Monday, 30 January 2012

Are you all ready?

Howdy y'all! How was your Chinese New Year celebration?

Hopefully your Chinese New Year have been prospering each and every one of you with overflowing ang pau-s.

Now that Chinese New Year is over and your semester break is almost over, it's not like the world has come to an end. There's more to anticipate about because.....




MASC 2012 is coming!


Here is a sneak preview on what will be happening in MASC 2012. Enjoy!



The organizing committee of MASC 2012 have taken great lengths to prepare this convention to be an exciting event for all of you.

Be prepared to be MASC-ed!





Sunday, 29 January 2012

Knowing Your Interviewer

Mock-Interview Session

Conducted by Lee Soo Fern, Partner, ASEAN People Leader


Lee Soo Fern
Tel: +603 7495 8138
Soo-Fern.Lee@my.ey.com

Lee Soo Fern, Partner, Ernst & Young Advisory Services Sdn Bhd, is the ASEAN People Leader. She oversees the People Team of Ernst & Young in Malaysia, Singapore and the other countries in ASEAN, and is a member of the People Leadership Team in Asia Pacific.

Soo Fern began her career as an auditor. Her professional accounting career spanned 10 years and included a five-year term with Ernst & Young in Singapore.

Soo Fern graduated from the University of New South Wales with a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Finance). She holds a CPA Australia qualification and is a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants.












Friday, 27 January 2012

Getting Equipped for Workshops

MASC 2012 Workshops
Build Up Your Own Personality


What will it take for you to find success in your career? The right educational qualifications, the appropriate technical skills and years of experience seem like a potent and surefire recipe for climbing up the career ladder, but there’s actually another important consideration employers look for.

And that’s soft skills!

MASC 2012, which aims to expose delegates with the most significant and relevant topics of discussion, is aware of this essential element and hence, is addressing this issue through a series of interactive and hands-on workshops which focus onto several key aspects that will help to drive delegates to a higher level of self-enhancement. This brand new workshop session will be conducted concurrently and topics that will be covered are as follow:


Speakers for the workshops

1. Leadership – Michael Reyes (mike@moneytree.my)

Currently the CEO of Money Tree Asia Pacific Limited, A company which offers & conducts programs on improving financial, investment and entrepreneurial skills amongst the young from ages 6 upwards.

He is actively involved in the program, and speaks to youths on issues related to investments & Entrepreneurship. He also works with Institutions of Higher Learning to design and develop curriculum for training undergraduates on Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship that goes beyond the classroom.

He is currently working on projects in Asia Pacific (primary Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Hong Kong and Australia) & Europe to promote and develop key learning initiatives in these fields.

Michael is also a non-executive director for a group of companies in Poland involved in trading, property development and 3D Visualisation.

Prior to Money Tree, Michael spent 12 years in Advertising & Marketing Consultancy. He holds qualifications in both Economics and Computer Science.

2. Communication - Jonathan Quek
3. Technology - PwC Team
4. Critical Thinking - Chris Tan
5. Innovation - Pn. Hamidah


Knowing the topics...

1. Leadership
Leadership has been a main concern in developing young talents especially when entering 21st century. Excellence in academic is no longer sufficient to survive in the world but outstanding leadership skill is now necessary to outshine yourself among million thousands of other similar fresh graduates.

2. Communication
IT Training magazine conducted a survey which found that communication skills and interpersonal skills were the main factors contributing to career success. There is a quote from John Kotter, Good communication does not mean that you have to speak in perfectly formed sentences and paragraphs. It isn’t about slickness. Simple and clear go a long way. Human are social animals, we communicate with each other every day, but how well can we communicate effectively, this is a great question to ponder about for accounting fresh graduates. 

3. Effective Management
Superior performance depends on how well an individual handles not just him/herself but others around the workspace. To a very large extent, the success or failure of a business operation is dependent on the role of management. To obtain success, it is important on how well an individual handles not just him/herself but others around the work-space as well. Try to picture this: there are two possible candidates, A and B for a management position. Their technical skills are on par. A shows great leadership potential and is able to organize people and things well. On the other hand, B is less organized and occasionally, gets caught in conflicts. It comes as no surprise when A gets the promotion.

4. Technology
Technology that we never dreamed of even a decade ago is commonplace today. Everywhere we go, whether it’s a bank, dentist’s office or a fast food restaurant, we see evidence of new technology. Virtually, all our communication, data storage and retrieval, and everyday transactions involve some type of computerized system. Hence, knowledge of technology will be critical when students graduate and enter the workplace. Since technology is used in a wide variety of occupations, technology literacy is essential for a successful job search. Those who are lacking basic computer skills will be at disadvantage from the outset, unable to even apply for a position.

5. Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is being thought in schools more than ever, and businesses are placing greater importance on the critical thinking abilities of new hires. Critical thinking is ideally an objective process used to determine the value of an argument, set of beliefs, claim or issue. Critical thinking usually employs logical reasoning and empirical evidence to reach a conclusion, and ultimately seeks to move away from personal biases, intuitions and preconceptions.

6. Innovation
In order to outshine others, one must be the brightest star. What makes the difference is the power of innovation. Innovation is the asset, and is the gold of knowledge. Creativity encourages innovation and innovation plays a vital role in the development of new business concepts, processes and products. Once considered just in the areas of science and advertising, creativity and innovation now play an important role in all levels and departments of a business. In today’s fast paced business environment, creativity and innovation is a prerequisite for success, and  perhaps even for survival. How do we look into innovation from accounting perspective?

Tuesday, 24 January 2012

Gong Xi Gong Xi ! ! !


It's all going RED
and RED is the LUCKY COLOUR
2nd day of Chinese New Year and still counting...

Gong Xi Fa Cai ! ! !

MASC 2012 celebrating Chinese New Year together with you
May this Prosperous Dragon year bring you and your family
lots and lots of WEALTH, JOY, GOOD HEALTH and FLOWING SUCCESS!





Introducing Speaker for Forum


Dato’ Gan Ah Tee DNS, JP
Managing Partner

Education/Qualification

• Fellow Chartered Accountant of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (“ICAEW”)
• Corporate Finance Qualification granted by ICAEW
• Member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (“MIA”)
• Member of the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“MICPA”) 
• Licensed Investment Representative under Capital Market Services Act, 2007

Expertise Summary

Dato’ Gan has over 30 years’ experience in auditing, accounting and financial advisory. He specialises in corporate turnaround and financial restructuring of under-performing companies and has extensive experience in the field of corporate finance and advisory assignments.

Dato’ Gan is the Managing Partner for BDO Malaysia as well as the Regional Senior Partner for Asia Pacific Region C (ASEAN).

He is the Immediate Past Chairman of ICAEW Malaysia City Group (MCG). Prior to his term as Chairman of ICAEW MCG, he was Chairman of its Education & Training Committee, a position which he recently resumed.

Dato’ Gan had played an active role in MIA as Council Member and Exco Member. He currently sits on the Council and Exco of MICPA. In addition, he sits on Universiti Malaya’s Advisory Council to the Faculty of Business & Accountancy.

Always passionate about talking to the younger generation, Dato’ Gan has given numerous career talks through channels such as The Star Education Fair and events organised by ICAEW, ACCA, MICPA and MIA.

GONG XI FA CAI

MASC 2012 would like to wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year!





May it bring you good luck, good fortune and good times.







70's Flashback

As you have all been informed in the previous posts, the theme for the convention dinner of MASC 2012 is.....

70's Flashback!

Have you all started shopping for an outfit?
For those of you who are still clueless about the 70's fashion style, 
here is some ideas on how you can rock the 70's!


.THE LADIES.
















.THE MEN.















If you still find yourself in a daze of confusion or would like to know more about the 70's fashion, you can scroll through these websites by clicking on the pictures:
  


You can even flip through the January issue of Cleo Magazine. 



Or get more ideas by watching That 70's Show.








BEST OF LUCK :)







Wednesday, 18 January 2012

Bus Stop Important Notice

Dear Participants,

For those who will be taking the rapid bus T632,

PS: there are a lot of bus stops in UM. Remember to let the bus driver know that you will be stopping at the 1st college bus stop, which is the college that you all will be residing at.
If you stop at the main library bus stop, there will be organizing committee waiting for you there.

Contact Ms Maggie Teh at 012-5035696 to ask about direction should you get lost.

IMPORTANT: How to get to UM?


Public Transport to University of Malaya






Public Transport to University of Malaya

From KL Sentral
Participants may take the LRT from KL Sentral to Universiti Station. Then, take the Rapid KL buses (T632) to reach University of Malaya.
By Taxi - 15 minutes distance to reach University of Malaya.

From Bukit Jalil
Participants may take the LRT from Bukit Jalil Station to Masjid Jamek Station and then transfer to Kelana Jaya Line to Universiti Station. Upon reaching Universiti Station,  participants may ride Rapid KL buses (T632) to reach University of Malaya.


From Putra Station
Participants may take LRT from PWTC Station to Masjid Jamek Station and then transfer to Kelana Jaya Line to Universiti Station. Then take Rapid KL buses (T632) to University of Malaya.


From Titiwangsa
Participants may take monorail from Titiwangsa Station to KL Sentral. Then, take Metro Bus (no.12) or Rapid KL (U85) to reach Intan Gate of University of Malaya.

From UKM/Nilai (KTM)
Participants may take KTM to KL Sentral and then proceed to take LRT from KL Sentral to Universiti Station, take RapidKL buses (T632) to reach University of Malaya.

From Duta Bus Station
There is no LRT Monorial Station, so is recommended to take taxi to reach University of Malaya.

From Station University
When you reach there, you may take Rapid KL buses (T632) to reach University of Malaya.

From Midvalley KTM Station
You may go to the north court to take Rapid KL buses (T631)  to reach University Station. Then, take Rapid KL buses (T632) to reach University Malaya.

From Subang Airport
  1. Take a taxi from Subang Airport to Kelana Jaya LRT Station. Approximately 10 minutes with the charge of RM 5.00 in a clear traffic.
  2. Take Kelana Jaya Line towards Gombak to Universiti LRT Station. The journey fare will be RM 1.30.
  3. Take Rapid KL Bus T632 (RM 1.00) to University of Malaya.
From KLIA
  1. Take the Airport Coach for a one way journey to KL Sentral. You can purchase the ticket at the respective counter for RM 10.00.
  2. Take Kelana Jaya Line towards Kelana Jaya to Universiti LRT Station. The journey fare will be RM 1.60
  3. Take Rapid KL Bus T632 (RM 1.00) to University of Malaya
From LCCT
  1. Take the Skybus service to KL Sentral for RM 9.00 or Aerobus service to KL Sentral for RM8.00
  2. Take Kelana Jaya Line towards Kelana Jaya to Universiti LRT Station. The journey fare will be RM 1.60
  3. Take Rapid KL Bus T632 (RM 1.00) to University of Malaya.

If you have any enquiry, please do not hesitate to contact
Ms. Maggie Teh: 012-5035696 or
Mr. Daniel Foong: 017-5962013.

FORUM

Local and Overseas Opportunities for Accounting Graduates:
Should We Stay, or Leave?

Representative Of ICAEW, Dato Gan Ah Tee, Brendan Yap

Talking about the career opportunities of local accounting students and overseas accounting students, many might have the stereotype perspective that the prospects of working in overseas especially western countries are much brighter than that in Malaysia. How far is this statement true?



By looking at the quality of students and education classes that these fresh graduates have gone through, overseas students may seem to have the superiority in the kick start of their career with all the certificates from renowned foreign universities. Again, how far is this statement true?
Now, let’s drill down specifically into opportunities of accounting students in today’s world. Willy-nilly, the foundation of education system in accounting field is said to be more established in certain countries such as United Kingdom and Australia as compared to Malaysia being the new entry in this field. Same goes to the working opportunities. Hence, this ultimately leads to a serious issue in Malaysia, brain drain. 


 With this, a thoughtful and productive forum which aims to create a continuing and insightful dialogue between voices from different background will be held. Through this forum discussion, panels will share on their views on factors that address these issues. Solutions on resolving the issues would be one of the highlights as to tackle the dilemma and provide a clearer picture to all delegates.

Wednesday, 4 January 2012

MASC Checklist

Below is the list of things that we encourage you to bring during the whole 4 days and 3 nights convention. Pack it all up and you’re good to go.


TO BRING LIST:


Attire
þ Track Bottom (sufficient for 3 days)
þ Sport shoes
þ Formal shoes
þ Party's shoes
þ Formal Attire (sufficient for 3 days)
þ Convention dinner attire
þ Casual Attire (sufficient for 3 days)

Toiletries

Bedsheets *there's no goodnight sleep without a clean spread of bedsheets.

Umbrella / Raincoat *to keep yourself warm and dry. ;)


Documents (needed during registration)
þProof of Payment
þ IC
þ Students ID
þ Hard copy of Resume *at least 2 is needed


We will provide you with:

ª Two MASC 2012 T-Shirt
ª Pillow


Kindly be reminded that the convention dinner this year comes in the theme of 70's Flashback.

So, give yourself some time to do some shopping. Grab the attire that you look gorgeous in. But do keep in mind of the theme; 70's Flashback.

The more detailed version of the checklist will be uploaded soon. Not to forget, the sample of the proper attire that you should be wearing for the convention dinner.

Stay Tuned!