Introducing Farquar Haqqani, an alumnus of MCKK, and a Kaplan-trained ICAEW chartered accountant, who embraces a unique business approach: becoming agents of change, focused on creating positive societal impact
Farquar Haqqani or more commonly known as “Haqqa” by his friends, a leader with a passion for societal change, charts a unique route in the world of business.
“A career in corporate offers abundant opportunities to do a lot of good, whether it’s creating business models with positive impacts on society or being an impactful employer, directly touching the lives of numerous employees,” Haqqa said.
By providing goods and services, businesses add value to society, benefiting the larger community. Businesses are also designed to be sustainable, allowing this positive impact to multiply and last.
With a solid foundation in economics from the University of Warwick and an exemplary career as a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountant in England and Wales (ICAEW), Haqqa is carving a name for himself in the corporate realm.
From fulfilling his Yayasan UEM scholarship obligations at UEM Edgenta, to honing his expertise in AEON while studying for his masters, and his present consulting role at Bain and Co, Haqqa’s journey is a testament to relentless determination.
His pursuit has always been clear. “I yearned to have a career where I could catalyse a positive societal impact,” he shared, seeing a position of influence in business as the perfect conduit.
Haqqa’s journey to leadership was planted in his youth. His experiences as a debater at Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK) and Kolej Yayasan UEM (KYUEM) cultivated his skills as an effective communicator and critical thinker, propelling him forward in his professional life.
Embracing leadership opportunities as an international student, Haqqa took the reins of United Kingdom and Eire Council of Malaysians Students (UKEC), a student council championing the cause of Malaysian students abroad.
The role, undeniably challenging and time-consuming, presented its fair share of hurdles, as he had to balance it with his responsibilities as a student. However, he tackled this juggling act with determination and resilience, which ultimately enriched his character as an aspiring business leader.
Why ICAEW
Haqqa’s professional trajectory took a remarkable leap forward upon obtaining the prestigious ICAEW qualification, propelling him to new levels of success.
“I’ve always viewed the ICAEW qualification as a golden ticket in the corporate world,” further explaining that his exposure to the qualification came through MCKK alumni, many of whom had become successful corporate leaders.
The ICAEW programme, with its focus on ethical decision-making, strategic thinking, and financial acumen, prepares one to become a change-maker.
“ICAEW chartered accountants receive training not only to excel as financial leaders but also strong business leaders,” Haqqa emphasised.
The ICAEW qualification promotes a thorough grasp of real-world business scenarios, integrating case study analysis into the advanced level examinations. This approach ensures that candidates are well-prepared to tackle practical challenges in the business world.
Conquering ICAEW with Kaplan: The essential catalyst
“If you are thinking about maximising your chances of success, it is really important to make sure that you’re able to have access to good tuition providers.” Haqqa said.
In Haqqa’s journey to acquire the esteemed ICAEW qualification, he studied with Kaplan, an accredited ICAEW learning provider. The institution’s well-structured resources made complicated topics easier to navigate, paving a smoother path for learning.
“They provide us with learning materials that are simplified and condensed, in the form of bullet points, diagrams, case studies, and examples to aid our understanding of calculations,” Haqqa acknowledged.
Beyond exceptional resources, Kaplan’s unique strength lay in its tutors, all of whom were seasoned finance professionals. This practical wisdom brought the curriculum to life, providing Haqqa a deep understanding of the industry.
“Learning from experienced tutors was invaluable, as they bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application,” he shared.
The accessibility of these tutors, offering an open line of communication, was another crucial advantage. This allowed Haqqa to seek timely clarifications, enhancing his learning experience.
In essence, Kaplan’s comprehensive teaching approach—rooted in a combination of structured learning materials, seasoned tutors, and accessibility—proved instrumental in Haqqa’s successful journey towards his ICAEW qualification.
The true essence of success
To Haqqa, success is more than just monetary gain or corporate ascendancy. A truly fulfilling career is one where your ambitions are geared towards a purpose.
He believes that it is essential to continuously assess one’s career aspirations to stay on track towards a purpose. He asks, “What is your end goal? When you retire and reflect on your journey, what would make you say it was a successful career? Did you positively impact people’s lives?”
Haqqa’s vision of success transcends the traditional metrics. For him, it lies in the capacity of businesses to become agents of change, balancing financial success with impactful contributions to society.
In Haqqa’s words, “It’s more than just titles. It’s about creating a legacy that inspires.”
Start your professional journey with Kaplan.
