Offering an accelerated route towards qualification for Certified Public Accounting (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA) status, the SMU Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) unlocks new career pathways in the accounting sector.
Hear more about the programme from Hery Gunawan, an MPA graduate from the Class of 2025. He is currently a Financial Planning & Analysis Manager at Vena Group (Singapore).
What inspired you to pursue the Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) programme at SMU?
I wanted to broaden my perspective and build a strong accounting foundation to complement my finance career. SMU’s MPA gave me the platform to grow both professionally and personally.
You’ve achieved remarkable accolades: Dean’s List, CIMA Singapore Award in Management Accounting ACCT 616 and ISCA Gold Medal Award. What do these achievements mean to you personally and professionally?
They serve as a testament that hard work and perseverance pay off. They are a source of pride and a reminder to always strive for excellence and continuous learning.
What helped you stay motivated and excel in the programme?
Balancing work and studies was tough, but I stayed motivated by focusing on long-term career goals, drawing energy from supportive peers, professors, friends, family, and colleagues.
The programme was also very stimulating. Despite evening classes and busy days, I was always engaged in class.
What would you advise future students about striving for excellence in the MPA journey?
Embrace the challenge. Manage your time wisely, stay curious, and keep moving forward.
The postgraduate journey will test and stretch you, but it will also unlock opportunities you’ve never imagined.
For me, enrolling in the programme was truly a life-changing decision, one that I believe will positively shape my career.
Discover how the SMU Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) can help you take your career to the next level.
