KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- Acknowledged as a leading advocate of digital business transformation for board and management executives as well as finance and accountancy professionals, the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) is now collaborating with other leaders in professional development and education to expand its range of continuing professional education programmes geared towards Industrial Revolution (IR4.0) and digital economy.

In January 2020, MIA successfully completed its first joint programme with a Premier Digital Tech University, Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) – the MIA-APU 3-day Professional Certificate in Digital Leadership (PCDL). “This is aligned with our MIA Digital Technology Blueprint which encourages collaboration and partnership to hasten digital adoption and boost value creation and nation building,” said MIA CEO Dr. Nurmazilah Dato’ Mahzan.

The PCDL aims to equip business leaders and executives with digital knowledge and skills to map and manage digital transformation of their organisations for better business performance.

Day 1 focused on the big picture of the digital economy and the developments disrupting organisations. Day 2 focused on digital strategy and data analytics, and transformation of the finance function using appropriate technologies. Day 3 focused on digital marketing strategies and managing talent in digital transformation.

At the end of the programme, participants were awarded with a Professional Certificate. They also shared the following takeaways:

- The programme provided an excellent and simplified snapshot of the different components and aspects of digital transformation and the roadmap for digital transformation.
- Participants said they now understand a great deal more about the theory and science behind digital transformation and the benefits for business organisations.
- They are also now aware of the different digital tools in the market for marketing, analytics, financial statement analysis, audit planning, documentation and practice management to boost productivity and reduce human error. 
- The programme also effectively overcame their personal barriers and fears of digital disruption. 

- Many participants noted that they will be sharing the roadmap and materials with their colleagues to accelerate implementation of their organisation’s digital roadmap.

- They welcomed the idea of follow-up workshops focusing on diverse industries to help guide the real-world implementation exercises.  

- Feedback from accountants in small and medium practices (SMPs) indicate that SMP owners and management’s resistance to change is the biggest stumbling block to digital transformation for SMPs that make up over 90% of the accountancy firms in Malaysia.

G. Shanmugam, Executive Director of Strategy and Development, MIA welcomed the feedback and look forward to further strengthen future programmes for digital competency building. “MIA is continually striving to support businesses and talent in digital transformation. We will integrate the feedback to further improve this professional certification programme to create and upskill agile executives who can lead and manage digital transformation in the IR4.0 economy.”
 
NOTE TO EDITOR:

About the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA)
Established under the Accountants Act 1967, MIA is the national accountancy body that regulates, develops, supports and enhances the integrity, status and interests of the profession in Malaysia.  MIA accords the Chartered Accountant Malaysia or “C.A. (M)” designation. Working closely alongside businesses, MIA connects its membership to an unmatched range of information resources, events, professional development and networking opportunities.

Presently, there are more than 36,000 members making their strides in businesses across all industries in Malaysia and around the world.

MIA’s international outlook and connections are reflected in its membership of regional and international professional organisations such as the ASEAN Federation of Accountants (AFA), and the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC).  For more information on MIA, visit www.mia.org.my

SOURCE:  Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Thane Meyyappan
Team Lead 
Tel: +603-2722 9184 / +6012-248 9534
Email: communications@mia.org.my 

Name: Nurul Nadira Muhammad Shaharudin
Senior Executive
Tel: +603-2722 9185 / +6019-261 9708   

--BERNAMA