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In China’s vast landscape, where economic disparities often shape young lives, a quiet yet profound change is taking place.
The CGMA Beyond Scholarship Programme — a collaboration between AICPA & CIMA, Tencent, and universities including Xi’an Jiaotong University and Dongbei University of Finance and Economics — is transforming educational opportunities for students from underserved regions.
This isn’t only a scholarship. It’s a bridge to opportunity and a commitment to ensuring that talented people, regardless of background, have access to education and professional growth.
This initiative originated from a meeting between Andrew Harding, FCMA, CGMA, chief executive−Management Accounting at AICPA & CIMA, and John Lo, FCMA, CGMA, the CFO of Tencent. They shared a common vision of supporting young talent development and promoting social progress and rural revitalisation as part of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) efforts. This collaboration is working to equip students with skills for the future, expand their career prospects, and create a pipeline of qualified professionals who can contribute to China’s rapidly evolving digital economy. Tencent’s “Tech for Good” philosophy aligns with this goal, ensuring that resources and expertise are used to empower students and prepare them for the future workforce.
Accessibility and social impact
One of the programme’s key pillars is accessibility. Educational inequality remains a significant challenge in China’s central and western regions, where many talented students lack the resources and opportunities to pursue high-quality education. AICPA & CIMA, as part of their commitment to the “S” in ESG, are dedicated to making professional education more inclusive.
Since its launch in 2023, the CGMA Beyond Scholarship Programme has provided students with management accounting skills, digital literacy, and a global perspective. These not only transform individual lives but also contribute to the economic development of entire communities.
There have, however, been some logistical challenges. Many students from remote areas faced difficulties attending classes and balancing long weekend sessions with other commitments. To address these barriers, the programme introduced transport subsidies, dedicated mentors, and a curriculum rich in real-world applications.
The programme is already making an impact. By June 2024, the first cohort of 80 students completed the DMA level 1 (Digital Management Accounting programme), which helps students gain knowledge and a renewed sense of purpose, while also starting them on the pathway to the CGMA designation. Among these students is Bian Yulu, a law major and scholarship recipient, who aims to integrate legal expertise with management accounting. Her ambition is to return to her hometown in mid-west China and contribute to its economic development, exemplifying the programme’s mission of empowering students to bring positive change to their communities.
Meeting the demand for skills
As China’s businesses undergo rapid digital transformation, the demand for finance professionals with both technical expertise and strategic insight continues to grow. AICPA & CIMA are broadening access to professional qualifications to support this transition. The DMA programme, offered in Chinese and English, removes language barriers and provides a pathway for students and professionals to gain globally recognised credentials.
Harding has emphasised that large Chinese businesses are rapidly digitising and in need of professionals who can navigate this transformation. The DMA and CGMA pathways are designed to equip professionals with the skills required to manage this shift, bridging the gap between finance, strategy, and technology.
The CGMA Beyond Scholarship Programme recently expanded to northeastern China, partnering with more than ten universities. In February this year, the second round of the programme, which included 76 scholarship recipients, began at Dongbei University of Finance and Economics.
Also this year, it will return to central and western China, continuing its mission to bridge the educational divide and make professional qualifications more accessible to aspiring finance professionals.
Vision for the future
None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of Tencent and the participating universities. Their belief in the transformative power of education is the driving force behind the programme.
This journey is just beginning. The CGMA Beyond Scholarship Programme is a testament to the power of collaboration, education, and opportunity. And as AICPA & CIMA continue to expand their presence in China, they remain committed to nurturing globally minded, digitally savvy talent, ensuring that the next generation of finance professionals is equipped to thrive in the future economy.
— Vicky Li, FCMA, CGMA, is regional vice-president−North Asia at AICPA & CIMA. To comment on this article or to suggest an idea for another article, contact Oliver Rowe at Oliver.Rowe@aicpa-cima.com.
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CGMA Beyond Scholarship Programme video, AICPA & CIMA
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