulfil their aspirations to become chartered certified accountants. In Malaysia, ACCA has over 50,000 students and members – all of whom are recognised by employers to have the necessary skills, ethical approach and leadership capabilities. We are very proud of the recognition our members receive, and we look forward to welcoming graduates of Heriot-Watt University into our accounting community and membership.”
The event was held at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia’s campus in Putrajaya. Apart from the signing ceremony and award presentation, the event itinerary included a welcoming speech by Professor Mushtak of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia and a special address by Edward Ling, Acting Head of ACCA Malaysia. It ended with a group photo session and refreshments.