Bridging the Gap in ESG Reporting Education: Sunway University and BDO Collaboration
Faced with the challenge of preparing accounting students to meet real-world professional expectations, Sunway University collaborated with BDO to offer a practical, adaptive approach that integrates SDGs and ESG principles into a financial accounting class.
At a glance
Institution & Discipline
Sunway University, Undergraduate Accounting
Implementation Year
2023
Focus
Course Design and Education Innovation
Abstract
This case study examines how Sunway Business School addressed a growing gap between accounting education and the rapidly evolving demands of sustainability and ESG reporting through an academia–industry collaboration with BDO Malaysia. Set against Malaysia’s changing regulatory landscape for corporate sustainability reporting, including Bursa Malaysia’s requirements and the introduction of IFRS S1 and IFRS S2, the case highlights the challenge of preparing financial accounting students not only with strong technical foundations, but also with the awareness and practical skills needed to engage with non-financial reporting expectations in professional practice.
The case study highlights how industry engagement, alignment with the Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs), and course design following significant learning principles can enhance students’ readiness for post-graduate career paths and emerging professional demands. Written as a teaching and problem-solving case, it invites learners to evaluate how accounting education can evolve to prepare future professionals for sustainability-driven reporting and decision-making in an increasingly complex business environment.
Cover Photo by: Dom Fou, Unsplash
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