KUALA LUMPUR – A growing shortage of qualified internal auditors is emerging as a key challenge to Malaysia's long-term economic ambitions, prompting the Institute of Internal Auditors Malaysia (IIA Malaysia) to launch new initiatives aimed at strengthening the country's professional talent pipeline.
The move comes as Malaysia recorded a robust 5.4 per cent gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the first quarter of 2026, with businesses facing increasingly complex governance, risk management and compliance requirements amid a rapidly evolving economic landscape.
To address the shortage, IIA Malaysia has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with BAC Education Group to develop more Certified Internal Auditors (CIA) and raise professional standards through education, certification and continuous upskilling.
The collaboration will introduce Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) tutorial programmes, alongside postgraduate pathways including an MBA specialising in Internal Audit, with CIA Parts 1, 2 and 3 incorporated as elective components.
The partnership will also offer continuous professional development (CPD) programmes focusing on emerging risk areas, as well as joint seminars, workshops, research initiatives and technology-driven learning to prepare professionals for the future of internal auditing.
In addition, BAC students will now be eligible to join the IIA Malaysia community, expanding the pool of aspiring internal audit professionals entering the workforce.
IIA Malaysia president Suhailah Mohamed Abdulla said Malaysia's economic expansion requires a larger pool of professionals capable of supporting increasingly sophisticated governance and assurance functions.
"Our economic expansion demands internal auditors who do more than checkboxes. They must actively create, protect and sustain corporate value.
"This collaboration with BAC Education Group strengthens our ability to develop professionals who are both technically proficient and strategically equipped to serve as trusted advisers in Malaysia's governance, assurance, control and risk requirements.
"This initiative also expands our efforts to increase the number of Certified Internal Auditors in Malaysia while growing our membership base," she said.
BAC Education Group chief future officer Raja Singham said the partnership reflects the growing importance of combining academic qualifications with globally recognised professional credentials.
"In an age where technology is reshaping every profession, the real competitive advantage lies not simply in having a qualification, but in continuously building skills, credibility and professional relevance.
"By integrating academic learning with professional certification, we are ensuring graduates enter the workforce with not only knowledge, but also the confidence, competence and internationally recognised credentials to make an immediate impact while remaining adaptable throughout their careers," he said.
The collaboration is expected to help build a stronger pipeline of certified internal auditors as organisations across Malaysia continue to navigate evolving regulatory requirements, digital transformation and heightened governance expectations. - June 29, 2026
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