Next wave of finance talent

IN Malaysia’s bustling streets, the smartphone serves as more than a tool for browsing social media and taking selfies; it has become a gateway to a financial revolution, ushering in the era of financial technology, known as FinTech.

Malaysia is not only a place where customers tap to pay for their morning coffee; it has emerged as a global leader in mobile wallet adoption.

According to Visa’s Consumer Payment Attitudes Study, an impressive 87% of Malaysians use e-wallets.

The widespread adoption of mobile wallets in Malaysia reflects more than just a trend; it signals the nation’s drive for financial innovation. It highlights how Malaysians are not only tech-savvy but also ready for the next frontier of fully digital financial transactions.

Alongside this evolution, Accounting Technology (AccTech) integrates digital systems to automate financial workflows and provide real-time insights for strategic decision-making.

AccTech moves beyond traditional number crunching, redefining accounting through the integration of advanced technologies into established practices.

In Malaysia’s thriving digital payment landscape, AccTech is more than a buzzword – it is a true game changer in the financial sector.

Emerging leaders

At Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU), the sole Malaysian university accredited by the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), the focus is not only on preparing students for the future but also on shaping future leaders of FinTech and AccTech.

Recognised locally as a Premier Digital Tech Institution by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), APU has built a strong reputation for producing highly skilled graduates ready to meet the demands of rapidly expanding tech sectors.

Students are offered more than just a conventional degree in Accounting and Finance. They have the opportunity to pursue cutting-edge specialisations such as AccTech, Forensic Accounting and Forex and Investments.

The financial world is evolving rapidly. Students can immerse themselves in a comprehensive Financial Technology programme designed to nurture the next generation of FinTech leaders, with a curriculum that seamlessly bridges core financial knowledge and the broad spectrum of technological applications.

Alternatively, master the twin pillars of the new financial era – Investment Analytics and Financial Technology – and prepare for a high-impact career where finance meets innovation.

At APU’s School of Accounting and Finance (SoAF), education goes far beyond traditional lectures.

Students explore the future of finance through immersive, hands-on experiences from mastering Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications to delving into Blockchain technologies, data analytics and programming.

To further enhance their global competitiveness, students have the option to pursue the APU–De Montfort University (DMU) Dual Degree. Upon graduation, they receive two certificates – one from APU and another from DMU in the United Kingdom – offering a distinct advantage in the global job market.

This international recognition is one of the key drivers behind the university’s graduates’ 100% employability track record.

Upon completion of the APU’s Bachelor of Accounting and Finance (Honours) programmes, students can get exemptions for up to nine papers at the Fundamental level (F1 to F9) out of the total 13 required papers for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification.

Through the ACCA Accelerate Scheme, students are also given the opportunity to complete the remaining Professional level papers while still pursuing their degree and fast-tracking their journey towards becoming certified professionals.

In addition, APU’s partnership with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) enables students to begin their professional journey even before graduating, providing a valuable head start in the competitive financial landscape.

Career progression

In a world where mobile wallets have become increasingly common, APU graduates play a key role by combining accounting knowledge with technological skills to support secure and efficient digital transactions in a mobile-driven environment.

APU goes beyond offering academic qualifications; it cultivates strategic partnerships that open doors to global opportunities and career advancement.

A notable collaboration with the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) marks a significant milestone in enhancing graduates’ professional development.

Master of Finance graduates achieve Associate membership status, while Bachelor of Banking and Finance (Honours) graduates transition smoothly into the professional world through CISI Affiliate membership.

“As APU graduates’ step into the professional world equipped with CISI membership, they embark on a journey that extends far beyond academic achievement.

“This collaboration is not merely about certification. It is about shaping futures, fostering excellence and empowering a new generation of finance professionals,” said SoAF head Prof Dr Chong Lee Lee.

“The financial services sector continues to evolve rapidly. Through our membership and lifelong learning resources, APU graduates gain a competitive edge, positioning themselves as valuable assets in an industry driven by FinTech and AI innovation.”

Future innovators

APU also plays a crucial role in nurturing not just academic excellence, but a vibrant community of forward-thinking individuals passionate about FinTech.

Initiatives such as the APU MY Fintech Young Leaders Society embody this vision by bringing together aspiring innovators eager to shape the future of finance.

In May 2024, the establishment of the society marked a new chapter for both the FinTech Association of Malaysia (FAOM) and the Malaysian Youth FinTech Association (MYFinT).

Meanwhile, the APU Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Club (APUBCC) actively promotes awareness and understanding of blockchain technologies through discussions, research, workshops, hackathons and conferences, helping to demystify complex concepts for both students and the wider community.

To ensure students are industry-ready, APU partners with TradingView, providing access to one of the world’s leading charting platforms at its Financial Trading Centre.

Students benefit from premium features, enabling them to analyse markets, develop trading strategies and refine their technical skills.

APU also integrates TradingView into its academic curriculum, allowing students to apply real-time technical analysis in a practical learning environment.

Complementing this, LSEG Workspace, a powerful financial database by the London Stock Exchange Group, provides students and staff with extensive global market data, company financials and analyst reports, serving as an invaluable resource for research and analysis.

APU goes beyond offering academic qualifications by fostering strategic partnerships that open doors to global opportunities and career advancement. It is also an affiliated member of the CFA Institute University Affiliation Programme through its Bachelor of Banking and Finance (Hons), further strengthening its academic and professional alignment with industry standards.

For more information about the university and its offerings, visit its website. Join APU and transform your passion into a pathway that shapes the future of the financial world.