New IIA Malaysia, BAC partnership aims to grow country’s internal audit talent pool

KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 — The Institute of Internal Auditors Malaysia (IIA Malaysia) and BAC Education Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen the country’s internal audit talent pipeline amid concerns over skills shortages in key professional fields.

In a joint statement yesterday, the organisations said the partnership comes as Malaysia records a 5.4 per cent gross domestic product expansion in the first quarter of 2026, warning that a severe talent deficit in key disciplines could affect the country’s long-term growth and global competitiveness.

Under the collaboration, IIA Malaysia and BAC will introduce Certified Internal Auditor tutorial programmes, postgraduate pathways and upskilling initiatives aimed at producing more qualified internal audit professionals.

“This collaboration with BAC Education Group strengthens our ability to develop more professionals who are both technically proficient and strategically equipped to serve as trusted advisors in Malaysia’s governance, assurance, control and risk requirements,” said Suhailah Mohamed Abdulla, President of IIA Malaysia.

“Our economic expansion also demands internal auditors who do more than check boxes; they must actively create, protect and sustain corporate values. This initiative expands our strategic efforts to raise more Certified Internal Auditors in Malaysia, and our membership base,” she added.

The MoU will also see the introduction of MBA pathways specialising in internal audit, with Certified Internal Auditor Parts 1, 2 and 3 incorporated as electives.

Other initiatives include Continuous Professional Development programmes on emerging risk areas, joint seminars, workshops, career engagement activities and innovation-focused education for the internal audit profession.

BAC students will also be eligible to join the IIA Malaysia community, expanding the base of future internal audit practitioners.

BAC Education Group chief future officer Raja Singham said the partnership would help graduates combine academic learning with globally recognised professional certification.

He said this would better prepare them to enter the workforce with the skills, credibility and adaptability needed to remain relevant in a technology-driven job market.

IIA Malaysia, established in 1977, is a non-profit professional organisation serving more than 3,400 members nationwide.