Future global leaders took centre stage as the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) Malaysia hosted its annual Celebrating Excellence event, honouring the top-performing Malaysian students in the Global ACA examinations.
Celebrating Excellence 2025 recognised not only academic achievement but also the global readiness of Malaysian ICAEW students and ACA-qualified professionals. Many now thrive in cross-border roles spanning industries well beyond traditional accounting and finance.
ACA: A Passport to Global Opportunity
The ICAEW ACA qualification continues to be a mark of technical mastery and professional integrity. Among the top achievers were professionals already forging international careers, with roles in the regional offices of global firms. Their journeys are elevating not just their companies, but also Malaysia’s standing as a source of world-class talent.
“The ACA qualification doesn’t just prepare students for exams, it equips them to thrive in a fast-changing, globalised world,” said Shenola Gonzales, Head of ICAEW Malaysia. “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.”
Honouring Excellence, Investing in Future Leaders
Thirty-seven of Malaysia’s brightest young minds were honoured for achieving top global scores in the 2024 ACA examinations, a remarkable feat reflecting their dedication, resilience, and readiness to lead on the world stage.
Awardees at the Professional and Advanced Levels were selected for their outstanding scores in the globally benchmarked ICAEW exams, while Certificate Level recipients earned recognition for having the highest CFAB programme averages, as recommended by ICAEW’s Partners-in-Learning (PiLs). The cohort included both full-time students and trainees employed at ICAEW’s Authorised Training Employers (ATEs).
The celebration brought together students, ATEs, PiLs, ICAEW members, and nine esteemed Patrons. These Patrons — comprising prominent senior ICAEW members, respected business leaders, and influential personalities — reaffirmed their commitment to professional excellence through the ICAEW Members’ Society Malaysian Chapter. As champions of a dedicated trust, they supported the Professional and Advanced Level Malaysian Prizes to inspire future ACA-qualified leaders.
Eight Advanced Level Prizes were awarded to students from ATEs including PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, and Sunway Berhad. Another 29 Professional Level Prizes were presented. All recipients were honoured with certificates, prizes, and 24k gold-plated medals.
Building Resilient Professionals for Tomorrow
“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.”
“Through the ACA qualification, ICAEW is cultivating future-ready professionals who think critically, act ethically, and adapt seamlessly,” she said. “Our commitment to lifelong learning and ethical leadership empowers professionals to thrive in diverse roles and situations.”
She concluded her remarks with a quote from Maya Angelou: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” A timely reminder, she noted, that continuous learning lies at the heart of lasting professional growth.
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.
