By MIA Competency Framework & Development Department and eAccountants Team.
The Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) proudly organised the MIA Qualifying Examination (QE) Graduation Ceremony 2024 to celebrate the remarkable achievements of graduates who have successfully passed this rigorous examination.
Congratulating the graduates, MIA President, Dato’ Seri Dr. Mohamad Zabidi Ahmad, highlighted that the MIA QE plays a strategic role in supporting MIA’s mission to develop talent for nation-building. “Through the QE, MIA produces competent and qualified accountancy professionals to meet the nation’s demand for high-quality talent,” he stated.
A Pathway to Professional Success
The MIA QE has been a gateway to the accountancy profession since its inception in 2003, offering examinations biannually in March and September. To qualify, candidates must pass four rigorous papers: Business and Company Law (BCL), Auditing & Assurance Services (AUD), Advanced Financial Accounting & Reporting (AFAR), and Taxation. Reflecting the examination’s high standards, only 617 candidates have successfully completed the QE since its establishment.
In his welcome address at the QE Graduation Ceremony 2024, Mr. Edwin Tan, Chairman of the Examination Committee, MIA provided an overview of QE statistics for 2023 and 2024. Over these two years, 1,289 candidates sat for the exam, with 626 candidates in the 2023 sittings and 666 in the 2024 sittings. Notably, the highest passing rates were recorded for Auditing & Assurance Services (86% in March 2023) and Taxation (55% in September 2024), while the BCL and AFAR papers recorded passing rates of 49% in the September 2024 sitting and 42% in the March 2024 sitting respectively.
Lessons from Top QE Graduates
Outstanding QE graduates shared invaluable insights from their journey during the ceremony, emphasising perseverance, adaptability, time management, and strong support networks.
Ng Kean Wai recounted the challenges of balancing work and study. Many advised Ng against the bold decision to take all four papers simultaneously, given the intensive nature of the syllabus “but I saw it as a mountain I needed to climb.” Enduring “countless late nights and moments of self-doubt”, Ng discovered resilience and learned the true value of time management and prioritisation.”
Mohd Azman reflected on the additional difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced candidates to adapt to virtual learning. “With lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, traditional classroom learning was no longer an option. We had to adapt to online learning, which came with its own set of challenges. Technical issues, lack of face-to-face interaction, and the difficulty of staying motivated in a virtual environment were just a few of the hurdles we had to overcome. Despite these challenges, we persevered and found new ways to connect and support each other.”
Asvini highlighted the importance of mentorship and family support, acknowledging her parents, spouse, and employer for their pivotal role in her success. Commendably, she learned to appreciate her own perseverance. “I want to take a moment to thank myself. For showing up every day, for pushing through the challenges, for not giving up even when things felt impossible, and for believing in my own strength and abilities.”
Meanwhile, Tan Pei Yee thanked the MIA for providing a path to CA qualification after her 10-year hiatus from studying. “I truly appreciate MIA’s efforts in offering the QE paper, providing a clear path for those of us who are determined to become Chartered Accountants to turn our ambitions into reality.”
The Road to Becoming a Chartered Accountant
Passing the QE is a significant milestone, but it is just the mid-point of the road to becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA). QE graduates must gain three years of relevant practical experience to qualify as CA.
The MIA Chartered Accountant Relevant Experience (CARE) Programme is designed to help QE graduates develop essential skills and meet this requirement. ” Once you have completed the practical experience and your membership is approved, you will be ready to start your journey as a Chartered Accountant,” said Edwin.
Expanding Horizons and Future Opportunities
Achieving CA status is not the end of the journey but a gateway to numerous career opportunities. Dato’ Seri Dr. Mohamad Zabidi advised CAs to enhance their expertise through lifelong learning and earning additional certifications in specialised areas such as Islamic finance, business financial intelligence, and others.
He also encouraged QE graduates to upskill in digital transformation and sustainability, emphasising MIA’s Sustainability Blueprint, which aligns with national policies and prepares accountants for leadership roles in sustainability reporting, assurance, and financing.
Another avenue to explore is the ASEAN CPA qualification, which offers further professional mobility and cross-border opportunities with ASEAN’s growing economic influence, noted Dato’ Seri Dr. Mohamad Zabidi. MIA is actively advocating for ASEAN CPAs to be granted Registered Foreign Professional Accountant status, enabling members to work across ASEAN nations. As of November 2024, 1,940 MIA members have obtained ASEAN CPA certification, forming the second-largest cohort among ASEAN Member States.
More Than an Exam
The MIA QE is more than just an examination—it is a gateway to professional excellence and global opportunities, as well as a platform for nation building. The QE cohort of graduates will not only achieve personal success but also contribute to national and regional economic growth. MIA remains committed to supporting them on this journey, ensuring a brighter future for the accountancy profession and beyond.
The MIA Qualifying Examinations are held annually in March and September. Registration for new intake for the workshops and examinations are usually opened in February and September. For more information, please visit https://mia.org.my/qualifying-examination/
