FOCUSSED: CAT January 2013 intake underway at Sunway College.
KUCHING: The Jan 2013 intake of Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) programme at Sunway College Kuching is underway.
Orientation for the new 130 students was held on Jan 4, while classes commenced on Jan 10.
Its CEO Joseph Lim expressed delight with the intake which surpassed expectations.
“Our CAT programme has become a popular option for SPM school leavers interested in pursuing a career in accounting and finance,” he said.
He added that the new batch of students came from several schools here.
“We have students from SMK Sungai Tapang, SMK Kuching High, SMK DPHA Gapor Stampin, SMK St Joseph, SMK Kuching High, SMK Batu Lintang and SMK Sungai Maong, mostly from the science stream.
“In fact, the majority of students pursuing CAT with us over the past three years were from the science stream. This goes to show that accounting is not confined to arts students,” he said.
CAT is a 9-paper, technician level qualification designed by ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to accountancy.
The course can be completed within 12 to 18 months of full-time study and is recognised by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) as equivalent to a diploma.
To be eligible for the course students must have a minimum of five credits in SPM, including English and Mathematics.
CAT is generally regarded as a stepping stone to internationally recognised ACCA professional accountancy qualification. Upon completion students are exempted from three papers (Knowledge Module) at Fundamentals Level of ACCA.
ACCA is an internationally recognised professional accountancy qualification from the United Kingdom that is equivalent to a Masters Degree in Accountancy.
Armed with this qualification and three years of relevant working experience, graduates will be recognised by the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) and can practise as qualified chartered accountants.
Unlike foreign accounting degree holders from countries like UK, US, Australia or New Zealand, ACCA graduates do not need to sit for professional exams to qualify for MIA recognition as ACCA is one of 10 overseas accounting bodies fully accredited by MIA.
With a student population of 1,500 students, Sunway College Kuching is the largest tuition provider of accountancy courses in East Malaysia.
The next CAT intake at Sunway College Kuching is in April with orientation on April 3, while classes will commence on April 8.
SPM or UEC school leavers who wish to know more about the CAT programme can contact Sunway College Kuching at 082-451221 or visit the college at Song Plaza, Jalan Song from 9am to 9pm.