New AAT-CTIM exemptions open pathways for Malaysian tax professionals

The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) has now confirmed a series of exemptions with the Chartered Tax Institute of Malaysia (CTIM) to open key pathways for Malaysian tax professionals and meet local market needs. 

The new exemptions mean those with recognised CTIM qualifications will not have to sit all AAT assessments to gain qualifications. The agreement will also recognise those who have already studied with AAT and CTIM in recent years. This creates a path for students and members to become AAT qualified accounting technicians with CTIM local tax qualifications, combining a globally leading qualification with strong local market knowledge.

Sarah Beale recently signed the agreement with CTIM President Soh Lian Seng at a formal ceremony in Kuala Lumpur alongside AAT's International Development Lead, Tim Dawkins.

Opening new pathways  

The exemptions include students who have achieved the CTIM Business Taxation (2040) and CTIM Personal Taxation (2020) and exempts them from AAT’s Q2022 Level 4 Business Tax and Personal Tax unit. Students completing AAT’s Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting will also be exempted from CTIM’s Financial Accounting and Reporting unit. 

The new pathways come at an important time for Malaysia’s business community as the country’s micro, small and medium enterprise sector continues to grow rapidly, including by 11.6% in 2022 alone, and increasingly needs support from tax professionals.

Supporting international partners 

AAT works closely with Professional Accounting Organisations to ensure the qualifications deliver valuable skills that align with local demands. This exemption provides a locally contextualised AAT qualification that will create more opportunities to gain AAT qualifications and become an accounting technician.

CTIM is a leading professional body for tax professionals in Malaysia that offers the CTIM Professional Qualification in Taxation with the aim of building a pool of qualified tax professionals with the knowledge and skills for a successful career in tax.  CTIM has worked closely with AAT to facilitate these new pathways.

Sarah Beale, AAT Chief Executive Officer, said: “I’m delighted to see the localisation of our globally leading qualification. Our work with CTIM ensures a stronger pathway into the profession for the many professionals in Malaysia who use AAT as a springboard to practice. This collaboration opens new opportunities and will help meet local skills needs for years to come.”

Soh Lian Seng, CTIM President, said: “The MoU between CTIM and AAT marks a significant milestone, symbolising the deepening of collaboration between AAT and the Institute. CTIM takes pride in its affiliation with AAT, and I am confident that this partnership will deliver positive, mutually beneficial outcomes. I look forward to the successful collaboration and partnership.”