^{Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA)} 


KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Bernama) -- The accountancy profession has a pivotal role to play in shaping the sustainable future of Malaysia’s capital market. This was a key takeaway from the MIA Capital Market Conference 2025, themed Navigating Change, Building Resilience, held recently. 

In a special address titled Vision for Growing and Developing the Malaysian Capital Market - Bursa Malaysia’s Perspective, Dato’ Fad’l Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer of Bursa Malaysia said:

“Today, the role of accounting professionals goes beyond ensuring the integrity of financial and sustainability reporting, which underpins investor confidence - a cornerstone of any wellfunctioning capital market. Accountants now play strategic advisory roles to top management, providing analysis and insights, and supporting business transformation and sustainability practices”.

The expertise of accounting professionals is also essential in advancing Malaysia’s sustainability agenda. The success of the National Sustainability Reporting Framework will rely heavily on the profession to ensure that disclosures are accurate, consistent, and meaningful. In this new landscape, accountants are risk managers and strategic enablers, he added. 

This message was underscored by Dato’ Seri Dr. Mohamad Zabidi Ahmad, President of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA), in his special remarks.

“Whether in sustainability reporting, digital transformation, assurance, or corporate strategy and business operations, accountants are increasingly called upon to provide insight, rigour, and objectivity, while upholding ethical conduct. These qualities are crucial in building investor confidence and safeguarding the integrity of markets,” said Dato’ Seri Dr Zabidi.

Accountants as Partners in Strategy and Sustainability

Strategic collaboration and engagement are pivotal to the market acceptance of accountants as both sustainability leaders and strategic business partners. MIA works closely with Bursa Malaysia, the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), and various corporate and institutional stakeholders to advocate for robust disclosures and sound business practices aligned with global standards and sustainable development goals, noted Dato’ Seri Zabidi.
  
Strategic Partnerships to Build Talent and Capacity

Underscoring the importance of stakeholder alignment, MIA also works closely with the Capital Market Development Fund (CMDF) of the Securities Commission Malaysia to drive capital market-related talent development and technical capacity-building initiatives. Through CMDF support, MIA is able to offer capital market training programmes at subsidised rates for eligible accounting professionals — including this flagship Conference.

In support of its commitment to value creation and future-proofing the profession, MIA continues to invest in upskilling and member benefits. “For the upcoming financial year 2025/2026, MIA has proposed special initiatives for MIA members valued at RM1.1 million, to be funded by an allocation from MIA’s financial reserves,” said Dato’ Seri Zabidi. He stressed that these initiatives will be focused on upskilling MIA members, particularly in strengthening SMEs and SMPs.

Among the initiatives are complimentary programmes in CPE, digital upskilling, MPERS training, sustainability reporting, and MAREF initiatives — all aimed at elevating the competency and relevance of accountancy professionals in the capital market.
 
Conference Highlights: Insights for an Evolving Market

The Conference programme was curated to support the development of accountancy professionals, especially those in the SME and SMP sectors, which often face greater resource constraints.

Key developments covered included:

•      Updates on the Malaysian Investment Reporting Standards (MIRS)
•      ESG and sustainability leadership in public-listed companies
•      IPO readiness and growth strategies for SMEs
•      Co-investment opportunities via the Capital Market Sustainability Investment Fund (CoSIF)
•      The impact of AI and blockchain on capital market operations
•      Strategies for navigating global trade tensions, tariff changes, and economic volatility
 
Upskilling in these areas is critical to strengthening the capacity and resilience of the accountancy profession in supporting capital market development. Ending on a motivational high, Dato’ Seri Dr. Zabidi urged the profession to remain forward-thinking: “Together, we can aspire towards a capital market that is forward-looking, competitive, and trustworthy.” 
  
 
NOTE TO EDITOR:

About the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA)
Established under the Accountants Act 1967, MIA is the national accountancy body that regulate, 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 a wide range of information resources, events, professional development and networking opportunities. Presently, there are more than 40,000 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 International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and the ASEAN Federation of Accountants (AFA). For more information on MIA, visit www.mia.org.my


SOURCE: Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
MIA STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS & BRANDING
E-mail: communications@mia.org.my 

Name: THANE MEYYAPPAN            
Tel: +6012 248 9534           

Name: MOHD FAIZ OTHMAN        
Tel: +6012 622 5027   

--BERNAMA