ICAEW and UNITAR collaborate to offer enhanced accountancy degrees

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with UNITAR International University (UNITAR). ICAEW’s syllabus will now be incorporated into selected UNITAR degree programmes, adding elements of ICAEW’s internationally-recognised qualification to UNITAR courses. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sakina Sofia Baharom, Vice Chancellor of UNITAR and Mr Michael Izza, Chief Executive of ICAEW exchanging the signed MoU, witnessed by Wan Ahmad Saifuddin Wan Ahmad Razi CEO of UNITAR and Mr Mark Billington, Regional Director of South East Asia ICAEW.

The MoU involves incorporating ICAEW’s ACA modules into UNITAR’s Bachelor of Accounting (Hons), and its Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (CFAB) modules into UNITAR’s Bachelor in Information Technology (Hons), Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) and Bachelor of Finance (Hons) degree courses. This provides students with the option of obtaining additional certification on top of their degrees – meaning they are further on the route to gaining a professional qualification. This will also give them a more competitive edge and providing them with a better understanding of business, accounting and finance fundamentals.

The partnership also creates opportunities for selected UNITAR students intending to pursue ICAEW’s ACA qualification to participate in internship placements. They will be able to train with established corporations and develop workplace skills in a professional and supportive environment. In addition, students will have access to ICAEW learning materials, guidance, and graduate recruitment opportunities.

“The collaboration between the university in which believes in merging with professional qualification provide not only better experience but certification for advantage in career. Collaboration also provides industry in the classroom learning environment in which UNITAR champions,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sakina Sofia, Vice Chancellor of UNITAR International University.

Michael Izza, ICAEW Chief Executive said, “This collaboration is part of ICAEW’s commitment to develop, support and enhance the accountancy profession globally. We are also keen to further expand the qualifications we offer here in Malaysia following the great success of our partnership with Sunway TES.”

ICAEW’s partnership with Sunway TES, which started in 2004, has since produced 300 exam qualified ICAEW students. Malaysian students have won 12 top world prizes in ICAEW competitive examinations.

“Our experience is that Malaysian students consistently demonstrate how committed, hard-working and high-achieving they are. This makes them ideal candidates to become ICAEW Chartered Accountants, who are expected to show the highest professional, technical and ethical standards at all times. I am certain our latest agreement with UNITAR will continue this tradition," said Michael Izza.

“This collaboration will play a significant role in developing and growing the accountancy profession in Malaysia. This will help ensure Malaysia has the highly-qualified finance professionals necessary to compete within the global marketplace.”