TAR UMT student to Represent Malaysia at the International Finals of the EY Young Tax Professional of the Year 2025

4 July 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Ooi Wei Xuen  of Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) was announced today as the winner of the EY Young Tax Professional of the Year (YTPY) 2025 Malaysia competition at an event attended by Shaharrudy Othman, Deputy Chief Executive Officer – Tax Operation, Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri Malaysia (Hasil).

Ooi, 22, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Accounting and Finance, will now represent Malaysia at the international finals of the EY Young Tax Professional of the Year competition. He will compete against winners from other countries for the title of “EY Young Tax Professional of the Year 2026”.

As the national winner, Ooi received a cash prize of RM8,000 and secured a paid internship of no less than eight weeks or a conditional offer of employment in Tax Services with Ernst & Young Tax Consultants Sdn Bhd.

He said, “It felt incredible to win the EY Young Tax Professional of the Year 2025. Competing against top university talents and presenting in front of LHDN directors and EY tax partners was a true honour. This recognition motivates me to keep growing and to aim even higher.”

The first runner-up was Erdina Mysarah, 23, a student of Bachelor of Accounting (Hons) at International Islamic University Malaysia. Erdina received a cash prize of RM6,000 and a paid internship of no less than eight weeks or a conditional offer of employment in Tax Services.

Idris Fadli Bin Ambok Dalek, 23, also a student of Bachelor of Accounting (Hons) at International Islamic University Malaysia, was named second runner-up. He received a cash prize of RM3,000 and a paid internship or conditional offer of employment with Ernst & Young Tax Consultants Sdn Bhd.

In his address, Shaharrudy Othman stated, “The EY YTPY programme aligns with Hasil’s vision as a leading tax authority by strengthening our commitment to delivering excellent tax services through an integrated and transparent taxation system. As we strive to develop a competent workforce and nurture talent through various initiatives, the EY YTPY programme not only reinforces this mission but also inspires participants to explore the rewarding career opportunities available in the field of tax.”

Farah Rosley, Malaysia Tax Managing Partner at Ernst & Young Tax Consultants Sdn Bhd, commented, “At EY, we are committed to nurturing future talents and tax professionals. The EY Young Tax Professional of the Year (EY YTPY) competition exemplifies this dedication and aims to empower young individuals to explore careers in tax. Unlike traditional undergraduate programmes, the EY YTPY is a global initiative that encourages young talents to step beyond their academic environments, engage with real-world challenges, and expand their networks with business leaders and industry experts.”

She added, “This competition provides a unique platform for undergraduates to tackle genuine business issues while collaborating with industry leaders to address problems that transcend borders and cultures. Such invaluable experience equips our future workforce with the skills and insights needed to excel in a competitive job market.”

Hisham Halim, Partner at Ernst & Young Tax Consultants Sdn Bhd and Programme Director of EY YTPY Malaysia, shared, “The EY YTPY programme offers students a unique opportunity to explore the vital role of taxation in shaping today’s global economies, and to discover how they can make a meaningful impact as future tax professionals.

This prestigious competition encourages diverse perspectives and challenges participants to think creatively when analysing complex issues faced by global businesses. With an international panel of judges evaluating both innovation and practical skills, participants are required to demonstrate critical thinking, business acumen, and technical tax knowledge to solve real-world challenges. We are confident that this year, Ooi Wei Xuen will rise to the occasion and shine on the global stage.”

The international EY YTPY 2026 competition is a global event designed to foster learning, team-building, and networking among the world’s top young tax professionals. In 2025, the competition saw participation from 38 finalists representing 61 countries. Each national winner proceeds to the global stage, which involves a virtual programme and judging process to determine the Top 10 finalists, expected to take place in January or February 2026.

The Top 10 will then compete in an in-person final event (scheduled for March or April 2026), where the overall winner and two runners-up will be announced and celebrated.