FROM CAMPUS TO CAREER

The Star

a day ago

IN AN era where the financial world demands agility and ethical leadership, the need for skilled professionals is becoming more crucial.
The fast-paced world of accounting, for example, brings with it complex challenges and evolving demands, highlighting the need for clear educational pathways in the field.
Renowned for its pursuit of academic excellence and a holistic approach to student experiences, Taylor's College stands as a beacon for aspiring accountants, as the institution shapes the next generation of finance professionals, ready to navigate the ever-competitive landscape.
At the heart of its mission lies its comprehensive approach to accounting education, offering numerous pathways from foundational studies to professional qualifications.
Among these include the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) programme, which provides students with a well-defined route and holistic experience to becoming globally recognised chartered certified accountants.
'The strong industry connections at Taylor's enabled me to expand my professional network and build meaningful relationships with professional leaders and future colleagues,' said Yap.
World-class accounting education
Yap Yi Heng, a distinguished alumnus now thriving at a Big Four accounting firm, attests to the institution's impact on his career.
He pursued a Bachelor of Accounting and Finance degree at Taylor's University, before enrolling in the ACCA Accelerate programme at Taylor's College to complete his remaining Strategic Professional level papers.
Yap was also recognised as the champion of the Deloitte Tax Challenge Malaysia 2024 and received key accolades for the Advanced Financial Management exam in ACCA – including being ranked the top student in Malaysia and third globally for the exam's December 2024 sitting.
'I chose Taylor's because of its strong reputation in accounting programmes,' he said.
'The Bachelor of Accounting and Finance at Taylor's University is accredited by esteemed professional bodies, such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)-American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), among others.
'This recognition ensures that the programme meets international standards and prepares students for global career opportunities.'
Yap shared that Taylor's industry-backed curriculum was also crucial in helping students develop real-world skills and competencies, enhancing student adaptability and employability in the interconnected job market.
'The ACCA Foundation in Accountancy (AFIA) programme is the ideal stepping stone for me to pursue my long-term goal of becoming an audit partner,' Lim said.
'The strong industry connections at Taylor's enabled me to expand my professional network and build meaningful relationships with professional leaders and future colleagues, even before joining the organisation,' he said.
'This early engagement proved invaluable as it provided me with a smooth transition into my career.
'Several subjects also offered current industry insights, equipping me with practical knowledge and preparing me for the realities of the corporate world, which ultimately empowered me to secure a position with a prestigious firm.'
Structured academic pathways
Meanwhile, current foundation student Ivan Lim Guok Yi shared that for prospective and current students, the accounting journey at Taylor's College begins with a clear roadmap and direct routes into the profession.
'The ACCA Foundation in Accountancy (AFIA) programme is the ideal stepping stone for me to pursue my long-term goal of becoming an audit partner. It is also a great launchpad if you're aiming to pursue ACCA,' said Lim.
'I chose AFIA because it is a faster route with just one year of foundation before taking around two-and-a-half years to complete the ACCA qualification.
'This route allows me to focus directly on accounting from the start and work towards my goal more efficiently because it is a globally recognised qualification that leads straight into a professional accounting career.'
Lim shared that the supportive and student-focused learning environment also made it easier for him to stay focused on achieving his career goals.
Aidil said Taylor's College lecturers always have time after class to help with any questions and the institution attracts talented and driven students, enabling him to learn and grow alongside them.
'I struggled at first to balance my studies and personal life. But studying at Taylor's College has helped me grow both personally and academically. I've become more confident, more disciplined with managing my time and better at solving problems,' he said.
Holistic support
Beyond the lecture halls, Young ACCA scholarship recipient Muhammad Aidil Iqbal, who formally studied Cambridge A Level at Taylor's College and is currently undertaking his ACCA, believes a high-quality curriculum is only truly effective when paired with comprehensive educational support.
He explained that without such support, students can be held back, which is why the holistic support system at Taylor's is so vital for student success.
'The lecturers always have time for you after class to help you with any questions,' he said.
'My seniors are also so welcoming and always share their study materials with me. I am very grateful for the support from all my lecturers throughout my studies.'
He said that the institution attracts talented and driven students, which enables him to learn and grow alongside them.
Aidil added that there are countless study areas at the institution, providing students with relaxing spaces to study and catch up on their assignments.
'There's a variety of places you can use to study at Taylor's, such as the four-floor library, various study rooms and empty classrooms, and X-Space, a technology-rich classroom designed for flexible formal learning spaces,' Aidil shared.
Accounting at Taylor's
Taylor's College dedication to accounting excellence is demonstrated by its prestigious ACCA Platinum Approved Learning Partner status, the highest level of recognition from ACCA Global.
This coveted status grants its students access to ACCA's extensive professional development resources and global networks, empowering them with critical skills and insights into the industry, which could drive their future career growth.
Central to its mission, the college is dedicated to providing an environment that nurtures purpose-driven individuals, aiming to equip students with the necessary capabilities to excel in their educational journey, transition seamlessly to university and succeed in their future careers.
Taylor's College offers a seamless transition pathway to ACCA, from pre-university foundation programmes such as AFIA, Cambridge A Level and AUSMAT, as well as diploma or bachelor's degrees in accounting-related fields.
Learn more about Taylor's College and its ACCA offerings online or by visiting the Taylor's Lakeside Campus.