• Bismillahirrahmanirrahim
• Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Seri Dr Mohamad Zabidi Ahmad President Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA)
• Mr Jean Bouquot President International Federation of Accountants (IFAC)
• Members of the Media
• Distinguished Speakers, Delegates and Guests
• Ladies & Gentlemen
• Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh
• Good afternoon dan Salam Malaysia MADANI

_______________________________________________________________________

• Thank you to MIA President Dato’ Seri Mohamad Zabidi Ahmad for the gracious introduction, and thank you to the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) for inviting me to officiate and deliver the keynote address at this conference.
• Heartiest congratulations to MIA on the 40th anniversary of this conference which has significantly contributed to the development of Malaysia’s accountancy profession.
• The theme of this year’s conference, “Collaborative Leadership for a Sustainable Future,” aligns closely with the MADANI Government’s ethos. Our administration is firmly committed to inclusive and sustainable development, driven by strategic collaboration across sectors and stakeholders.
• In an era marked by rapid technological change, geopolitical uncertainties, and environmental challenges, the need for collaborative leadership has never been more critical in navigating today’s complex global landscape.
• By engaging diverse stakeholders and leveraging collective expertise, we can drive innovation, enhance resilience, and build a stronger, more sustainable future for Malaysia.
• The accountancy profession, exemplified by MIA’s growing membership of over 40,000, plays a vital role in underpinning Malaysia’s economic viability. Your presence here today —with over 3,000 delegates—attests to the profession’s commitment to lifelong learning and adaptability.
• Your expertise in financial stewardship, governance, corporate reporting and assurance is invaluable in addressing the contemporary challenges and harnessing the wealth of opportunities that are emerging fast.
• Accountants must continue to serve as guardians of integrity, fostering trust and transparency across both public and private sectors. MIA deserves recognition for its strategic role in reinforcing ethics and governance through strategic collaborations and regulatory enhancements. These efforts have strengthened enforcement, surveillance and compliance, supporting the Ministry of Finances’ ongoing initiatives to amend the Accountants Act.
• By actively collaborating with relevant authorities, including Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), MIA contributes to strengthening the nation’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework. Such collaborative efforts have been instrumental in bolstering Malaysia’s financial integrity and have received commendation from international bodies like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), raising Malaysia’s global profile. We also applaud MIA for expanding the definition of Public Interest Entities (PIEs) to encompass a broader range of organisations, thereby subjecting more entities to rigorous ethical and independence standards in line with international standards.
• I would also like to acknowledge MIA for its strong focus on public sector financial management whereby accountants are pivotal in ensuring accountability and optimising the use of public funds. This supports MADANI Government’s emphasis on fiscal responsibility as demonstrated by the enactment of the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act.
• As sustainability becomes central to business strategy, accountants play a pivotal role in integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and sustainability considerations into business strategy and initiatives and corporate reporting. This enhances transparency, supports climate action, and helps steer Malaysia towards a low-carbon, resilient economy.
• The profession’s sustainability advocacy is well aligned with state policy. The MADANI administration’s focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and sustainability principles is manifested through initiatives such as the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), which aim to accelerate green growth and industrial transformation.
• In executing these plans, we are counting on accountants to play a critical role in guiding companies to improve their sustainability practices, particularly in governance by ensuring high-quality, reliable disclosures are aligned with international standards. Such reliable and credible reporting is crucial for attracting low-carbon investments and enhancing the international competitiveness and green credentials of Malaysian products.
• I am informed that MIA has come up with the MIA Sustainability Roadmap, offering a practical, phased approach to implementation. Congratulations to MIA for this valuable contribution, which supports the profession – and the broader business community – in adopting sustainability practices aligned with global standards and stakeholder expectations.
• I understand that a panel of MIA experts will be speaking on the topic of regulatory developments and standards in sustainability assurance at the high-level ASEAN Auditor Conference 2025 in Putrajaya tomorrow. By equipping accountants with the knowledge and tools to provide independent assurance on sustainability information, MIA is reinforcing the profession’s role as a trusted guardian of integrity, transparency, and accountability.
• Today’s accountants are not just financial stewards—they are sustainability champions. With the right frameworks, capabilities, and support, you are well-positioned to drive meaningful change, catalyse green financing, and support Malaysia toward a low-carbon, inclusive future envisioned by the MADANI administration.
• Ensuring equitable tax systems and addressing the informal economy are also vital for fiscal sustainability. Accountants must contribute to policy development and enforcement mechanisms that promote compliance and fairness.
• Addressing non-compliance and systemic inefficiencies in the tax system is a priority under the Ekonomi MADANI framework. The Government’s efforts to broaden the tax base, including taxing the shadow economy, require accountants to advocate for tax compliance and assist businesses in understanding and fulfilling their tax obligations. This support is vital for enhancing tax collection, which is critical for funding the nation’s developmental expenditures and long-term reforms.
• The recent roll out of e-Invoicing is critical for compliance and enforcement. MIA is to be commended for its concerted efforts in supporting the MOF and LHDN on the e-invoice implementation through a series of targeted educational and upskilling programmes for the accountancy professionals and businesses.
• In line with the conference theme of strategic collaboration, we would also like to commend MIA for advocating and collaborating with SSM on the Malaysian Business Reporting System (MBRS) implementation that supports timely compliance by businesses.
• With Malaysia holding the mantle of the ASEAN chairmanship, harmonising regional standards and promoting initiatives like the ASEAN CPA qualification will enhance cross-border collaboration and economic integration. Accountants can contribute further by aligning their professional practices with regional frameworks and supporting the adoption of sustainability assurance standards across ASEAN.
• By embracing these diverse roles, accountants not only uphold the profession’s core values of integrity, accountability, and trust but also actively contribute to Malaysia’s journey towards a sustainable and prosperous future under the MADANI vision of shared national and regional growth.
• I would like to commend MIA’s dedication to developing high-calibre financial and accountancy talent which is evident by its offering nearly 1,000 programmes annually—an impressive testament to its leadership in professional development.
• Your efforts have not gone unnoticed; the HRD Corp’s Human Resources Minister Award 2024 is a well-deserved recognition of MIA’s commitment to excellence.
• On that note, I urge all members of the accountancy profession to embrace the principles of collaborative leadership. By working together, sharing knowledge, and upholding the highest standards of professionalism, we can contribute significantly to building a sustainable and prosperous Malaysia. This is the time for action.
• With that I am pleased to officially launch the Conference and wish you all a productive and inspiring time ahead.
• Wabillahi Taufik Wal Hidayah, Wassalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.
• Thank you.