How SMU Master’s Accounting Students Are Driving Change Through Volunteering
The SMU Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) and Master of Science in Accounting (Data and Analytics) (MSA) programmes go beyond academic excellence. Through community service, students are equipped with essential skills to thrive in the corporate. SMU Accounting Masters students Chern Cheng, Ruichen Ji, and Haoyan Song share more about how volunteering has been transformative, fostering personal and professional growth.
At SMU, professional success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people. Through volunteering, SMU’s Master’s Accounting students are not only sharpening their skills but also making a meaningful impact in the community.
The SMU Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) and Master of Science in Accounting (Data and Analytics) (MSA) programmes go beyond academic excellence. They equip students with essential skills to thrive in the corporate world while fostering personal growth and a strong sense of social responsibility.
But how does volunteering contribute to professional development? Three students share their transformative experiences and how community service has shaped them into better professionals and future leaders.
Gaining from giving: How volunteering enhances professional skills
Many SMU students quickly realise that volunteering is more than an act of service—it’s an opportunity for both personal and professional growth.
For MSA student Chern Cheng, this became clear when she helped manage the 2024 MINDS Youth Group (MYG) Family Day, an event dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. The experience not only strengthened her empathy but also refined her communication skills.
“I learnt to adapt my communication style to better connect with persons with intellectual disabilities, ensuring meaningful interactions,” she shared.
Beyond enhancing interpersonal skills, the event sparked new ideas for leveraging her expertise in accounting and analytics.
“I saw potential applications for speech-to-text recognition technology to assist individuals with atypical speech patterns. This could help them communicate more effectively in social and professional settings,” she elaborated.
By applying insights from her Machine Learning (ML) coursework, Chern was able to connect her academic knowledge with real-world impact.
Understanding clients: The link between volunteering and accounting
For MSA student Ruichen Ji, volunteering at MYG Family Day reinforced an essential lesson from his Visual Analytics for Accounting module: understanding the specific needs of a target audience is key.
As he helped design and facilitate games for beneficiaries, Ruichen recognised the importance of tailoring solutions to different abilities.
“When planning activities, we had to account for the physical limitations of some participants. This taught me the value of adaptability—an essential skill when addressing client needs in accounting,” he explained.
The experience also highlighted the significance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors in accounting.
“Community service should be an important metric when measuring social impact. Our policies should encourage businesses to support such initiatives, whether through financial aid or active participation,” he noted.
Ruichen’s experience underscores the growing role of social responsibility in financial decision-making, an area gaining prominence in the accounting profession.
Honing leadership and cross-cultural communication
MSA student Haoyan Song found that volunteering offered a valuable chance to develop leadership and communication skills—critical for any professional.
Through Project Ray of Hope, an initiative by The Eurasian Association that supports students from lower-income families, Haoyan worked closely with children from diverse backgrounds.
“Interacting with kids of different ages and cultures helped me appreciate the importance of effective communication and adaptability,” she shared.
Beyond communication, the experience provided a deeper understanding of how different social, economic, and cultural factors shape group dynamics.
“It reinforced the need to apply theoretical knowledge in real-life situations—something that will be invaluable in both my studies and my future career,” she reflected.
Empathy in action: SMU’s commitment to community impact
Despite their demanding academic schedules, SMU’s Master’s students continue to dedicate time to meaningful causes, embodying the university’s mission to nurture well-rounded, socially conscious professionals.
Their experiences highlight a powerful message: giving back doesn’t just benefit the community—it builds stronger, more empathetic leaders.
Learn more about SMU’s Master’s Accounting programmes here.
