APU’s Dual-Track Pathway Accelerates Accounting Success

For most accounting graduates, becoming a fully qualified professional accountant takes several years beyond university. Yet, for Siew Sze Yuen, a First Class Honours Bachelor of Accounting and Finance graduate from the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), the timeline was dramatically shorter. 

Just two months after graduating in July 2025, Sze Yuen achieved another milestone — becoming an Affiliate of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). This impressive feat was made possible through APU’s innovative dual-track study model, which allows students to pursue their degree and professional qualification concurrently. 

Off to a Strong Start 

Throughout his three-year journey at APU, Sze Yuen not only completed his university coursework, internship, and final-year project but also passed all four ACCA Strategic Professional-level papers on his first attempt — a rare achievement even among seasoned accounting professionals. 

His success was accelerated by joining the APU–ACCA Accelerate Scheme in 2023. Under this arrangement, his degree programme earned him automatic exemptions from all nine papers at the Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills levels, allowing him to focus directly on the toughest stage of the ACCA qualification. 

Turning Theory into Professional Mastery 

“The Bachelor of Accounting and Finance (Honours) programme offered by APU turned lecture-hall theory into exam-hall victory without slowing down the momentum of undergraduate studies,” remarked Associate Professor Dr Chong Lee Lee, Head of the School of Accounting and Finance (SoAF). 

Dr Chong further noted, “By stacking a First Class Honours degree on top of a globally recognised professional qualification, Sze Yuen is stepping into the professional world equipped with both academic depth and industry credibility — a combination that sets APU accounting graduates apart.” 

Empowering Students to Dream Bigger 

Sze Yuen’s journey exemplifies the power of APU’s dual-track structure — a study pathway designed to integrate academic learning with professional certification, creating graduates who can “hit the ground running” from day one. 

His achievement serves as an inspiring reminder that rigorous study schedules are not roadblocks but stepping stones to greater success — and that with discipline, support, and opportunity, APU students can transform ambition into global recognition.