ICAEW honours top Malaysian ACA achievers

Thirty-seven of Malaysia’s brightest young minds have been lauded for their exceptional performance in the 2024 Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) ACA examinations, underscoring Malaysia’s growing stature as a hub for world-class talent in the global accounting and finance arena.

The ICAEW ACA qualification continues to be a hallmark of technical mastery and professional integrity. This year’s top achievers include professionals already making significant strides in their international careers, holding roles in the regional offices of global firms. Their remarkable journeys not only elevate their respective companies but also enhance Malaysia’s reputation as a source of highly skilled professionals.

Shenola Gonzales, Head of ICAEW Malaysia, emphasised the holistic nature of the ACA qualification. “The ACA qualification doesn’t just prepare students for exams, it equips them to thrive in a fast-changing, globalised world,” she stated. “It develops professionals who are adaptable, ethical, and prepared to lead across borders, industries, and through unexpected challenges. At ICAEW, we empower talent not just to succeed, but to grow wherever opportunity takes them.”

Recognising dedication and future leadership

The 37 awardees were honoured for achieving top global scores in the 2024 ACA examinations, a testament to their dedication, resilience, and readiness to lead on the global stage. Recipients at the Professional and Advanced Levels were chosen based on their outstanding scores in the globally benchmarked ICAEW exams. Certificate Level recipients were recognised for achieving the highest CFAB programme averages, as recommended by ICAEW’s Partners-in-Learning (PiLs). The cohort comprised both full-time students and trainees from ICAEW’s Authorised Training Employers (ATEs).

The celebratory event gathered students, ATEs, PiLs, ICAEW members, and nine esteemed Patrons. These Patrons, who include prominent senior ICAEW members, respected business leaders, and influential personalities, reaffirmed their dedication to professional excellence through the ICAEW Members’ Society Malaysian Chapter. They also championed a dedicated trust that supports the Professional and Advanced Level Malaysian Prizes, aiming to inspire future ACA-qualified leaders.

Among the accolades presented were eight Advanced Level Prizes to students from leading ATEs such as PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, and Sunway Berhad. An additional 29 Professional Level Prizes were awarded. All recipients were presented with certificates, prizes, and 24k gold-plated medals.

Cultivating resilient professionals for tomorrow

Collaboration between ICAEW and its Authorised Training Employers is pivotal in shaping well-rounded professionals. “The invaluable collaboration between ICAEW and our Authorised Training Employers ensures our students gain much more than technical expertise,” Gonzales added. “These partnerships provide real-world experiences and mentorship, transforming students into trusted, adaptable professionals capable of leading with integrity and resilience.”

Gonzales further elaborated on ICAEW’s commitment to fostering future-ready professionals. “Through the ACA qualification, ICAEW is cultivating future-ready professionals who think critically, act ethically, and adapt seamlessly,” she said, highlighting the organisation’s dedication to lifelong learning and ethical leadership that empowers professionals to thrive in diverse roles and situations. She concluded her remarks with a poignant quote from Maya Angelou: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better,” serving as a timely reminder that continuous learning is fundamental to lasting professional growth.

List of awardees

Advanced Level Exams Awards

• Tan Sri Dato’ Hanafiah Hussain Prize for Case Study: Leong Kher Huey, Tan Yi Xuan, See Yin Yin
• Tan Sri Azlan Zainol Prize for Corporate Reporting: Lau Wye Ling, Low Kian Huat, Siti Sarah Binti Ahmad Lutpi
• Datuk Ali Abdul Kadir Prize for Strategic Business Management: Sammi Wong Jing Lam, Queenie Chan Xin Yi

Professional Level Exams Awards

• Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Abdul Wahid Omar Prize for Financial Management: Fariszudin Bin Noorakhirludin Alam, Tricia Chong, Joyce Lee Ying Ying, Lim Jia Xin
• Dato’ Narendra Jasani Prize for Financial Accounting and Reporting: Shao Hern Beh, Lin Zheng Yang, Syeda Shaher Bano Zaidi, Wong Wen Lin
• Dato’ Mohd. Faiz Azmi Prize for Business Strategy and Technology: Lim Xin Hui, Sam Lum, Tricia Chong, Adam Daniel Haikal bin Mohd Syahizul Nuhairy, Muhammad Safwan Baharibin Mohd Emil Salim Bahari
• Dato’ Gan Ah Tee Prize for Business Planning: Taxation: Siti Sarah Binti Ahmad Lutpi, Jacqueline Kanesha James, Adelaide Ting Yii Xuen, Leong Mun Kei, Putri Qistina Natasya Binti Nooryusazli
• Mr. Bingley Sim Prize for Tax Compliance: Chuo Chung Yee, Tang Ying Qian, Choong Qi Ian, Chua Ruo Ann, Joyce Lee Ying Ying
• Mr. Foo San Kan Prize for Audit and Assurance: Fariszudin Bin Noorakhirludin Alam, Damian Gan Bo Hui, Tan Zhuan Tjin, Goh Wei Jun, Chee Chi Tat, Lin Zheng Yang

By equipping students with rigorous qualifications and encouraging international exposure, ICAEW is shaping a resilient generation prepared to lead across borders. The organisation remains committed to nurturing talent through global standards, strong ethical foundations, and a collaborative learning ecosystem.