Across the region, the accounting and finance profession is undergoing rapid transformation. Advances in technology, growing demand for data-driven decision-making, and evolving business expectations are reshaping the skills needed by professionals to succeed in the field.
Alongside discussions on analytics, automation, and technical competencies, a broader question has emerged: how can institutions, educators, and students work together to better prepare for an evolving profession?
For the SMU School of Accountancy (SOA), the answer lies not only in curriculum innovation, but also in building stronger regional connections and fostering an engaged academic and professional community across Southeast Asia.
This approach underpinned a recent series of engagements in Thailand and Vietnam, where SOA connected with universities, students, and faculty through masterclasses and discussions focused on the future of the accounting and finance field. The engagements were supported by SMU Thailand and SMU Vietnam, which helped facilitate connections with partner universities and coordinate activities on the ground.
Creating a shared conversation on the future of accounting and finance
Across sessions in Bangkok and Hanoi, undergraduate students from partner universities asked thoughtful questions about the direction of the profession and how they can prepare for evolving career pathways. In collaboration with partner universities, SOA facilitated engagements across the region, helping surface shared perspectives on how the profession is evolving.
In response to industry needs, accounting education is no longer centered solely on compliance and reporting. Employers increasingly expect graduates to combine technical expertise with analytical thinking, communication skills, and the ability to interpret and apply data in business contexts.
At universities across Thailand and Vietnam, including Chulalongkorn Business School, Thammasat Business School, Mahidol University International College, Bangkok University, British University Vietnam (BUV), Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST), Thuongmai University (TMU), VNU University of Economics and Business (UEB-VNU Hanoi), Phenikaa University, and The University of Danang (VNUK) — discussions explored how data, technology, and business analytics are reshaping accounting and finance roles. For instance, in masterclasses on data modelling application in accounting and finance, led by Senior Lecturer of Accounting and Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) Director Prasart Jongjaroenkamol, students worked through real-world scenarios and discussed how classroom learning connects to professional decision-making.
At a masterclass in Hanoi, MPA Director Prasart Jongjaroenkamol highlighted emerging trends and skills needed in the accounting field.
“Attending the talk on data analysis in the banking and finance sector was an insightful experience. The real-world examples made complex concepts much easier to understand, and the session motivated me to strengthen my analytical skills for future career opportunities,” shared Nguyen Bao Minh Chau, a student from HUST.
More importantly, the strong engagement from students reflects a growing interest in learning experiences that connect theory with real-world application, an approach that is central to SMU’s emphasis on bridging classroom learning with practice.
Strengthening regional collaboration
Beyond student engagement, the initiative also enabled deeper collaboration among universities across Southeast Asia.
Discussions with faculty and academic leaders focused on shared challenges in accounting and finance education, particularly curriculum relevance and experiential learning, and revealed strong alignment on the evolving graduate expectations and the future direction of the profession.
Dr Vu Thi Thanh Binh from UEB-VNU Hanoi highlighted the relevance of business analytics in accounting and finance education, “The masterclass was highly engaging, reflecting key trends in accounting and finance education. It is well aligned with UEB’s Business Analytics students and offers a strong pathway for those pursuing a master’s degree at SMU.”
The conversations also underscored a common goal across institutions: preparing students for a profession that is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary, data-driven, and globally connected.
Building an ecosystem of learning and engagement
SOA’s regional engagements reflect a broader belief that accounting and finance education is strengthened through collaboration and continuous exchange.
Alongside classroom discussions, students explored the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and cross-disciplinary thinking in modern accounting careers. Faculty discussions similarly examined how teaching approaches can better reflect evolving industry realities.
These perspectives align closely with SOA’s postgraduate offerings, including the Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) and the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA), which integrate technical accounting knowledge with analytics, experiential learning, and industry engagement.
More broadly, these engagements go beyond outreach. They strengthen connections across Southeast Asia’s accounting and finance community and enable dialogue, collaboration, and shared learning. As the profession evolves, they will be key to preparing future-ready accounting and finance professionals in the region.
Discover SMU SOA’s postgraduate programmes shaping future-ready professionals:
