In partnership with CPA Australia, INTI International College Penang recently conducted the Financial Simulation Bootcamp 2024 to prepare future accountants for a financial sector increasingly shaped by Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Held on 8 November 2024 at INTI’s Multi-Purpose Hall, the event brought together over 200 participants, including students, faculty members, and industry professionals, bridging academic learning with practical applications.
Financial Simulation Bootcamp 2024 pose with industry leaders, celebrating a day of learning, teamwork, and innovation at INTI International College Penang.
“The financial sector is undergoing a profound transformation as ESG considerations become central to business strategy,” said Hemalatha Murugiah, INTI International College Penang Chief Executive. “At INTI, we prepare our students to lead in this transition, fostering innovation, sustainability, and professional excellence.” She further emphasised that events like the Financial Simulation Bootcamp are crucial in connecting academic knowledge with industry demands, ensuring graduates are ready to excel in the modern financial landscape.
A key highlight of the bootcamp was a panel discussion featuring renowned industry leaders who provided valuable insights into aligning financial strategies with sustainability goals, particularly within Malaysia’s National Sustainability Reporting Framework. The panellists included Adrian Lam, Audit and Assurance Partner at Deloitte; Khoo Chuang-Li, Senior Finance Director and Penang Site Lead at AMD; Chuan Yee Yang, Assurance Partner at Ernst & Young; and Ernest Leong, President of INTI International College Penang CPA Australia Student Charter, who also served as the moderator. Their expertise offered participants a deeper understanding of how ESG integration drives long-term success.
(From left) Panelists Adrian Lam, Audit and Assurance Partner, Deloitte; Khoo Chuang-Li, Senior Finance Director and Penang Site Lead, AMD; Chuan Yee Yang, Assurance Partner, Ernst & Young; and Ernest Leong, President of INTI International College Penang CPA Australia Student Charter, along with the moderator, share insights on integrating ESG principles into financial strategies during the Financial Simulation Bootcamp 2024 at INTI International College Penang.
Students found the session with industry leaders both insightful and inspiring. “Hearing from industry leaders was incredibly inspiring,” said Joseph Lim Han Yi, a School of Business (SOBIZ) student. “It gave me a clearer understanding of how ESG considerations can be embedded into corporate strategies to drive long-term success.”
The bootcamp also featured hands-on simulations where participants tackled real-world ESG challenges, including creating ESG reports, analysing data, and proposing sustainable financial strategies. These activities equipped students with critical skills essential for their future careers. “This bootcamp deepened my understanding of sustainability and ESG in accounting,” said Koek Li Qing, a SOBIZ student. “Working on ESG reports and seeing their tangible impact on financial performance was eye-opening.”
First-time participant Koay Yen Shan, a student from SOBIZ, shared that the event broadened her perspective on how accounting evolves, including sustainability and ESG factors. “I now see accountants as key drivers in helping companies measure financial success while addressing environmental and social impacts,” she noted. Another participant, Khoo Shi-Min, a student from SOBIZ, highlighted the value of the simulations: “The simulations helped me practice creating ESG reports and making decisions grounded in sustainability principles. This knowledge is essential as the profession evolves.”
The bootcamp concluded with an exciting competition where six finalist teams presented innovative ESG solutions to a panel of judges. Their ingenuity and technical expertise impressed industry leaders. “Presenting to industry leaders was a memorable and rewarding challenge,” said finalist Elizabeth Lim Li Qi, a student from SOBIZ. “It pushed me out of my comfort zone and strengthened my teamwork skills.”
Reflecting on the event’s success, Christine Gan, project leader and senior lecturer at SOBIZ said, “The Financial Simulation Bootcamp 2024 exemplifies our mission to cultivate financially savvy leaders committed to innovation, integrity, and sustainability. Seeing our students rise to the challenge has been immensely rewarding.”
The Financial Simulation Bootcamp 2024 offered participants invaluable skills and insights into integrating ESG principles into financial practices. By combining academic learning with real-world applications, the event highlighted the growing role of sustainability in shaping the future of accounting.