Ooi Wei Xuen of Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) to represent Malaysia at the international finals of the EY Young Tax Professional of the Year 2025 competition

Ooi Wei Xuen (黄伟旋) 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 graced by Shaharrudy Othman, Deputy Chief Executive Officer – Tax Operation, Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri Malaysia (HASiL).

Ooi, 22, who is pursuing his Bachelor of Business (Hons) Accounting and Finance will represent Malaysia at the EY Young Tax Professional of the Year international finals, where he will compete against winners from other countries for the title of “EY Young Tax Professional of the Year 2026”. As the winner of the EY YTPY 2025 Malaysia competition, Ooi also took home 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. When asked for his reaction, 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, who is pursuing her Bachelor of Accounting (Hons) in International Islamic University Malaysia. Erdina received a cash prize of RM 6,000 and a paid internship of no less than eight weeks or a conditional offer of employment in Tax Services as well.

Idris Fadli Bin Ambok Dalek, 23, who is pursuing his Bachelor of Accounting (Honours) in International Islamic University Malaysia was named second runner-up. He received a cash prize of RM 3,000 and a paid internship or a conditional offer of employment with Ernst & Young Tax Consultants Sdn Bhd.

In his address, Shaharrudy Othman, Deputy Chief Executive Officer – Tax Operation, HASiL said, “The EY YTPY program aligns with HASiL's vision as a leading tax administrator by enhancing our commitment to providing excellent tax services through an integrated and transparent taxation system. As we work to build a competent workforce and nurture talent through various initiatives, the EY YTPY program not only reinforces this mission but also encourages participants to explore the rewarding career opportunities available in the field of Tax.”

Farah Rosley, Malaysia Tax Managing Partner, Ernst & Young Tax Consultants Sdn. Bhd. said, “At EY, we are dedicated to nurture future talents and tax professionals. The EY Young Tax Professional of the Year (EY YTPY) competition is a testament to this commitment and in empowering the younger generation to explore career paths in Tax. Unlike conventional undergraduate programs, the EY YTPY competition is a global initiative that inspires young talents to break free from the limitations of their academic environment, engage with real-world challenges and grow their network with business leaders and industry champions.

“This competition provides a unique platform for undergraduates to tackle genuine business issues while collaborating with industry leaders to address problems that span across borders and cultures. Such invaluable exposure equips our future workforce with the skills and insights needed to stand out in the competitive job market."

Hisham Halim, Partner, Ernst & Young Tax Consultants Sdn Bhd and Program Director of EY Young Tax Professional of the Year Malaysia, shared,

“The EY YTPY program offers students a unique platform to explore the pivotal role of taxation in shaping today's global economies—and to discover how they can create meaningful impact as future tax professionals. This prestigious competition encourages diverse perspectives and challenges participants to creatively analyze complex issues facing global businesses. With an international panel of judges assessing both innovation and practical skills, participants are required to integrate 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 that fosters learning, team-building, and networking among top young tax professionals from around the world. Highlighting its global reach, the 2025 competition alone saw 38 finalists from 61 countries participated. Each country winner proceeds to the global competition, which consists of a virtual program and virtual competition/judging process whereby the Top 10 finalists are determined. This is expected to take place in January or February 2026. The Top 10 finalists then compete at the in-person final event (in March or April 2026), where the winner and two runners-up are announced and celebrated. 

For more information about the EY Young Tax Professional of the Year programme, visit ey.com/my/careers/ytpy

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