News

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has announced its latest membership figures, reaching a milestone of 252,500 members worldwide, marking a significant achievement following decades of consistent growth. In Malaysia alone, ACCA membership has grown to 19,576 members. This milestone comes just seven years after ACCA celebrated its 200,000th member in 2017. The current figures represent a membership increase of approximately 2% since the previous year. Additionally, ACCA has over 526,000 aspiring members in its pipeline. Ronnie Patton, President of ACCA, remarked, “The scale and scope of this achievement are remarkable, reflecting our ability to attract a global community of professionals. It underscores the significant contributions ACCA members make to the global economy as qualified professional accountants.” “Our members are present in 180 countries, ensuring ACCA’s voice and influence are globally pervasive. We celebrate not only the size of our membership but also the profound impact and contributions our members make worldwide.” Andrew Lim, Portfolio Head of ACCA Maritime Southeast Asia, stated, “Reaching this quarter-million milestone demonstrates the enduring appeal and value of ACCA. In Malaysia, our members are pivotal in driving economic development and upholding the highest standards of professional integrity in both local and global financial landscapes.” Founded in 1904 with a mission to widen access to the profession, ACCA became the first professional accountancy body to admit women in 1909, showcasing its long-standing commitment to inclusion and public service. ACCA will celebrate its 120th anniversary this November. Throughout the year, celebrations will highlight the impact of members in building a better world, sharing and showcasing their stories. Helen Brand, Chief Executive of ACCA, said, “This is an exciting achievement, and we are proud of our talented and committed members who are making a positive impact globally. As we look to the future, we are committed to leading an inclusive profession that adapts to a changing world, united by a global code of ethics and a dedication to continuous skill development.” ACCA members hold diverse roles in accounting, management, and leadership across both the private and public sectors. The association has been instrumental in broadening the scope of accountancy to include strategy, sustainability, and wider professional skills. ACCA continues to share its global insights and expertise to contribute to robust economies and a sustainable future for all. You can watch the quarter of a million celebratory video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCJ2-oMyL0s

SHAH ALAM: Volvo Buses, a leading provider of sustainable transport solutions and part of the Volvo Group, in collaboration with Gemilang International Ltd, a premier Malaysian manufacturer of bus and coach bodywork, has launched the flagship Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range. This marks Volvo’s first locally-built electric low-floor, two-door, premium city bus in Malaysia. At the launch event, a signing ceremony was held with Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd to confirm a trial operation of the Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range for the Rapid KL bus service. Representing Rapid Bus, CEO Muhammad Yazurin Sallij announced the trial would begin in July 2024 and last between six months and a year, involving the electric bus on Route 581 from Desa Tasik to LRT Bandar Tasik Selatan. Combining Volvo’s European electromobility innovations with Gemilang’s expertise in electric bus bodywork, the new bus aims to deliver unprecedented safety, efficiency, and zero-emission city transport. Engineered in Sweden, the Volvo BZL chassis features advanced structural design and premium materials, ensuring optimal energy storage and unmatched durability. The Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range is poised to transform Malaysia’s electric bus segment, supporting the nation’s goals for sustainable public transport. Rapid Bus plans to replace its diesel fleet with electric buses by 2030, aiding Malaysia’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The new bus can reduce carbon emissions by up to 60%, equivalent to approximately 329kg of CO2 per passenger annually over 15,000km compared to diesel buses. Built on the Volvo BZL 4×2 chassis, the GML Eco Range offers efficient city operations with a flat, low floor for enhanced passenger accessibility and stability. Its modular design allows for customization, reducing repair costs and downtime. It can accommodate up to 91 passengers, with options for different body lengths from 10.6 to 12.5 meters. The bus adheres to rigorous global safety standards, featuring advanced braking systems like ABS, EBS, ASR, and ESC, alongside optional driver aids such as departure warning, collision warning, and 360-degree cameras. The energy storage system incorporates multiple safety layers, including thermal management and automatic thermal suppression. Charging options include OppCharge high-power charging and CCS sockets, with roof-mounted energy storage optimizing passenger space and weight distribution. A powerful climate control system, double-glazed glass panels for insulation and noise reduction, and a comfortable, ergonomically designed driver’s seat enhance the commuting experience. Marcus Mak, Country Manager of Volvo Buses Malaysia, emphasised the company’s commitment to responsible and safe electric bus systems, highlighting the role of electromobility in achieving a sustainable future. Pang Jun Jie, Executive Director of Gemilang International Ltd, noted the alignment of their goals with the Malaysian government’s initiatives to reduce carbon footprints and promote green mobility in major cities like the Klang Valley.