TARCian Secures Placing to Compete at International Stage

Once again, the country’s representative who will be competing in the international EY Young Tax Professional of the Year (EY YTPY) Competition next year will be from Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT).

Ooi Wei Xuen, a graduate of the Bachelor of Business (Hons) Accounting and Finance at TAR UMT Penang was crowned the national winner of EY YTPY 2025 Malaysia competition, after going heads on with seven other outstanding finalists. He is the fifth national Champion from TAR UMT to be representing the country at the international stage of the competition.

“My seniors’ achievements have greatly inspired me to prepare thoroughly and strive for the same level of excellence. Winning the award this year is incredibly rewarding, as I’m proud to contribute to TAR UMT’s legacy of success in this competition’s history. For this, I am especially grateful to my lecturers, Ms Suzzanne Poh Shuh Chen, Mr Goh Keat Siew, and Mr Michael Yeo Thiam Swee, for their unwavering support, trust, and belief in me. Their guidance, both mentally and technically, have been instrumental in shaping my confidence and performance throughout the competition,” said Wei Xuen.

Wei Xuen’s statement highlights TAR UMT’s emphasis on real-world application, student mentorship, and peer inspiration. The university's educational philosophy, where seniors inspire juniors, and educators actively nurture students with potential, enables them to rise beyond textbook knowledge to thrive in competitive and practical arenas.

Recalling the competition experience, Wei Xuen shared, “Presenting in front of EY Tax Partners, and Director from Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri (LHDN) was intense, fulfilling, and truly memorable. It pushed me to rise to the occasion and gave me the rare chance to interact with top professionals in the field. Although being evaluated by such esteemed figures was nerve wrecking, it also boosted my confidence knowing my knowledge and skills are of industry standard.”

“After the competition, several EY professionals provided positive feedback on my performance and on some of the answers I gave during the Q&A session. One EY tax partner remarked that it was surprising to hear such insightful responses from someone without any prior work experience. That truly humbled and encouraged me, reinforcing my passion for tax and my commitment to grow in this field.”

With that, this young tax prodigy is already working on enhancing his qualifications post-graduation. In addition to preparing for the international stage of the EY YTPY next year, Wei Xuen is also preparing for the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) examination and has enrolled in the CIMA A-Star Programme offered at TAR UMT. Driven and forward-looking, he is determined to continue developing himself, both professionally and personally, with a long-term vision of building a successful career in finance, consulting, or advisory services.