Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) continues to demonstrate its commitment to nurturing future-ready finance professionals, as Muhammad Umair Moniaruth, a Bachelor of Accounting and Finance (Honours) student, was recently recognised with the APU ACCA Accelerate Student Excellence Award 2025. 

The award celebrates Muhammad Umair’s exceptional academic performance in successfully passing the Strategic Business Reporting (SBR) module at the Strategic Professional Level of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) examinations on his first attempt—a remarkable achievement for a student still pursuing his undergraduate studies at APU. 

This milestone highlights not only his personal dedication and discipline but also the robust academic support ecosystem provided through APU’s ACCA Accelerate Programme, an initiative designed to fast-track students towards globally recognised professional accounting qualifications. 

Recognition on Campus

The award presentation ceremony took place on 26 February 2026 at the APU campus. During the ceremony, Muhammad Umair, 19, an international student from Mauritius, received a commemorative parchment from Ms Pui Nyinn Ng, Business Relationship Manager of ACCA Maritime Southeast Asia, who represented ACCA Malaysia. 

The occasion was attended by Professor Dr Chong Lee Lee, Head of the School of Accounting and Finance (SoAF) at APU, alongside academic staff who have played a significant role in mentoring and guiding students within the programme. 

Although the ceremony was modest in scale, it reflected a shared celebration of academic perseverance, professional ambition and international student success within APU’s diverse learning community. 

Fast-Tracking Professional Credentials Through the ACCA Accelerate Programme

Muhammad Umair enrolled in the APU ACCA Accelerate Programme in 2024, a structured pathway that enables high-performing accounting students to begin tackling the Strategic Professional Level of the ACCA qualification while still completing their degree studies.

Through this initiative, students receive focused tuition support and specialised preparation classes delivered by experienced ACCA tutors. Muhammad Umair benefited from the guidance provided by Mr Bryan Chan Loke Teng, ACCA Tutor and Accelerate Programme Lead, together with Ms Lim Chiew Lian, ACCA SBR Tutor, and Ms Phuah Eng Sze, Programme Leader for Bachelor of Accounting and Finance.

The programme reflects APU’s strong industry-aligned approach to accounting education, ensuring students are equipped not only with theoretical knowledge but also with professional competencies expected within the global financial sector.

Bridging University Education with Professional Accreditation

The ACCA Accelerate Scheme at APU is a special collaborative arrangement between the university and ACCA that enables students enrolled in the Bachelor of Accounting and Finance programme to pursue the final four Strategic Professional examinations of ACCA during their second and third years of study.

This unique structure allows students to significantly shorten the journey towards becoming a Chartered Certified Accountant, providing them with a valuable head start in their professional careers.

APU graduates from the Bachelor of Accounting and Finance programme are also eligible for exemptions from all nine papers at the Fundamental Level of the ACCA qualification, further streamlining their progression towards completing the full ACCA certification.

As one of the world’s leading professional accounting bodies, ACCA is internationally recognised for producing finance professionals with strong technical expertise, ethical standards and global mobility. By embedding ACCA pathways within its curriculum, APU ensures that its students remain competitive within an increasingly interconnected financial landscape.

Building Globally Competent Accounting Professionals

Achievements such as Muhammad Umair’s serve as a testament to the effectiveness of APU’s integrated academic and professional development framework. Through initiatives such as the ACCA Accelerate Programme, the university continues to cultivate graduates who are capable of navigating complex financial environments while contributing meaningfully to organisations across industries.

Reflecting on the achievement, Prof Dr Chong Lee Lee emphasised the broader significance of the programme, “Muhammad Umair’s accomplishment reflects the dedication and resilience required to succeed in the demanding field of professional accounting.” 

“At APU, our ACCA Accelerate Programme is designed to empower students with the opportunity to advance towards globally recognised credentials while still pursuing their undergraduate studies. By combining strong academic foundations with professional examination readiness, we aim to nurture accounting graduates who are confident, industry-ready and prepared to contribute to the evolving global financial ecosystem,” added Prof Chong.