Inspiring the Next Generation: IIA Singapore Engages SMU Students in Internal Audit
On 28 August 2025, Koh Chin Beng, Immediate Past President of IIA Singapore, visited Singapore Management University (SMU) to engage with 35 Internal Audit elective students as part of the Institute’s outreach efforts to build a talent pipeline for the internal audit profession. The session was organised with the support of Jed Khoo, Adjunct Lecturer at SMU.
Chin Beng shared practical insights into a career in internal auditing, illustrating how internal auditors help organisations create, protect, and sustain value. He highlighted the unique role internal auditors play in providing independent, risk-based insights, identifying risks, improving processes, and contributing to meaningful change. To bring the career path to life, he gave examples of rewarding career journeys, including an internal audit head who progressed to become CFO of a global financial institution.
Chin Beng also introduced IIA Singapore and highlighted that student membership is free, offering access to industry resources, networking opportunities, and professional development. These benefits can support students in their studies and strengthen their preparation for practical applications. One such opportunity is the upcoming second edition of the IIA Singapore Inter-University Case Study Competition, set to launch on 3 November 2025, which invites students to apply their knowledge to real-world audit scenarios.
The session demonstrated the exciting opportunities within internal auditing and reinforced how initiatives like IIA Singapore’s student membership and the case study competition help students gain hands-on experience, develop critical skills, and prepare for future-focused careers in the profession.
