WOU is collaborating with an HRDF-approved training to offer a Goods and Services Tax (GST) certification course to the public.
GETTING ACQUAINTED PRIOR TO START OF MEETING.
WOU’s top management met with KAC Advisory Services Sdn Bhd Executive Director Derek Wong and KAC Penang Director Ann Goh, along with Leon Chan Hon Weng, the SME Development Bureau Chairman of Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia and Tan Sri Dr Chin Fook Weng, Gerakan central committee member and Director of WOU Sdn Bhd.
The meeting at the WOU main campus today was attended by Vice Chancellor Prof Dato’ Dr Ho Sinn Chye, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic-ODL) Prof Madhulika Kaushik, Chief Administrative Officer Yeong Sik Kheong and Director of Centre for Professional Development & Continuing Education (PACE), K’ng Kok Eng.
DR CHIN (BACK TO CAMERA, RIGHT) EXPLAINS THE PURPOSE OF THEIR VISIT TO WOU.
Wong shared that the course will have 3 modules namely, ‘Understanding GST’, ‘Tax codes and GST Accounting’ and ‘GST practical application and review’. Each module would require two days of classes, and is to be completed in 2-3 months followed by half-day of exams. The target is 20-30 participants per class, particularly those from data entry to top management in the accounting/finance department.
“We teach theory, laws and practice. Lots of organisations conduct GST training but there is no follow-up,” said Wong, to which Prof Ho added that after-training service is important and so such a course is needed.
THE VISITORS (FROM LEFT) – DR CHIN, LEON CHAN, DEREK WONG AND ANN GOH.
The visitors opined that WOU’s participation would enhance the course and a joint WOU-KAC certification can be issued. Wong elaborated that the course learning objectives are to acquire GST knowledge on the basics; develop application competence on data entry; have confidence with the tax codes they use; and know how to cross check and review their mistakes.
Following discussions, they concurred to include other relevant learning objectives such as avoiding fines, being able to file and recover appropriate claims, and expediting return of input tax.
DEREK SHARES ON THE TYPE OF TRAINING THAT KAC PROVIDES.
Under the collaboration, KAC will provide courseware and trainers, while WOU issues certification and provides the venue and refreshment. Each party will promote the course through their channels, such as website, roadshows, and email blasts. WOU also agreed to channel the course to its students undertaking business accounting programmes.
The next step now is to come out with a good marketing plan to attract industry to this affordable, certified course that is backed by University. The two parties hope to work out a cost-sharing and revenue-sharing model based on their commitment.
POSING AFTER THE MEETING ARE (FROM RIGHT) K’NG, LEON, DR CHIN, DEREK AND ANN.
WOU also suggested organising a one-day awareness seminar at the main campus to market the certification course. WOU and KAC hope to further pursue their collaboration to include other topics of public interest besides GST, like income tax and personal taxation.
