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1. What made you choose the ACCA qualification over the other professional qualifications available?

ACCA is a widely respected qualification coupling technical knowledge requirements with relevant experience to develop individuals into leading finance professionals. It calls for intensive focus in various fields – accounting, tax, audit, finance – and fully equips one with a diversity of skills, widening career opportunities and providing a holistic perspective in the ever-evolving business world.

Despite being a full-time student, the flexible study options coupled with reasonable speed of completion made ACCA attractive, as it could be pursued without the need for everyday classes, allowing time for self-revision, and yet able to be completed within a reasonably short time span.

The challenge inherent in ACCA’s exam element distinguished itself as a qualification of choice, though one not easily attained. The focus of subject matter demands thorough mastery and not mere mediocrity – it trains the mind, strengthens the will, and calls for much determination. Tenacity is built in progressing along the pathway to obtaining the ACCA qualification – the journey is arduous but it molds one’s character as it builds technical competence. Thus, both the process of attaining the ACCA and the qualification itself is equally rewarding.  

2. Were there any obstacles you had to overcome while studying for this qualification?

Even as a full-time student, time was almost always a constraint, especially as the exams drew closer. It was tricky to strike a pleasant balance between studies and family/social activities, as the former often ate into what spare time available with increasingly challenging concepts to digest and grasp. However, I found it especially refreshing to break away from studies for a complete day each week, to relax the mind and be able to spend time with my family and friends, allowing this healthy interruption in the monotony and “hum-drum” of everyday studying. I am also blessed with a very understanding and supportive family that respected my need, especially closer to the exams, to dedicate more time for intense revision.

One other obstacle faced as a full-time student was the lack of experience and perhaps maturity to solidify the understanding of the subject matter. However, additional reading up around the subject along with wider reference to current business news allowed concepts to come alive from the book to real business scenarios. Discussion with working friends and my lecturers also proved helpful in overcoming this obstacle, as it served as an excellent tool to confirm and reinforce my full understanding of the matter – concept re-explanation in the course of discussion encouraged maximum retention and more effective learning. 

3. Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

I do hope to see myself in a senior managerial role in a decade’s time, one of influence and with the ability to create a strategic impact on the firm as well as society. More importantly, I aspire to be able to reflect back 10 years’ later and be convinced that I have grown wiser, as a professional and a person as a whole, yet continually realizing that learning is unending, and tougher challenges are essential to compel one to scale greater heights.

4. Who do you admire? How has this person played a role in shaping the person you are?

So many different ones have played such a key role in my life to inspire and shape me into who I am; there isn’t really a specific person I can attribute this to.

My parents have played such a pivotal part in my life, being there for me through thick and thin, instilling values worthy of embrace that nurtured a love and desire for continuous learning and challenges. I am grateful to them for consistently emphasizing the overriding importance of attitude and character in all life’s pursuits. These values remain lifelong treasures that I trust will continue to guide me in the days ahead as they have the past.

I have been privileged to pass through the hands of lecturers who have been a great source of inspiration and motivation, providing much more than technical knowledge. In particular, my long-standing ACCA lecturer, Mr. Sami, has been a role model of principle I look up to. I admire his ability to impart mental strength and infectious passion that ignited within me genuine interest and commitment to my studies, even in subjects I initially approached with lesser interest. These have shaped my approach and attitude towards challenges, and carried me through my endeavours. Though it grew increasingly strenuous and challenging, this only fueled the passion within to excel.

Perhaps the common thread lies in their visualizing achievement for me, even the seemingly unattainable. Their faith, believing in me, and the possibilities of the future, kindled ambition and always spurred me on to do my best, encouraging me when stretched to the limits to press on and not fail them for all their untiring support. This is truly inspiration worthy of admiration; this is what made this medal possible.

5. What motto do you live by?

Pursue your goals with passion, positive attitude and perseverance. Strive for excellence, and always stay humble. Enjoy the process – it matters more than the outcome itself. Aim high, have faith in God, and achieve – do it once, do it only with your very best!

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