TAR UC student is runner-up in global tax competition

CARLOS Wong Fook Chin was the first runner-up at this year’s EY Young Tax Professional of the Year international final held in Amsterdam recently.

The Malaysian is a student at Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC). He will soon go on a 10-day visit to one of EY’s Area Tax Centres where he will be able to network with some of the world’s leading tax professionals.

“I’m honoured to represent Malaysia. I am happy that the hard work has paid off and thank everyone who has supported me throughout this competition,” he added.

Wong said students will be able to gain skills vital in the future regardless of whether they win or not. “You do not need in-depth tax background or knowledge to take part. Just invest some extra effort in reading up and doing research will stand you in good stead,” he said.

The most striking aspect of the international competition is being able to network and bond with participants from the different countries, he added.

Ernst & Young Tax Consultants Sdn Bhd partner and EY Young Tax Professional of the Year Malaysia Programme co-director Farah Rosley said: “This is the second consecutive year that a Malaysian has been named first runner-up at this international competition.”

The competition mirrors the attributes and skills of the tax professionals of the future, she said, adding that Wong rose to the challenge and succeeded in impressing the judges.

“We are extremely proud of him as he has done well and wish him all the best as he takes his next steps towards an exciting career in tax,” she said.

Ernst & Young Tax Consultants Sdn Bhd partner and EY Young Tax Professional of the Year Malaysia Programme co-director Hisham Halim said fostering talent is very important at EY.

“Providing our young talents with the chance to excel and achieve outstanding performance at an international event as what Carlos has done, is testament to the efforts of EY in nurturing tax talent,” he said.

Inland Revenue Board corporate services director Rozina Shaik Osman Merican said Wong’s achievement on the international stage demonstrates the ability of local graduates.

The IRB has been a supporter of the programme since it started in 2013.

Australia finalist, Samantha Schwarz, was awarded this year’s EY Young Tax Professional of the Year title at the global final. She will now gain hands-on experience at EY member firms’ offices in London, New York and Hong Kong as part of a 30-day global tour.

Second runner-up, Daniel Lewis of South Africa was rewarded with an invitation to participate in an EY international client conference where he will have the opportunity to explore the most pertinent issues facing the global business community. He also got the Inclusive Leadership Award, as voted by his peers, for demonstrating exemplary leadership skills during the competition.

The EY Young Tax Professional of the Year was established by EY in 2010 to reward and foster the next generation of tax leaders. All competitors are selected in their home countries by EY member firms in collaboration with local universities, and finalists hold their respective home country titles.

This year saw candidates from the 21 represented countries convene to participate in technical workshops, case studies and interviews before a judging panel, which included EY leaders, academics and tax directors from major multinational companies.

Source: TheStar