Monash students win CIMA Management Accounting Business Challenge

28 August 2008 

Puteri Zara Sophiya binti Mohd Izzuddin, Rozina binti Ali, Jasreen Kaur and Veelaiporn Promwichit from the School of Business did Monash proud when they emerged as champions of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Management Accounting Business Challenge 2008.  

By winning the competition, the girls bagged numerous prizes including RM2000, flight tickets to Redang Island as well as a hamper and a medal each. They also get to keep the Challenge Trophy for a year until the next competition in 2009. 

The competition, which aims to test analytical and business decision making skills, saw teams from various public and private university, colleges and other educational institutions compete in two-phases.

The first phase required teams to submit their analysis of a given case study during the preliminary round. In the second phase, the top four teams went on to present their strategic business solution for the case study.  

Advancing to the second phase came as a surprise for them as the girls only had one week to give their analysis of the given case study. “We joined the competition at the last minute; right after our exams and we basically spent one week of our break at the university,” said Rozina. 

“Although we were busy and were under pressure during the competition, we had a fantastic time together,” she added.  

When asked about having to present in front of a panel of judges that consisted of prominent CIMA members, they confidently agreed that they were more nervous during their practice session. “I guess we were really prepared for it. We even booked one of the lecture theatres at Monash to practice,” said Puteri Zara who was also named Best Presenter of the competition. 

“We are excited and happy about winning. But all of that could not have happened without team work. We also received support from lecturers, especially Mr Kalaithasen Kuppusamy, who was the one who told us about the competition,” Jasreen highlighted. 

“Apart from that, we would like to thank Professor Ron Edwards, Dr Patrick Halloran, Dr Balachander Krishnan Guru, Dr Jeyanthi Selvarajah, along with other staff from the School of Business who supported us,” added Veelaiporn.

The third-year Bachelor of Business students said they looked forward to entering other competitions.

They also offered tips to those interested in participating in next year’s competition and they all agreed that some of the ingredients for the winning recipe includes, being able to work as a team, being receptive to new ideas and approaching lecturers for help. Most importantly, they said, the team must have fun and enjoy the experience - Anita Hadi

 The winning team, (from Left to Right)  Puteri Zara Sophiya binti Mohd Izzuddin, Jasreen Kaur, Veelaiporn Promwichit and Rozina binti Ali with the challenge trophy.