TAR UMT Graduate Shines as Malaysia’s EY Young Tax Professional of the Year 2025
He will be the fifth champion from TAR UMT to represent Malaysia for the EY Young Tax Professional of the Year Competition.
Published 04 Nov 2025
Ooi Wei Xuen, a recent graduate of the Bachelor of Business (Hons) Accounting and Finance programme from Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) Penang, has been named the national winner of the EY Young Tax Professional of the Year (EY YTPY) 2025 Malaysia competition. This achievement marks him as the fifth champion from TAR UMT to represent Malaysia on the international stage of this prestigious contest.
The EY Young Tax Professional of the Year (EY YTPY) is an annual competition that gathers university students, young graduates and early- career professionals to gauge their technical tax skills, business acumen and commercial awareness.
Wei Xuen’s journey to the top was not just about personal ambition but also a continuation of TAR UMT’s tradition of representing Malaysia on the world stage. Reflecting on his win, Wei Xuen shared, “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.”
He also expressed deep gratitude toward his lecturers, whose support was crucial to his victory. “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.”
TAR UMT’s approach to education clearly goes beyond textbook knowledge. The university emphasises real-world applications, mentorship, and peer inspiration, helping students develop the practical skills and mindset needed to excel in competitive environments. Wei Xuen’s experience during the competition highlighted this perfectly. He recalled, “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.” Despite the pressure, Wei Xuen felt encouraged by the experience, saying, “Although being evaluated by such esteemed figures was nerve-racking, it also boosted my confidence knowing my knowledge and skills are of industry standard.”
The comments Wei Xuen received from the judges were particularly inspiring. He shared, “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.”
Looking ahead, Wei Xuen is already preparing for the international stage of the EY YTPY competition. He is also working toward further qualifications by studying for the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) exams through TAR UMT’s CIMA A-Star Programme. With a clear vision and determination, Wei Xuen aims to build a successful career in finance, consulting, or advisory services, demonstrating how a strong academic foundation at TAR UMT can open doors to exciting opportunities.
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Amelia Ho
Always wandering, always wondering.
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