The Tax Budget and Me 2026 event was successfully organised by the TAR UMT Accounting Society, marking the third edition of this annual conference. Held on 14 November 2025, the event aimed to enhance students' understanding of Malaysia's Budget 2026 and its relevance to university students and future professionals, while also providing opportunities for participants to gain valuable insights, advice, and perspectives from experienced professionals in the taxation field, as well as to engage and network with industry practitioners.
High calibre leaders and alumni from top organisations in the industry such as KPMG, Deloitte, YYC, Crowe Malaysia and Ernst and Young shared their valuable inputs during the sessions. Prof Dato’ Indera Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, President of TAR UMT attended the insightful talk alongside industry guests, TAR UMT officials and 233 students.
The first highlight for the day was the sharing by Mr Soh Lian Seng, Head of Tax at KPMG Malaysia and President of Chartered Tax Institute of Malaysia, who provided insights on the evolving tax landscape and the significance of Malaysia's Budget 2026.
The programme then continued with four sessions.
Session 1 - Economic Overview & Budget 2026 Highlights
The first session by Mr Chong Mun Yew, Tax Partner of Crowe Malaysia covered major announcements, economic trends, and government initiatives. He highlighted the objectives of the budget and the key fiscal and policy measures, offering participants a clear understanding of the broader economic and regulatory context. This session provided students with a clear overview of the key announcements in Budget 2026 and a broad understanding of the budget's objectives and implications for different sectors in Malaysia.
Session 2: Corporate Tax Disputes and Scandals in Malaysia
Moderator and panellists (from left): Ms Agnes Wong Ling Lee (Managing Partner of Syarikat Ong Group) as the forum moderator with Mr Soh and Mr Chris Toh Pei Roo (Partner and Tax Lawyer of Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill).
The second session was a forum where panellists explored notable corporate tax disputes and scandals in Malaysia, focusing on their causes, regulatory aspects, and practical implications. The discussion examined common compliance challenges and enforcement actions while highlighting the role of corporate governance in preventing and managing tax risks. Through real-world examples, the session provided participants with a clearer understanding of how corporate tax issues arise and the importance of transparency and accountability in tax practices.
Session 3: Bridging the Gap from Classroom to Career
Moderator and panellists (from left): Ms Koh Ching Nghi, moderator and TAR UMT student pursuing her Bachelor of Commerce (Hons), Mr Chew Chen Wah (International Tax Advisory Manager and a TAR UMT alumnus), Ms Ashley Lim Siew Fern (Corporate Finance Manager of Alliance Islamic Bank Berhad and a TAR UMT alumna) and Mr Vincent Lui Kok Leong (International Tax & Transaction Service Senior Associate of Ernst & Young and a TAR UMT alumnus)
The third session, also a forum, featured proud alumni of TAR UMT who have successfully established themselves in their respective professional fields. The session aimed on guiding students through the transition from academic learning to professional practice. The panellists shared valuable insights on career pathways, essential skills, and practical experiences. The discussion highlighted workplace expectations and effective strategies for adapting to professional environments, offering students a clearer perspective on their future careers and how to prepare for the workforce.
Session 4: Tax in Action: Industry Insights and Career Readiness
Moderator and panellists, from left: Ms Poh Shuh Chen (Lecturer of Faculty of Accountancy, Finance and Business), Mr Carlos Wong Fook Chin (International Tax & Transaction Service Manager of Ernst & Young and a TAR UMT alumnus), Mr Kelvin Yee Rung Hua (Tax Partner of Deloitte) and Mr Zen Chow Tuck Him (Executive Director of YYC).
The fourth session highlighted industry practices and emerging trends in taxation and finance, providing participants with an overview of operational processes, professional challenges, and practical approaches to tax matters in corporate settings. Panellists shared insights on how companies manage compliance, navigate complex regulations, and implement effective strategies, giving participants a clearer understanding of the professional landscape and current developments in the field.
Tax Budget and Me 2026 proved to be a timely and impactful academic event that deepened TARCians’ understanding of Malaysia's Budget 2026 and its wider tax and economic implications. Through well-structured sessions and valuable insights shared by experienced industry practitioners, the event successfully connected classroom learning with real-world practices.
Other photos and captions
Students actively engaging in the quiz session.
TARCians who won prizes during the quiz session.
