CPA Australia and Muhammadiyah universities network to collaborate on accounting talent development

CPA Australia has entered into cooperation agreements with 26 Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah universities across Indonesia, from Aceh to Papua, to support the development of accounting talents. 

This actions the master cooperation agreement signed in 2024 with Majelis Diktilitbang PP Muhammadiyah to support the development of accounting talent and uplift accounting as a profession of choice in the Muhammadiyah Universities network.

The agreements were signed with the respective faculties of Economics and Business,.with the endorsement of the Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah Higher Education Faculty of Economics and Business Association (AFEB PTMA).

This marks the first time CPA Australia has partnered with a university network in Indonesia. The collaboration also paves the way for the first regional rollout of the BRIGHT Program (short for Bringing the future of Accounting to Universities) outside of Java, expanding its reach to Eastern Indonesia.

CPA Australia has an established footprint in ASEAN for the past 70 years. Indonesia is a key market, with an office presence since 2011.

“We are delighted with this tangible step for CPA Australia to play a key role in financial literacy across the universities in Indonesia,” said Priya Terumalay FCPA, Regional Head for CPA Australia in Southeast Asia

In 2024, CPA Australia initiated the highly successful Bright Program in Java through a series of employer-led sessions. The program reached over 50 universities across Jabodetabek, Bandung, Malang, Surabaya, Semarang and Yogyakarta. More than 1.500 students and academics participated in these sessions, gaining insights from professionals on the evolving expectations of the accounting profession in a rapidly changing world. 

“With our established presence in Java, we feel the time is right for us to focus on the huge potential in Eastern Indonesia. We are working with Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar, to bring the Bright Program to undergraduate accounting students in Makassar and South Sulawesi by collaborating with leading employers to share insights on finance and accounting in the age of disruption,” Priya said.

“By facilitating the transfer of industry knowledge to undergraduates, we are enabling students to have realistic expectations and better understand the nuances of workplace culture.”

In today’s complex and rapidly changing business environment, CPA Australia is committed to supporting accounting talent by connecting its members with universities and students. Through this collaboration, CPA Australia encourages the development of essential competencies, such as ethical leadership, strategic thinking, digital agility, critical skills like project management and value chain analysis that are critical for accountants to contribute meaningfully to innovation, governance, and long-term business decision making. 

Dr. Edi Jusriadi, SE., MM, Dean of Faculty of Economics and Business of Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar, said, “We are grateful for the collaboration with CPA Australia through the BRIGHT Program, which has provided valuable insights for our accounting graduate students and peers across South Sulawesi. The program has broadened their understanding of the evolving accounting landscape amid digital disruption, and we look forward to continuing this impactful partnership.”

For years, CPA Australia’s leverage in the thought leadership space has enabled the sharing of best practices across the region. 

“We are continuing this through our involvement in an expert panel at the 3rd International Economics and Business Conference (IECON) organised by the AFEB PTMA,” said Priya.

We sincerely thank CPA Australia for supporting IECON. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to quality education and global engagement. We look forward to strengthening future partnerships between CPA Australia and Muhammadiyah-Aisyiyah universities,” said Professor Rizal Yaya, Chairman of AFEB PTMA for the 2021-2025 term.

 

Media contact:

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