BRACU Audit Chief Receives Global Recognition in Singapore

Bangla Press Desk:   Nausheen Ahmed, head of internal audit and compliance at BRAC University, has been awarded the “2026 Award for Outstanding Contribution in the Field of Internal Auditing (OCIA Award)” by the Asian Confederation of Institutes of Internal Auditors (ACIIA).

The award was presented during ACIIA’s 2nd Business Meeting, held alongside the confederation's 20th Foundation Anniversary celebration hosted by The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) in Singapore on 19 June, said a press release.

The OCIA Awards Nomination Committee is chaired by Alva Lee of IIA Hong Kong, with members Manoj Agarwal of IIA India and Angela Simatupang of IIA Indonesia.

It conducted a comprehensive review of nominations using a point-based evaluation matrix assessing professional qualifications, certifications, leadership roles and notable contributions at the local, ACIIA and global levels.

The committee cited Ahmed’s significant contributions to research, education, and conference presentations, along with her leadership roles within her local institute and at the global level, as key factors that meaningfully advanced the internal audit profession and led to her selection.

Ahmed holds multiple professional certifications, including Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA), Internal Audit Practitioner (IAP), Information Security Management System Lead Auditor (ISMS LA) and Certified in Cybersecurity (CC).

The award carries added significance as it was presented during ACIIA's 20th anniversary year.

Founded in 2000 by a group of visionary IIA pioneers across Asia, ACIIA was formally incorporated in Malaysia in 2006 and later relocated its headquarters to the Philippines in 2023.Today, it stands as the second-largest regional federation within IIA Global, behind only North America, representing 20 member institutes across the Asia-Pacific region, including IIA Bangladesh.

The anniversary celebration also featured the presentation of the Presidential Legacy Award, honouring ACIIA's past presidents for their contributions to the organisation's growth over two decades.

Ahmed’s achievement resonates with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

It advances SDG 4 (Quality Education) through her contributions to research, education and knowledge-sharing within the audit profession and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) as a woman achieving recognition in a senior leadership and technical role on an international stage.

It reflects SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), as her work strengthens transparency, accountability and sound governance within the university.

Finally, her engagement with a regional body spanning 20 countries reflects the spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), advancing cross-border collaboration in the profession.