A team of aspiring accountants from the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) has demonstrated that technical knowledge, critical thinking and teamwork remain the cornerstones of professional success after emerging as the Overall Champion at the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) Audit Final Verdict Case Competition 2026. 

Competing under the team name “Maurindians”, five Bachelor of Accounting and Finance students from APU’s School of Accounting & Finance (SoAF) outperformed participants from 20 universities nationwide to secure the coveted Champion title.

Their success was further amplified by three additional accolades — Best Presenter, Winner of the CPA Quiz and Winner of the MICPA Quiz — making APU one of the standout performers at the competition. 

The finals were held at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Gombak, on 23 and 24 May 2026 as part of the MIA Accounting Students Conference, bringing together some of the country’s brightest accounting undergraduates in a rigorous test of analytical and professional competencies. 

Rising Above Strong Competition

The competition began with a preliminary round on 13 May 2026, during which participating teams were given a case study and tasked with preparing a video presentation within a limited timeframe. Following the submission deadline on 17 May, judges assessed the entries and announced the results on 22 May, with APU earning a place among the top five universities advancing to the final round. 

In the finals, the qualifying teams were presented with a fresh audit case study and challenged to develop practical solutions before presenting their findings to a panel of industry experts. 

Beyond technical accuracy, teams were evaluated on their analytical reasoning, communication skills, professional judgement and ability to defend their recommendations during a demanding question-and-answer session. 

Leading APU’s winning team was Muhammad Umair Moniaruth, a Bachelor of Accounting and Finance (Honours) student, alongside Shahabas Sharafu, who is specialising in Forensic Accounting; Ally Amir Ahmed from Accounting and Finance; Irfan Mohammed Iqbal, specialising in Forex and Investments; and Nikhil Vijay, specialising in Accounting Technology. 

The team was guided by Dr Lim Ying Ying, Senior Lecturer, and Dr Ooi Bee Wah, Assistant Professor, both from SoAF. 

A Winning Combination of Knowledge and Teamwork

What distinguished Team Maurindians from the rest was not merely their mastery of auditing concepts, but their ability to work cohesively under pressure. 

Throughout the competition, the team demonstrated exceptional organisation, effective time management and a well-coordinated presentation strategy. Their creative yet practical solutions addressed the case requirements comprehensively, while every team member contributed confidently during the judges’ questioning. 

The judges, comprising experienced industry professionals, were particularly impressed by the team's ability to analyse complex audit issues, formulate actionable recommendations and communicate their ideas with clarity and professionalism. 

Their outstanding performance ultimately secured the Champion title, accompanied by the Best Presenter award won by team leader Muhammad Umair Moniaruth, as well as victories in both the CPA and MICPA quizzes. 

Developing Future-Ready Professionals

Reflecting on the achievement, Muhammad Umair described the experience as a defining milestone in the team's academic journey. 

“Winning this competition is an achievement that we are incredibly proud of. More importantly, it reflects the culture of excellence, resilience and continuous learning that APU nurtures among its students.” 

“The experience challenged us to think critically, communicate effectively and work as a unified team. It has strengthened our confidence in applying audit knowledge to real-world business situations and prepared us for the demands of the profession ahead,” he said. 

Dr Ooi Bee Wah highlighted that the victory was a testament to both the students’ dedication and APU’s commitment to industry-relevant education. 

“This achievement showcases the calibre of our students and their ability to excel in highly competitive environments. It reflects APU’s continuous efforts to develop competent, adaptable and future-ready accounting and finance professionals who can thrive in an increasingly complex business landscape,” she said. 

Dr Lim Ying Ying added that the competition provided invaluable exposure beyond the classroom. 

“Competitions such as this allow students to apply theoretical concepts to realistic business scenarios. Through this experience, they strengthened their analytical thinking, professional judgement, teamwork and communication skills while gaining practical insights into the challenges faced by auditors in the real world,” she remarked. 

Learning Beyond the Classroom

The success of Team Maurindians exemplifies the value of experiential learning in higher education. “While academic excellence remains important, opportunities to compete at national platforms enable students to test their knowledge, sharpen their professional skills and measure their readiness against industry expectations,” said Professor Dr Chong Lee Lee, the Head of SoAF. 

For APU students, participating in such competitions is more than a pursuit of awards. It is an opportunity to prepare them to become confident professionals who can contribute meaningfully to the accounting and finance industry from day one of their careers.