Venkkat Ramanan, Regional Vice President of Asia Pacific, AICPA & CIMA
CIMA has had a strong presence in Malaysia for nearly 50 years, starting its operations in 1977. Today, Malaysia ranks among the top 10 growth markets worldwide for the CGMA Professional Qualification, a testament to the growing recognition of our qualification’s value. In 2017, the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants was formed, with CIMA and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) as founding partners. Together as AICPA® & CIMA®, we serve 600,000 members and students in 188 countries. Today, we have 24 offices in major cities throughout the world.
What are some of your organisation’s proudest moments/milestones in Malaysia?
Over the years, our organization has proudly witnessed the CGMA Professional Qualification become one of the most sought-after credentials among students and young professionals in Malaysia. The qualification is increasingly recognized as being a key to unlocking career opportunities across a wide range of industries. It enhances employability by providing the technical, business, digital, leadership and people skills that are vital in today’s dynamic job market. This demand extends beyond entry-level professionals, as working adults and senior executives are also turning to the qualification through accelerated pathways to acquire specific competences that align with their evolving job roles and responsibilities.
Our commitment to professionalizing education in Malaysia is reflected through key initiatives with universities and educational institutions. Some examples are our partnership with UiTM on the Masters in Strategic Management Accounting programme that embeds the CGMA Professional Qualification. We have also launched the CGMA Finance Leadership Programme (FLP) in Malaysia for university students and working adults. Learning and assessments are fully digital on the FLP platform, underscoring our dedication to preparing finance professionals for the digital world. Our work with key national institutions such as Yayasan Peneraju and MARA has also been instrumental in expanding access to the CGMA Professional Qualification.
In addition, we actively support the Malaysian government’s agenda on skills development. Our collaboration with TalentCorp to bridge the employability gap through targeted upskilling initiatives reinforces our commitment to build a competitive and future-ready workforce in Malaysia. We are also proud that our partnership with the Accountant General’s Department has seen nearly 200 senior accountants earning the CIMA CGMA designation and playing pivotal roles across various government entities. We partner with the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) on integrated reporting initiatives in Malaysia and are honoured to serve as their Premium Partner for the 2025 annual conference, providing our full support and expertise.
Describe your operations and total investments in Malaysia (value, staff strength, etc.) to date.
The Malaysia office is one of 10 offices in the Asia Pacific region. The Vice President for Asia Pacific, based in Malaysia, oversees the organization’s vision, strategy, and growth across Southeast Asia, MESANA and Australasia. Additionally In 2018, we set up a Global Business Services (GBS) centre in Malaysia as a strategic hub to support our global operations. This hub complements our existing centres in the UK and US. The Malaysia hub is to better serve our expanding markets in Asia and provide critical support across time zones. We deliver a range of essential services, including member and student support, Finance, and HR functions.
Based on your overall experience of doing business in Malaysia, name the advantages of doing business in Malaysia.
A key advantage is the Malaysian government’s support for the presence of international professional accounting bodies which not only helps develop a robust pipeline of skilled professionals but also ensures that global standards are upheld within the industry.
Additionally, Malaysia places a strong emphasis on education and development, particularly among the young generation, who exhibit a keen desire for continuous learning and professional growth. This aligns well with the demand for the CGMA Professional Qualification, making it a valuable asset for individuals seeking to boost their career prospects and for employers looking to hire talent with a globally relevant skill set.
Another advantage of doing business in Malaysia is the widespread use of English as both a written and spoken language. This makes communication seamless and facilitates uptake of international professional qualifications such as the CGMA Professional Qualification.
Based on your experience in operating in Malaysia, what are the 3 most important criteria for achieving business success in Malaysia?
One of the most important criteria for achieving our business success in Malaysia is leveraging the government’s strong support for education and professional development. The government and local regulators actively collaborate with international professional accounting bodies to enhance the local accounting profession and develop a highly skilled workforce.
A deep understanding of the local education landscape and employer needs is also critical to our success in Malaysia. We offer diverse educational products tailored to different market segments. For example, the CGMA Professional Qualification can be pursued entirely online via the CGMA Finance Leadership Programme, offering rigorous learning with only three exams to complete. We also recognize the work experience of professionals by providing fast-track pathways to the qualification, along with specialized certifications in finance, business and accounting to meet specific competency needs.
Another crucial factor for success is Malaysia’s stable government and resilient economy. It has enabled our long presence in the country for nearly 50 years.
How has your business evolved during this pandemic, especially in terms of optimisation of human and technology resources?
The shift to digital platforms for learning and remote exams has been a significant development for us, enabling greater flexibility and accessibility for learners. Our move to online platforms, such as the CGMA Finance Leadership Programme, has allowed students and professionals to pursue the qualification at their own pace, making it easier to balance work and study, while also broadening our reach.
The rise of remote work (WFH) has also become a key tool for talent attraction and retention for us. Offering flexible working arrangements is increasingly valued by employees who seek a better work life balance. As a result of remote work, we have been able to optimize our office space, focusing on creating collaborative areas while reducing unnecessary overheads. This not only improves cost efficiency but also fosters a more agile and adaptable workforce.
What are the top 3 reasons for your organisation joining the BMCC?
Our BMCC membership grants us access to an extensive network of businesses and professionals, fostering valuable connections. It opens up avenues for collaboration, partnerships, and new business opportunities within both the local and international markets. We also benefit from a range of resources from BMCC such as industry insights, events and training programmes.
What is the top value you see for yourself or your organisation in being a member of the BMCC?
The primary value lies in the enhanced visibility and credibility that comes from being associated with BMCC, a reputable organisation that enhances trade between Malaysia and the UK. This affiliation helps us build trust with clients and partners in Malaysia, effectively navigate the local business landscape and build the finance and accounting talent pipeline for businesses.
In one sentence, how would you describe your own experience or your organisation’s experience as a member of the BMCC?
Our experience as a member of the BMCC has been highly beneficial, providing us with valuable networking opportunities and resources that have positively impacted our business growth.
