KUALA LUMPUR: Nearly half of Malaysia’s accountancy and finance professionals are positioning themselves for entrepreneurial ventures, with a significant number considering career moves in the near term. These are among the key findings of the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) Global Talent Trends Survey 2025, the world’s largest annual talent survey for the accountancy profession.
Now in its third edition, the report draws on insights from over 10,000 respondents across 175 countries, offering a comprehensive perspective on career outlooks, evolving workplace expectations and future aspirations within the global finance sector — including Malaysia.
According to the latest data, 46% of Malaysian finance professionals view their qualifications as a launchpad for entrepreneurship. This reflects a broader regional trend of professionals leveraging accountancy as a strategic foundation for business leadership, innovation and commercial ventures.
The appetite for roles aligned with environmental and social governance is also gaining momentum, with 71% of Malaysian respondents expressing strong interest in sustainability-focused careers — one of the highest levels globally. As green finance continues to take centre stage, this enthusiasm signals a readiness to contribute meaningfully to sustainable business practices.
However, retention remains a key concern for employers, as 64% of Malaysian professionals anticipate changing roles within the next two years, with 62% indicating that their next opportunity is likely to be outside their current organisation. This sentiment underscores a critical challenge in workforce stability.
Workplace flexibility also remains high on the agenda. While 80% of respondents prefer hybrid working models, 59% are still required to work fully on-site, pointing to a clear misalignment between employee preferences and organisational policies.
On diversity and inclusion, nearly half (49%) of Malaysian participants believe that certain dimensions of diversity — such as recognising the contributions of older employees — are overlooked within their organisations. Meanwhile, cost-of-living concerns continue to weigh heavily, with 40% expecting a salary increase of at least 11% to manage rising expenses, mirroring a broader sentiment across the Asia Pacific region.
The issue of future-readiness also emerged strongly in the findings. 63% of Malaysian respondents expressed concern about lacking the skills required for the evolving workplace. Despite growing interest in digital transformation, only 25% report being given opportunities to learn artificial intelligence-related skills, suggesting a gap in training provision and digital preparedness.
Mental health remains a critical issue, with 59% acknowledging that their mental wellbeing is compromised by workplace pressures. This figure signals the urgent need for employers to foster healthier, more supportive environments.
In a further sign of evolving professional dynamics, 35% of respondents in Malaysia are engaged in side projects or secondary income-generating activities alongside their main roles. This trend may reflect deeper concerns around income sufficiency, job satisfaction and work–life balance.
On the global stage, international mobility continues to appeal strongly to younger professionals. A notable 73% of Gen Z and 47% of Gen Y Malaysian respondents express interest in pursuing careers abroad, affirming the global value of the ACCA qualification.
Commenting on the findings, Jamie Lyon FCCA, Global Head of Skills, Sectors, and Technology at ACCA, said: “Our 2025 data continue to show a workplace in transition, but one of the exciting themes emerging this year is how accountancy training can be a brilliant early career pathway for building entrepreneurial skills. There’s no doubt this in part reflects how career ambitions continue to transform at work.”
Andrew Lim, ACCA Portfolio Head of Maritime Southeast Asia, added: “Malaysia’s finance professionals are sending a strong signal — they want purpose-driven careers that allow them to innovate, lead and make a difference. The rise in entrepreneurial ambition, interest in sustainability roles and demand for hybrid work reflects a bold and future-ready mindset. As Malaysia steers the ASEAN chair this year, this survey underscores the importance of investing in talent strategies that empower professionals to thrive, not just locally but regionally and globally. Employers must now act decisively to build inclusive cultures, prioritise wellbeing and accelerate digital upskilling to retain and attract the best talent.”
