Universiti Tun Abdul Razak (UNIRAZAK), a leading private higher education institution, concluded its 22nd Convocation Ceremony in December 2023 at Merdeka Hall, World Trade Centre (WTC KL). The university celebrated the achievements of 744 graduates from the Class of 2023, including 5 students who successfully graduated with Bachelor of Accounting degrees accredited by CPA Australia.

Since 2019, Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) and UNIRAZAK have forged a powerful alliance committed to enhancing access to quality education, particularly for students from lower-income households and those facing constraints to further their studies. Recognising the importance of professional qualifications, this alliance is dedicated to nurturing young talent and motivating students to recognise the benefits of pursuing a career in professional accounting.

UNIRAZAK, in collaboration with PNB, proudly introduced the BUDI PNB-UNIRAZAK scholarship programme in 2019. This prestigious scholarship, designed in partnership with PNB and CPA Australia, targets bright and high-achieving individuals from lower-income households, aiming to nurture them into becoming Certified Practising Accountants. During the opening speech, Dato’ Mohamed Nizam Tun Abdul Razak, Pro-Chancellor of UNIRAZAK, said, “We are grooming the next generation of professional accountants to spur Malaysia’s growth into becoming a high-income nation.” The scholarship enables deserving young talents with financial acumen and passion to enrol in the world's only Bachelor of Accounting degree programme that incorporates the CPA Australia qualification, making it the only programme in the world to include CPA subjects as an integral part of the course.

In June 2023, candidates from UNIRAZAK pursuing the CPA Australia qualification not only achieved but surpassed the Global Pass Rate in three out of five subjects, namely Financial Reporting, Global Strategy and Leadership, and Strategic Management Accounting. Additionally, they outperformed the overall national pass rate underscoring their academic excellence. This journey of excellence continued into December 2023 where UNIRAZAK candidates exceeded both the global and Malaysian pass rate in three out of the five subjects, the subjects being Global Strategy and Leadership, Financial Reporting, and Contemporary Business Issues. At the same time, UNIRAZAK candidates also surpassed the overall pass rate both nationally and globally.

Through this collaboration, UNIRAZAK has increased Bumiputera’s participation in the accounting profession and successfully reduced financial barriers for students facing constraints in pursuing their studies. The impact of this initiative is evident as graduates continue to be engaged by renowned organisations. Success stories like that of Nur Faridatul Akma binti Mohd Yunan, a finance analyst at Sherwin-Williams, exemplify the positive outcomes of this effort. Nur Faridatul is a graduate of the Class of 2023 with a Bachelor of Accounting and CPA certification from Kota Bharu. Nur Faridatul stated, “As a recipient of the PNB scholarship, my pursuit of knowledge is fuelled by the desire to create a better future. UNIRAZAK, with the support of the scholarship, provided me with the opportunity to receive a quality education and develop the skills necessary to secure a job that aligns with my aspirations.”

UNIRAZAK reaffirms its commitment to supporting the education thrust outlined in the 12th Malaysia Plan. The university is dedicated to fostering a lifelong learning culture among Malaysians by providing innovative and alternative pathways to higher education beyond producing certified accountants. The institution recognises the underrepresentation of certified Bumiputera accountants in the industry and aims to address this by promoting inclusivity and diversity through the BUDI scholarship programme. CPA Australia’s accreditation of UNIRAZAK’s Bachelor of Accounting further solidifies the institution’s commitment to high professional competence.

UNIRAZAK remains steadfast in its dedication to empowering dreams. Through close collaborations with government ministries, agencies, and education partners, UNIRAZAK continues to offer valuable opportunities and resources to students. The institution encourages lifelong learning and reaffirms its commitment to transforming academic aspirations into reality.