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Lau Zhi Xuan, a Bachelor of Accounting and Finance student at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), has demonstrated remarkable academic excellence by passing the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)’s Strategic Professional Level in Strategic Business Reporting (SBR) examination on her first attempt.
This exceptional achievement earned her the prestigious APU ACCA Accelerate Book Prize Award for the Year 2024.
On 19 December 2024, Lau Zhi Xuan was honoured at a prize-giving ceremony held on campus. The award was presented by Mr Ryan Ng, Business Relationship Manager of ACCA Maritime Southeast Asia.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of several key figures from APU, including Associate Professor Dr Chong Lee Lee, Head of the School of Accounting and Finance (SoAF); Mr Suresh Balasingam, Academic Leader for Accounting, Taxation, and Audit; Mr Bryan Chan Loke Teng, ACCA Tutor and APU ACCA Accelerate Scheme Lead; Ms Phuah Eng Sze, Programme Leader for the Bachelor of Accounting & Finance; and Mr Richard Teoh, ACCA Tutor.
The APU ACCA Accelerate Scheme A Pathway to Success
Lau Zhi Xuan’s accomplishment underscores the effectiveness of the APU ACCA Accelerate Scheme, a unique collaboration between APU’s School of Accounting and Finance and ACCA. This scheme offers Bachelor of Accounting and Finance students the opportunity to advance their professional journey by undertaking the final stage of ACCA’s Strategic Professional Level examinations during their undergraduate studies.
Enrolled in the scheme since 2023, Lau Zhi Xuan benefited from tuition support and guidance provided by experienced APU faculty members, including Mr Bryan Chan Loke Teng and Ms Phuah Eng Sze. Their dedicated mentorship played a pivotal role in her success, as they conducted specialised tuition classes tailored for the ACCA SBR module under the scheme.
Bridging Academic and Professional Goals
The APU ACCA Accelerate Scheme is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional aspirations. It enables students to register early with ACCA and gain exemptions for up to nine fundamental level (formerly known as F1 to F9) exams in the Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills categories. This head start allows students to focus on the Strategic Professional Level papers, accelerating their journey towards achieving the globally recognised ACCA qualification.
With classes conducted on weekends at APU’s state-of-the-art campus, the scheme offers flexibility and convenience, allowing students to balance their academic commitments while pursuing professional development. APU graduates of the Bachelor of Accounting and Finance programme are already eligible for exemptions from all nine fundamental level ACCA examinations, providing them with a competitive edge in the job market.
Celebrating Excellence
The School of Accounting and Finance takes immense pride in Lau Zhi Xuan’s achievements. Assoc Prof Dr Chong Lee Lee, Head of the School, expressed her admiration and appreciation: “Passing the Strategic Professional Level in Strategic Business Reporting (SBR) module of ACCA requires unwavering determination and rigorous preparation. Zhi Xuan’s success is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of her tutors. Her achievement exemplifies the effectiveness of the APU ACCA Accelerate Scheme and reflects our commitment to nurturing future-ready accounting professionals.”
As more students like Lau Zhi Xuan embark on this journey, the partnership between APU and ACCA continues to reinforce the university’s reputation as a hub for academic and professional excellence. By combining academic rigour with practical exposure, APU is shaping the future of accounting and finance professionals who are poised to make significant contributions to their industries.
The collaboration between APU and ACCA through the Accelerate Scheme exemplifies the university’s commitment to delivering world-class education and fostering professional growth. Lau Zhi Xuan’s success is not just a personal milestone but also a reflection of APU’s dedication to empowering students to achieve their full potential.
As Assoc Prof Dr Chong Lee Lee aptly concludes, “At APU, we believe in creating opportunities that empower our students to excel academically and professionally. Zhi Xuan’s achievement highlights the transformative power of the APU ACCA Accelerate Scheme and the enduring value of hard work and mentorship. We are proud to celebrate her success as a beacon of what is possible when ambition meets the right support system.”