Image above: Dr Kelvin Lee Yong Ming, Programme Director of the Bachelor of Finance and Economics (Honours), guiding students in real-time market analysis using Bloomberg Terminals at Taylor’s Trading Room.

In a world where finance, technology, and global perspectives increasingly intersect, Taylor’s University’s School of Accounting and Finance equips future leaders through industry-aligned education—reflected in the journeys of graduates Cindy Ngun and Marvin Hing Majin.

Cindy Ngun: Bridging Theory, Ethics, and Real-World Finance

From Sibu, Sarawak, 24-year-old Cindy Ngun pursued the Bachelor of Finance and Economics (Honours) at Taylor’s University as a Sarawak Energy Scholar. She was drawn to the programme’s rigorous academic structure and real-world relevance.

“I’ve always been fascinated by how financial markets operate and how economic policies shape everyday life. The Finance and Economics programme bridges theory with practice through hands-on training with the Bloomberg Terminals, including real-time trading simulations. Certifications such as the Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) and Bloomberg Finance Fundamentals (BFF) stood out to me, helping me speak the language of data analytics and bring financial theories to life,” she said.

As part of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute University Affiliation Programme, the curriculum aligns with over 70% of the CFA Candidate Body of Knowledge, embedding ethics and global standards. “The CFA focus nurtured discipline and an ethical grounding, both essential for a finance career built on trust and impact,” she explained.

Cindy’s experience extended beyond academics. As Chief Executive Office of CycleCare Solutions, she led her team to victory at the Allianz Young Entrepreneur Challenge 2024 with an innovative product addressing menstrual health awareness through a fun, inclusive lens.

Backed by Taylor’s BizPod, the institution’s startup incubator and entrepreneurship workshops, Cindy grew into a confident decision-maker and collaborative leader. Her learning journey was enriched by globally aligned modules and international case studies that broadened her outlook.

Finance and Economics students can also pursue a dual degree with the University of the West of England, United Kingdom, or Queensland University of Technology, Australia, further broadening international exposure.

She advises future students to “take advantage of all the opportunities at Taylor’s University — dive into Bloomberg tools early and participate in competitions. This blend of theory and hands-on experience is what makes you industry-ready.”

Marvin Hing: Blending Accounting and Fintech

Marvin Hing Majin, 23, from Labuan, took a bold step by enrolling in Malaysia’s first Bachelor of Accounting (Fintech) (Honours) at Taylor’s University. After completing his Foundation in Business at Taylor’s College, he was intrigued by how technology was reshaping accounting.

“I was torn between Accounting and Computer Science, but the Accounting (Fintech) programme gave me the best of both worlds,” he reflected.

The curriculum blended core modules such as Corporate Reporting and Taxation with technology-driven subjects such as Machine Learning and Blockchain Economics. This blend gave him the flexibility to pursue careers ranging from audit and tax to product management, fintech development, and consulting. Accounting (Fintech) students can also opt for a dual degree with the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, adding an international dimension to their academic journey.

Professional recognition was another key factor. “One of the main reasons I chose this programme was the exemptions it offers with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), which gave me a clear pathway to professional advancement,” he said. This credibility, together with certifications such as the BMC, gave him both confidence and industry-ready skills to compete globally.

Thanks to the structure of the Accounting (Fintech) programme, Marvin completed two internships—first at PwC Malaysia as a Digital Solutions Business Analyst in Tax Technology, where he saw how digitalisation is transforming tax, and later at GXBank, Malaysia’s first digital bank, where he worked on product features that have now reached millions of customers. He is now undergoing the prestigious McKinsey Consulting Fellowship Programme.

Marvin excelled in competitions, securing Runner-Up at the Deloitte SEA Tax Challenge 2024 and 1st Runner-Up at the TARUMT-CIMA Business Challenge 2024. His most transformative experience, however, was representing Malaysia in the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) 2024, a U.S. Government fellowship.

There, he visited Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Yale University, and even the White House. An experience that shaped his worldview, deepened his sense of global citizenship, and felt like a full-circle moment since former president U.S. President Barack Obama once hosted the YSEALI summit at Taylor’s University. He attributes his success to the mentorship of Taylor’s University faculty members.

A School Built for the Future

These journeys highlight how Taylor’s University School of Accounting and Finance nurtures excellence through visionary curricula and strong support systems. Ranked World Top 150 for Accounting & Finance and No. 1 private university in Southeast Asia for Economics & Econometrics in the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject, the school is committed to preparing students for careers that may not yet exist.

Beyond dual degree pathways, students across selected programmes may also pursue electives, minors, or even a second major, allowing them to customise their academic journey and broaden career opportunities.

“We future-proof our curriculum by embedding Bloomberg tools, integrating professional certifications, and continuously engaging with industry. Our goal is to produce adaptable, ethical, and globally minded graduates,” said Associate Professor Dr Nor Shaipah Abdul Wahab, Head of School of Accounting and Finance.

Central to this mission is the Taylor’s Centre for Accountancy Studies (TCAS)—a career hub connecting Accounting and Accounting (Fintech) students with internships, workshops, and pathways to certifications such as ACCA, Certified Public Accountant Australia, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. Marvin credits TCAS as a key pillar in his development, while Cindy benefitted from the programme’s CFA Institute University Affiliation and entrepreneurship ecosystem such as Taylor’s BizPod.

Empowering the Next Generation

For students considering a future in finance or accounting, Taylor’s University offers more than a degree—it offers a launchpad. With strong industry linkages, international exposure, a curriculum aligned to professional standards, and a supportive environment that celebrates both excellence and innovation, the university continues to shape leaders like Cindy and Marvin.

Whether you aspire to be a Chartered Financial Analyst or a fintech product lead, Taylor’s University offers the ecosystem to turn ambition into reality.

Learn more about the Bachelor of Finance and Economics (Honours) and the Bachelor of Accounting (Fintech) (Honours) through Taylor’s Personalised Counselling. Registration is open for the September 2025 intake, with upcoming 2026 intakes also available.

This Empower the Future series is a collaboration with Taylor's University.