ICAEW bridges the gap: Boosting Bumiputera accountants

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) is advocating for leadership on issues covered by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across its global operations.

This includes advancing education, economic growth, and reducing inequality, particularly for the Bumiputera population in Malaysia.

Promoting sustainability goals globally

ICAEW recognizes the interconnected nature of the SDGs. While environmental concerns often receive more focus, all goals are crucial for global well-being.

The organisation encourages collaborative efforts from governments, organizations, and individuals to achieve these goals.

For the past five years, ICAEW has partnered with MARA and Yayasan Peneraju to address the underrepresentation of Bumiputeras in accounting and finance professions in Malaysia.

These partnerships offer scholarships and programs aligned with SDGs 4 (education), 8 (decent work), and 10 (reduced inequalities).

ICAEW advocates for diversity in accounting

The ICAEW scholarship program with MARA expects its first graduates in 2026. Yayasan Peneraju scholars have exceeded global exam averages for the past two years.

Enrolment quotas for both programs are increasing due to strong performance.

Both MARA and Yayasan Peneraju emphasize the importance of a skilled workforce in accounting.

They see collaboration with ICAEW as essential to developing qualified professionals and achieving national goals.

Scholarship recipients express their gratitude for the opportunities these programs provide.

ICAEW is committed to increasing diversity in the field of chartered accountancy.

Head of ICAEW Malaysia, Shenola Gonzales, highlights the negative consequences of a lack of diversity and emphasises the long-term benefits of a more inclusive profession.

ICAEW’s efforts in Malaysia demonstrate the organisation’s commitment to both sustainability and inclusivity.

By promoting SDGs and fostering greater Bumiputera participation in accounting, ICAEW helps build a more prosperous and equitable future.