KUCHING: Sarawak Centre of Performance Excellence Sdn Bhd. (SCOPE) and the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to offer the MICPA x CA ANZ Qualifying Programme in Kuching.

According to a statement, the MoU signifies a union of two esteemed institutions that share a common vision which is to develop and empower professionals, strengthen governance and ultimately contribute to the economic growth of Sarawak and Malaysia.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SCOPE, Joseph Lim said the formalisation of the partnership entails a shared commitment to excellence, collaboration and capacity building for the advancement of Sarawak’s human capital.

“MICPA, with its longstanding legacy of producing top-tier accountants has been instrumental in shaping Malaysia’s financial landscape, while SCOPE has championed the cause of professional development in Sarawak, with a strong emphasis on equipping local talents with globally recognized competencies.

“By combining MICPA’s expertise in professional accounting and SCOPE’s localized knowledge and network, this partnership creates a powerful platform for nurturing the next generation of leaders in Sarawak.

“This collaboration will lead also to the implementation of training programs that enhance technical skills, professional ethics, and leadership capabilities, tailored to meet the unique needs of Sarawak,” he explained.

Joseph added, it also sets the stage for addressing emerging challenges such as digital transformation, environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance alongside global economic shifts, ensuring that Sarawak’s professionals remain competitive on both national and international levels.

“The signing of this MoU comes at a pivotal time when Sarawak is pursuing ambitious development agendas under its Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. We are confident that this partnership will play a pivotal role in building a resilient and competent workforce to drive Sarawak’s transformation into a high-income and sustainable economy.

“This MoU will be a testament to our shared dedication to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. Together, MICPA and SCOPE will pave the way for a brighter future, empowering individuals and strengthening Sarawak’s economic and social fabric,” he said.

He affirmed that the MoU demonstrated the commitment of both MICPA and SCOPE to advancing professional standards and educational excellence in Malaysia with the first intake of MICPA qualification commencing in April 2025 in SCOPE.

Also present during the ceremony were President of MICPA, Soo Hoo Khoon Yean, CEO of MICPA, Adrina Lim, Joseph, and Head of Program of SCOPE, Tang Ing Sia. -UKASnews