TAR UMT student to take on global tax challenge

The Star

13-07-2025

One for the album: (From left) Hisham, Ernst & Young Tax Consultants Sdn Bhd tax leader (Asia East) Yeo Eng Ping, Farah, Ooi and Shaharrudy.
Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) student Ooi Wei Xuen will represent Malaysia at the EY Young Tax Professional of the Year (YTPY) global finals, where he will compete against national level winners from other nations early next year.
The 22-year-old, who is pursuing his Bachelor of Business (Honours) Accounting and Finance at the varsity, was announced national champion of the YTPY 2025 competition on July 3, paving the way for him to make the country proud in the international round of the competition.
For his effort, Ooi took home a cash prize of RM8,000 and the opportunity for a paid internship or a conditional offer of employment in Tax Services with Ernst & Young Tax Consultants Sdn Bhd.
Commenting on his win, Ooi said it was an 'incredible' feeling.
'Competing against top university talents and presenting in front of HASiL directors and EY tax partners was a true honour.
'This recognition motivates me to keep growing and to aim even higher,' he said in a press release.
The first and second runners-up were Erdina Mysarah and Idris Fadli Ambok Dalek, respectively.
Both are aged 23, and pursuing their Bachelor of Accounting (Honours) at International Islamic University Malaysia.
Erdina received a cash prize of RM6,000 while Idris Fadli took home RM3,000. They also received offers for either a paid internship or a conditional employment position at the company.
In his address, Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri Malaysia (HASiL) deputy chief executive officer (Tax Operation) Shaharrudy Othman said the programme aligns with HASiL's vision as a leading tax administrator by enhancing its commitment to providing excellent tax services through an integrated and transparent taxation system.
'As we work to build a competent workforce and nurture talent through various initiatives, the EY YTPY programme not only reinforces this mission but also encourages participants to explore the rewarding career opportunities available in the field of tax.'
Ernst & Young Tax Consultants Sdn Bhd (Malaysia) tax managing partner Farah Rosley said unlike conventional undergraduate programmes, the YTPY competition is a global initiative that inspires young talents to break free from the limitations of their academic environment, engage with real-world challenges and grow their network with business leaders and industry champions.
'This competition provides a unique platform for undergraduates to tackle genuine business issues while collaborating with industry leaders to address problems that span across borders and cultures.
'Such invaluable exposure equips our future workforce with the skills and insights needed to stand out in the competitive job market,' she said.
Ernst & Young Tax Consultants Sdn Bhd partner and YTPY (Malaysia) programme director Hisham Halim said the challenge offers students a unique platform to explore the pivotal role of taxation in shaping today's global economies, and to discover how they can create meaningful impact as future tax professionals.
'This prestigious competition encourages diverse perspectives and challenges participants to creatively analyse complex issues facing global businesses.
'With an international panel of judges assessing both innovation and practical skills, participants are required to integrate critical thinking, business acumen and technical tax knowledge to solve real-world challenges.
'We are confident that this year, Ooi will rise to the occasion and shine on the global stage,' he said.