Written by: Suzila Mohamed Yusof, Vanessa Shimai Insuil & Muhammad Nurfauzi Ismail
Kuching, 16 May 2026 — The ACCA Employer Talent Connect (ETC) 2026 – Kuching was successfully organised by the UNIMAS Accounting Society (UNIMAC) at the Grand Margherita Hotel, bringing together a vibrant community of students, employers, and industry professionals in a dynamic initiative aimed at strengthening career readiness and industry engagement in the accounting and finance sector.
Led by Programme Director Muhammad Nurfauzi bin Ismail, the event was executed with remarkable coordination and dedication. His leadership played a vital role in ensuring a meaningful and impactful experience for all participants. The programme served as a strategic platform to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional expectations, while fostering valuable interactions between aspiring graduates and industry leaders.
The event attracted strong participation from accounting students across multiple institutions, including UiTM Samarahan, Swinburne University of Technology, Sunway College, FAME International College, and UCSI University. The presence of UNIMAC advisors, Ms. Suzila Mohamed Yusof and Dr. Keria Kontot, further highlighted the Faculty’s strong support towards student-led initiatives and industry engagement activities.
Notably, the event featured participation from prominent ACCA Approved Employers and leading organisations such as Baker Tilly, Crowe, EY, KPMG, PwC, JQ Chai Accounting and Management Services, Forvis Mazars, Salihin, Sunway College, and SEDC Global Business School. Their involvement provided students with invaluable exposure to real-world industry practices and expectations.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in a series of interactive and enriching activities designed to enhance employability and professional awareness. These included employer exhibitions, a passport challenge to encourage active engagement, and vibrant networking sessions that connected students directly with recruiters and professionals.
The programme also featured insightful knowledge-sharing sessions, including a “Career Paths Reimagined” presentation by Associate Professor Dr Fung Chorng Yuan, a member of the ACCA Malaysian Advisory Committee (MAC) and currently the Head of School of Business at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus. In addition, participants benefited from a special sharing session by Mr Andrew Balasan Siang, an ACCA Member, who inspired attendees by sharing his personal journey of obtaining the ACCA qualification later in life, demonstrating that perseverance and determination can lead to success at any stage of one’s career.
The Employer Talent Dialogue further enriched the event by offering an open platform for discussion, allowing students to engage directly with industry professionals and gain firsthand perspectives on career pathways. Employers shared valuable insights on workplace culture, emerging industry trends, technical competencies, and essential soft skills, equipping students with relevant knowledge to navigate today’s competitive job market.
The Faculty of Economics and Business, UNIMAS would like to extend its sincere appreciation to ACCA as a strategic partner for sponsoring and supporting such an insightful and impactful event. UNIMAC also expresses its gratitude to the ACCA representatives, Mr. Peter Gabriel and Ms. Michelle Clement, for their valuable support and assistance in making this event a success. This collaboration underscores the importance of strong industry-academia partnerships in shaping future-ready graduates.
ACCA ETC 2026 – Kuching received enthusiastic participation and positive feedback from both students and employers. The success of this initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of ACCA and UNIMAC to nurturing future-ready accounting professionals. By creating meaningful opportunities for industry engagement, the event has strengthened students’ confidence, broadened their career perspectives, and reinforced the importance of learning beyond the classroom.