Introduction
The Malaysian Accountancy Research and Education Foundation, commonly known as MAREF, supports the development of accounting knowledge, professional practice and accountancy education in Malaysia.
Its activities include research funding, publications and educational programmes. The foundation’s mission centres on advancing Malaysian accountancy in line with global best practices, while its vision connects research and education with nation building.
History and Background
Origins and Relationship with MIA
MAREF’s research grant documents describe it as a trust body initiated by the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA). These documents date its establishment to 1990, with the purpose of promoting accountancy research and education in Malaysia.
There is an inconsistency in its published information: the website’s recurring footer states 2007, while its donation page and research documents refer to inception in 1990. The latter date is supported by the foundation’s substantive historical descriptions, but the discrepancy remains unresolved.
Development of Research Funding
MAREF has developed grant programmes linking academic research with issues facing professional accountants. Its published research archive includes studies from the 1990s onward, covering financial reporting, auditing, governance, taxation and emerging technologies.
Mission and Purpose
MAREF aims to strengthen accountancy through research and development consistent with international good practice. Its strategic objectives include funding high-quality research, publishing professional literature and advancing education and training.
The foundation particularly encourages applied accounting research: studies that identify professional problems and develop practical responses using theory and existing literature. It also encourages collaboration between academics and practitioners, helping research address the realities of accounting work.
Governance and Structure
Board of Trustees
MAREF’s Board of Trustees is its governing body. The foundation describes trustees as experienced members of the profession with knowledge of Malaysian accountancy research and education.
Its published board page lists Associate Professor Dr. Zarina Zakaria as Chair, alongside trustees with backgrounds in academia, accounting, banking and professional leadership.
Research Oversight
Under the published 2024 research guidelines, the board makes final grant approval decisions. The MAREF Secretariat monitors funded projects through completion and handles research-related issues.
This structure connects grantmaking decisions with project monitoring and financial documentation requirements.
Funding and Grants
Donations and Fundraising
MAREF states that it relies substantially on contributions from corporations and individuals, particularly within the MIA community. Its donation platform identifies MIA as collecting contributions on the foundation’s behalf.
The donation page also states that MAREF received approval under Section 44(6) of Malaysia’s Income Tax Act 1967 on 14 February 1992, and provides information about receipts for tax deduction claims. Donors should consult the current instructions for applicable documentation.
Charity golf tournaments have provided another fundraising channel, bringing professional supporters together to finance foundation activities.
Grant Categories and Eligibility
MAREF offers Specific/Priority Research Grants, linked to defined calls and deadlines, and General Research Grants, for proactive proposals in the public interest. Its research page states that general applications are accepted throughout the year.
The 2024 guidelines permit local and foreign researchers, provided proposals concern Malaysian accountancy practice or education. The lead researcher must hold a doctorate and an appointment at a Malaysian public or private higher education institution. Teams must include at least two researchers.
Funding limits depend on the call. Disbursements involve an initial payment followed by documented expenditure claims and required deliverables.
Major Programs and Initiatives
Priority Research Topics
MAREF’s priority research programme commissions studies on issues relevant to the profession. A published integrated reporting call, for example, allocated up to RM30,000 to examine relationships between corporate reporting and company performance. This was a specific call amount, rather than a universal grant ceiling.
Publications and Knowledge Sharing
MAREF complements research grants with dissemination activities. Its events listings include webinars on technology adoption, accounting graduates’ skills, digital assets and integrated reporting.
In April 2026, it listed a webinar organised with MIA to share insights from research on digital assets and integrated reporting, connecting funded studies with professional learning.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
Reported Research Investment
MAREF’s published donation information reports more than RM500,000 in research funding since inception. This is a cumulative figure presented on the website, rather than a current annual grant budget.
Examples of Research Outputs
Its completed research portfolio includes studies on digital asset valuation, financing technology adoption among smaller practices and businesses, and integrating data analytics into accounting education.
Other projects examine cryptocurrency risk, public-sector financial management and corporate reporting. These outputs demonstrate the breadth of topics supported, although publication alone does not establish measurable changes in professional practice.
Conclusion
MAREF connects philanthropic support with applied accounting research and professional education in Malaysia. Its grants, publications and knowledge-sharing activities offer opportunities for researchers and practitioners to collaborate on relevant challenges.
Prospective applicants should review the current research guidelines and call-specific conditions. Donors can explore contributions supporting the foundation’s research and educational mission.
For more information, visit here.
