SoAReach


		Greetings from the Dean

		Graduate Employment Survey 2007

		MPA Graduate Class of 2008

		Welcoming the MPA 3rd Intake

		ICAEW Accreditation

		Open House 2008

		Research in SoA

			Research Camp

			Visits by Scholars

			Conference Presentations

School

Celebrate with our MPA Graduate Class of 2008

The MPA pioneer batch at their last class of the final term, with Practice Associate Professor Themin Suwardy (MPA Programme Director) and Practice Associate Professor John Joseph Williams In January 2006, 27 students started their MPA journey... Fast forward 2 years later, the pioneer batch of MPA graduates will make history once again as pioneer MPA graduates. These graduates will be conferred their degrees in the upcoming Commencement ceremony in July 2008.
In January 2008, the School of Accountancy (SoA) organised an MPA event to celebrate the successful completion of the MPA programme by the pioneer batch of MPA students, whilst congratulating the Year 1 students on their advance into second year. Likewise, the event provided the chance to welcome the incoming third batch of MPA students. Zhi Shian receiving her Certificate of Commendation MPA students mingling during the cocktail reception from Dean
The highlight for the event was the presentation of the "2007 Outstanding MPA Teacher Award" to Practice Associate Professor Pearl Tan, who was selected based on the graduating students' nomination statements and teaching evaluations. In addition, the 3 best academic performers in the MPA graduating cohort – George Lee, Lim Zhi Shian and Syed Abubakar Bin Shariff Aljoofri, were also presented with Certificates of Commendation for their consistent academic excellence throughout the programme. George recounts his journey through the 2-year MPA programme here. In addition, a cheque for S$5000 was also presented to the Dean on the occasion. To express their appreciation to SoA, the graduates had generously pledged the sum as a class gift for the School of Accountancy Scholarship fund just before the end of their final term. Their contribution will help many SoA undergraduates seeking financial assistance for their studies in SMU. In reocognition of their generousity, a donor's tile was etched in their honour and mounted on the Donors' Wall in Level 1. Feedback from the graduates indicate that the MPA programme has helped many of them fulfill their career aspirations with some progressing to higher management and others successfully joining the accounting profession. We feature some of their comments below:

"The MPA helped me a lot in my career conversion. I come from an engineering background and had been hopping around in the market to try out different industries before I started the programme. But now, I can confidently apply part of the knowledge that I have gained (i.e. financial analysis) in my current job." - Hans Buana, Motorola Electronics Pte Ltd Hans also holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree.

"The MPA degree has allowed me to explore a whole new career in the accounting profession which I would never have otherwise been able to and I am truly grateful for this opportunity. I have also enjoyed interacting with my classmates in the MPA programme and we have created strong bonds with each other through the hours spent discussing coursework projects and studying for the examinations together." - Marc See, KPMG Marc also holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree.

"I have gained new friendships as well as knowledge from the MPA programme. Also this programme has helped me in my current work to deal with the new implementation of Sarbanes-Oxley Act in my company. Experience in class has been wonderful, especially through team projects which enabled us to strengthen relationships with fellow coursemates." - Eko Saputro Ongsono, Murata Electronics Singapore Pte Ltd Eko also holds Bachelor of Engineering and Master of Business Administration degrees.

"The MPA programme with its pool of highly competent lecturers has imparted to me current knowledge in accounting and more. The programme is well structured with relevant content. Above all, it challenges me intellectually." - Tan Jeng Moh, HL Bank Jeng Moh also holds Bachelor of Arts (Business Administration) and Master of Business Administration degrees.

"I joined the MPA programme with the possibility of a career change in mind, and to upgrade myself in terms of knowledge and experience. And indeed, over the duration of the course, I discovered newfound skills, gained invaluable information, friends, and a new career." - Lim Zhi Shian, KPMG Zhi Shian also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in English Literature.

"The SMU MPA is a valuable programme which has equipped me with the skills and knowledge required to switch careers. More importantly, it has helped me re-think accounting altogether, beyond just book keeping. I appreciated its holistic approach, which integrated technical rigour with theory." - Cynthia Lee, MTV Asia Cynthia also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Architectural Studies) degree.

Last updated on 12 May, 2008 by School of Accountancy.