Quarterly updates from your Malaysia council member

Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi FCA

Dear Members,

As we reach the halfway mark of 2025, I’m delighted to reflect on what has been a dynamic and impactful first six months for ICAEW in Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region.

With Malaysia holding the ASEAN Chairmanship this year, our work has naturally extended beyond borders — strengthening regional ties, promoting sustainable finance, and showcasing the leadership of our members and institutions across Southeast Asia. From forging new partnerships to building community at home and abroad, this has been a period marked by action, purpose and growth.

Extending ICAEW’s Reach Across ASEAN

1.Chief Executive Visit to Malaysia in February 2025 - ASEAN Capital Market Forum (ACMF)
In a strong signal of our commitment to the region, ICAEW’s Chief Executive, Alan Vallance returned Malaysia for a second time in six months to address the ASEAN Capital Market Forum (ACMF) Chairs. His message highlighted three critical pillars for advancing sustainable finance across ASEAN:

• Ethics and trust as the foundation of all sustainable finance efforts.
• Sustainability as a business imperative, emphasising that it should not be seen as a mere compliance burden.
• The need for supportive regulatory frameworks that encourage success, rather than punitive measures that hinder progress.

I was also pleased to welcome Dr Ernest Kan the Council Member for Singapore at the ASEAN meeting. Singapore will chair ASEAN in 2027.

2.First International Scope 3 Emissions Workshop
Recognising the growing importance of environmental reporting, ICAEW hosted its first international workshop focused on Scope 3 emissions, tailored specifically for ACMF Chairs and relevant stakeholders. The session offered practical insights into the complexities of indirect emissions and reinforced ICAEW’s role in supporting ASEAN’s transition to a sustainable economy.

This is a critical first step to provide assistance to regulators in the ASEAN region on how to address the challenges in implementing the ISSB Sustainable Reporting standards.

3. ASEAN Connect in London
ICAEW Malaysia proudly hosted ASEAN Connect — a networking event at Chartered Accountants’ Hall in London, bringing together ICAEW members from across ASEAN now based in the UK. The evening celebrated cross-border connection and community, creating space for deeper collaboration between regional members and the global ICAEW network.

This was driven by the Malaysian ICAEW office team who used the opportunity of Malaysia chairing ASEAN to bring an ASEAN themed event to the diaspora of ASEAN accountants in London.

4.Connecting with other Members on Council
One of the forums available to Members on Council, who are not UK based, is the forum called International Members on Council “IMOC”. I am an active member in this forum, as the IMOC secretary, and try to connect with other 15 members of IMOC. In May, I hosted a meeting with the IMOC for the Middle East, Syed Asif in Qatar with 11 ICAEW members working there, speaking about the Johor-Singapore Economic Zone and opportunities in Malaysia. I had previously hosted meetings with Syed Asif on his visits to Malaysia.

Deepening Impact in Malaysia

1. Letter of Intent with the Securities Commission Malaysia
In a significant milestone, ICAEW Malaysia signed a Letter of Intent with the Securities Commission Malaysia to strengthen cooperation in capacity building, capital market development, and sustainability reporting. This formalises our mutual ambition to shape a forward-looking financial ecosystem in Malaysia.

2. Launch of ICAEW On Air
This year, we launched ICAEW on Air — our first international podcast from Malaysia. Created to showcase the strength, stories, and diversity of our community to the world, the podcast captures the voices of ICAEW students, members, and partners who are shaping the future of business and finance across the region.

3.Events with the Member Society
Our commitment to community engagement remained strong with a meaningful Buka Puasa gathering and a spirited game of pickleball, both organised in partnership with the ICAEW Malaysia Member Society. The Member Society also hosted a mentoring session, where a senior member shared valuable insights and experiences with students on their ACA journey. These activities play a key role in building relationships, nurturing cultural connection, and supporting the next generation of ICAEW talent.

4. Exclusive Roundtable with Minister Catherine West, MP
ICAEW Malaysia was honoured to participate in the BMCC-BHC Exclusive Roundtable with UK Minister Catherine West, MP, centred on the theme “Accelerating Gender Parity.” The discussion brought together voices from across business and professional communities, reaffirming our shared commitment to inclusive leadership, equity, and opportunity.

5. ICAEW Malaysia Attends ISSB Technical Workshop to Deepen Understanding and Support Regional Needs
ICAEW Malaysia attended a two-day technical training workshop led by Sue Lloyd and Verity Chegar, both members of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). Organised by the IFRS Foundation and the Malaysian Accounting Standards Board (MASB), the session provided an in-depth look at the technical core of the ISSB Standards and offered valuable insight into the practical needs and challenges organisations face in adopting sustainability reporting.

These engagements help inform our approach in supporting ASEAN’s sustainability journey — combining technical rigour with real-world applicability.

6. MIA Conference Participation
ICAEW participated in the 2-day annual MIA Conference, which was attended by 3,800 delegates. ICAEW participated in an insightful panel session titled “IPSASB’s Roadmap to Sustainable Public Sector Reporting.” This engagement highlighted ICAEW’s commitment to advancing sustainability and transparency in public sector financial reporting.

7. Celebrating Excellence 2025
In June, we hosted Celebrating Excellence — a signature event that honours the achievements of our students, tuition partners, and employers. It was an evening filled with pride and possibility, recognising not only success but the shared journey that brought us there.

8. Launch of the ICAEW Malaysia Advisory Group
We are also proud to have launched the ICAEW Malaysia Advisory Group, which convened for the first time in May. Comprising senior members across various industries, the group will provide strategic guidance and local insight as we chart the next phase of growth for ICAEW in Malaysia.

Above all, the ICAEW Malaysia office remains dedicated to nurturing, building, and supporting our community of 3,500 students and stakeholders. To date, the team has delivered 46 student engagement activities across our talent pipeline, reinforcing our commitment to developing future chartered accountants.

Looking Ahead

The first half of the year has laid a strong foundation — not just for what we do in Malaysia, but for our role across ASEAN. The next half of 2025 will be focused on building on these efforts and to help London roll out the new revised international strategy.

Sadly, Mark Billington, the former ICAEW Managing Director International, has moved on from the ICAEW and we would like to thank him for developing our current international network over the last 16 years and for his service to ICAEW. With the International strategy refresh, we look forward to explaining to members abroad what this will mean to you.

Looking forward, we are excited to host our inaugural ASEAN Sustainability Summit this November in Malaysia — the first of its kind outside the UK to be led by ICAEW. This landmark event will bring together thought leaders, regulators, and professionals across the region to advance sustainable business practices and collaboration.

As ICAEW Malaysia continues to expand its influence both locally and across ASEAN, we are reminded that our work is more than professional achievement — it is a shared commitment to shaping a sustainable, ethical, and inclusive future. Together, we have the power to inspire positive change, build resilient economies, and create opportunities for generations to come.

Thank you for being part of this journey — your dedication to ICAEW and the profession drives the impact we make every day.

Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi FCA

Dear Members,

As we approach the end of the year, it’s a wonderful time to celebrate the events and milestones we’ve achieved over the past two quarters. From the vibrant Buka Puasa Evening in March to our recent gatherings, it’s been a joy to see our community come together in such a spirited way. These events have not only strengthened our bonds but also provided a platform for members to share their experiences and insights.

One of the highlights has been hearing how much our members value these opportunities to connect with senior ICAEW members. It’s always inspiring to witness the exchange of knowledge and the fostering of new relationships within our community. Let’s continue to build on this momentum and celebrate our achievements as we move forward.

Chief Executive’s Visit

We were thrilled to host our Chief Executive, Alan, during his recent visit. Alan attended the ICAEW Member Society Annual Dinner, which saw an impressive turnout of 450 attendees from our wider ICAEW community. With Malaysia’s Minister of Economy and Fellow ICAEW member, Tuan Mohd Rafizi, as the Guest of Honour, we had the pleasure of welcoming new ICAEW members into the institute at this event.

Additionally, Alan was hosted by the Securities Commission for a roundtable meeting where they discussed sustainability standards and explored ways ICAEW can contribute to these important initiatives.

ICAEW Thought Leadership Series

In collaboration with FIDE Forum, we held a successful ICAEW Thought Leadership Series at AICB. The panel talk, titled “Achieving Equity: A Journey of DEI in Finance,” featured esteemed panellists including ICAEW Member, Joanne Rodrigues (Group CFO of Affin Bank), Hilda Hamzah (Chief of Staff, GX Bank Berhad), and Tan Sri Mohd Nasir (Chairman, CIMB Group). The discussion provided valuable insights into diversity, equity, and inclusion within the finance sector.

Welcoming Malcolm Bacchus

In November, we had the pleasure of welcoming Malcolm Bacchus to Malaysia. Malcolm joined us at the Year End party, where he met with the newly appointed Committee Members of the Member Society as well as 150 members where we celebrated the achievements of the year. It was a joy to see so many of you there, sharing stories and laughter.

Honouring Senior Members

Malcolm also took the opportunity to honour our senior members who have crossed 50 years of membership. This intimate event was a heartfelt tribute to their dedication and contributions to ICAEW. It was truly inspiring to hear their experiences and wisdom.

New Office Opening

We are excited to announce the official opening of ICAEW Malaysia’s new office, now relocated to Pavilion Damansara Heights. Malcolm had the honour of inaugurating the new premises, marking a significant milestone for our community. We look forward to welcoming you to our new home.

Economic Insight Panel

Lastly, we hosted an Economic Insight Panel to discuss the current economic outlook for Q4 and the future in 2025. The panel was moderated by Dato Megat Iskandar (EY Partner, Deputy Assurance Leader) and featured esteemed panellists Tan Sri Wahid Omar (Chairman, Bursa Malaysia), Datuk Wan Razly (President and Group CEO, Affin Bank Group), and Anand Pathmakanthan (Head of Regional Equity Research, Maybank). The discussion provided valuable perspectives on the economic landscape and future trends.

Looking ahead, we are excited about the opportunities and events that 2025 will bring. I am always eager to hear your thoughts on how we can better serve you and would love to connect with many of you at our upcoming events!

Wishing you a joyous festive season and a prosperous New Year. Let’s make 2025 our best year yet!

Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi FCA

As we reach the midpoint of the year, it is good to reflect on some of the events the ICAEW Malaysia and ICAEW Members’ Society has hosted - starting with the Buka Puasa Evening the Member Society ran on 21st March 2024. It is always good to meet fellow members of different vintages and especially those newly admitted into membership.

One of the comments I hear about being a member of the ICAEW is that members appreciate these social events as they get to meet senior members of ICAEW.

May proved historic for ICAEW Malaysia with the announcement of the landmark partnership with Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) and Multimedia University (MMU) to open up opportunities for non-accounting graduates. This initiative aimdatps to broaden the reach of our profession and attract a diverse range of talented individuals.

Looking ahead, the upcoming MIA Conference and Celebrating Excellence in Malaysia, both of which promise to be significant events for our ICAEW community, are of significance. These gatherings are excellent opportunities to network, learn, and celebrate our achievements.

Furthermore, we are honoured to host visits from our CEO in September and our President in November. These visits underscore the importance of the Malaysian market to ICAEW, and we look forward to welcoming our leaders and showcasing the vibrant professional community here.

I am always open to hearing feedback from members about how we can do more for our members and hope to meet some of you personally at our future events.

Dato' Mohammad Faiz Azmi FCA

Dear fellow members,

Last month, we honoured the exceptional achievements of 56 top-scorers in the ICAEW exams in 2022 during the recent Celebrating Excellence 2023 ceremony.

I would like to recognise and thank my fellow senior members of ICAEW Malaysia, who each sponsored an ICAEW Malaysia Prize for the students with the best performing Advanced and Professional Level paper results. This support, from renowned business leaders giving back to the profession, bodes well for the growth of our future chartered accountants.

I would also like to acknowledge our Authorised Training Partners and our Partners in Learning without whom, moulding the next generation of ACA holders would not be possible.

Recently – together with Henning Diederichs, ICAEW’s Technical Manager from the Financial Reporting Faculty – we met to discuss public sector accounting practices with the Accountant General of Malaysia, and later with the MIA Public Sector Committee, where we shared insights and role of professional bodies in public sector financial reporting and explore areas of collaboration between ICAEW and MIA.

We also had the opportunity to present what ICAEW is currently working on with capacity building and sustainability, to IFAC and MIA at a roundtable event for the accountancy profession in ASEAN.

As an institution, ICAEW exists to promote, develop, and support our members throughout their careers as chartered accountants. We should all be mindful to utilise the global recognition, resources, networking and CPD opportunities that accompanies membership to its fullest.

As it is now the month of Muharram, I would like to wish all our Muslim members Happy Awal Muharram and to the rest, happy holidays. May you have safe journeys and let’s continue to support our members together.

Dato' Mohammad Faiz Azmi FCA

Dear fellow members,

As some of you may know, the Council Member for the Malaysia position was put through an election process for the first time, in February this year. It was a contested election and I am pleased to inform you that I was confirmed in March as the incoming Council Member for Malaysia from June 2023 for a term of 4 years.

Reflecting on the experience, I would like to first thank the other candidate, Mr David Lim, for a well contested campaign. The other observation was that of the members in Malaysia eligible to vote, some 30% of you turned out to exercise your right to vote. This is amongst the highest turnout for any ICAEW election and I would like to thank all of you who participated. Finally, in my engagement with many of you as part of my campaign, a number of points were raised with me from a member’s perspective that I will try to address in my new term as Council Member.

As we are now coming to the end of Ramadan, and 1 Syawal is nearing, I would like to wish all our Muslim members Selamat Hari Raya, Eid Mubarak and Selamat Hari Lebaran. Safe journeys home and to the rest, happy holidays. 

Dato' Mohammad Faiz Azmi FCA

Up close with Tan Sri Dato’ Hanafiah Hussain

With an objective of driving ICAEW’s strategic pillar - ‘Building Back Trust in The Profession’, ICAEW Malaysia recently held a hybrid dialogue and interview session with Tan Sri Dato’ Hanafiah FCA, the first Malay Fellow of the ICAEW. He was fundamental in establishing the first Malaysian accounting firm, Hanafiah, Raslan & Mohamad (HRM), which later became Arthur Andersen, which then signed to merge and become Ernst & Young Malaysia in 2002.

During the session, which was attended by 50 members and dignitaries physically, and another 60 online, Tan Sri shared with ICAEW members on how he helped established government-link corporations including the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA), the pilgrim fund Tabung Haji, and the Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority (FAMA) under the Ministry of Agriculture to promote Malaysian agro products within and beyond the country.

He also emphasised numerous times the importance to uphold a high sense of purpose, trust and integrity as chartered accountants – in line with ICAEW’s strategic foundation and theme – to all members and the small group of students that were present.

Appointment of Dato Gan Ah Tee as MICPA president

At the recent Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA) 64th AGM, Dato Gan Ah Tee FCA was elected as MICPA’s President. From someone who grew up speaking little English to Managing Partner of BDO Malaysia, Dato’ Gan Ah Tee exemplifies the get-up-and-go spirit that has shaped his rise in the professional accounting services arena.

Dato Gan was previously a council member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and a member of the Financial Reporting Foundation, a trustee body responsible for the oversight of the Malaysia Accounting Standard Board’s performance, financial and funding arrangements. He is currently a Council Member of the Malaysia Institute of Accountants (MIA) and a member of its Oversight Committee. He is also the Chairman of the Insolvency Practice Committee of both MICPA and MIA

Dato' Mohammad Faiz Azmi FCA

"I would like to take this opportunity, as Council Member for Malaysia, to wish our Malaysian members celebrating the new lunar year of the Tiger, Gong Xi Fa Cai!!

With the widespread application of vaccines and a better understanding of the Covid-19 virus, we are cautiously optimistic that things will get progressively better and hopefully we have seen the end of repeated lockdowns. As an institute we continue to promote our points of view on the importance of dealing with Climate Change issues, better use of technology in our business and also on initiatives to better nurture and develop our profession.

Closer to home, we have heard members desire to understand better the value of membership and we will continue to communicate how we can better support our members locally and to develop new initiatives to enhance your skillsets. Our local ICAEW members in Malaysia group, led by Kevin Foo, has an ambitious programme of events and get togethers for 2022. I do hope to meet some of you at our events and hope that you have all registered on the LinkedIn ICAEW Malaysia group for details. Until then, I would like to wish you all again, a Happy New Year!"

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