Does anyone know what sort of classes are available in Malaysia to prepare for the CFA exam? I was interested in Kaplan's CFA course but the closest center is in Singapore! If anyone has gone for formal classes, can you tell me how good they were? Also, anyone who has gone for the exams, how tough are they? Is it advisable to study for it on your own?

Thanks in advance!

I will taking level 1 this year
ehm.... but i dont have taking the cfa course, just self study

hi dr phil, nice to see you here again.

CFA website: www.cfainstitute.org

basically it is a self study programme.

there are a few education centre for CFA programme :-
1. inti ims
2. kasturi college
3. institute of bank-bank malaysia.
4. ...

i am doing my level 2 now in inti ims. their lecturers have good quality. most of them are CFA chartered holder.

Exam is not that tough if u put in your effort.

I am from IT background, FYI. Anyhow, i am looking for related position if you guys have any to recommend.

[i am doing my level 2 now in inti ims. their lecturers have good quality. most of them are CFA chartered holder.

Exam is not that tough if u put in your effort.

I am from IT background, FYI. Anyhow, i am looking for related position if you guys have any to recommend.

[/quote]

So for self-study, one has to purchase all the study materials recommended from U.S? Or are they available in any of the local bookstores?

And since U R completed Level I with Inti College, mind my asking about their course fee structure and how much? What about the exam fee? I would like to find out more. Thanks alot.

This post has been edited by dolphine_chan: Mar 6 2006, 02:55 PM

hi, are you already pass the level 1?? then may i know what is your job ? what is the salary if i have hold CFA level 1? i will grad this year, but i'm major computer science, scare that i cant apply the financial job .

Hi there, i know this is out of topic but anyone has any idea which college/uni/institute offer CFP in KL/Selangor ah?

Appreciate some feedback, and also CFP web site too. i cant seem to find it on yahoo search,only found some financial planning association of malaysia

im not in finance related work now. that is why i am trying to look for. but i dont think pass level 1 means anything. just vry basic stuff.

www.ims-inti.com, check it out from there.

those material u can check it out from www.cfainstitute.org
i think some of the material publish by CFA institute.

personally im using schweser.

Hi there, for CFP, KMDC and Kasturi College are two of the providers which I know of. They offer classes, 40-42hrs per module. And to complete all 6 modules is less 10K.

http://www.kmdc.com.my/
http://www.kasturi.edu.my/2nd/programme.html
http://www.fpam.org.my/index.php?fuseaction=exams.notice

U can refer to those websites. They have most, if not all, of the details you need.

Sorry, everyone I know this is abit off topic or should we start a new topic for CFP?

This post has been edited by dolphine_chan: Mar 6 2006, 10:04 PM

Thanks for all your replies. Yes, I red the statistics on CFA and the pass rates have been quite bad recently (only about 20% pass all three levels) so I really wanted to get a good course provider.

And alfred, r u using schweser as for your own personal study or does inti use schweser material too?

alfred, I forgot to ask.....r u doing the course at inti full time or part time?

Dolphine, thanks so much for the links. Very helpful of you

CFA?! iszit CHARTER FINANCE ANAYLST ar?!?I would like to take it after my Chemical engineering degree...is there any possible for me to take this course even I don't have any financial or accounting background??

To be exact, it's Chartered Financial Analyst.

If you are not thinking about moving into finance area, I would suggest you to drop the idea and go for something else instead. However, if you're interesting at moving into finance field (corporate finance and etc), it's a good choice.

Else if you're thinking of moving into accountancy, you can consider about ACA.

Yes, you do not need any post qualifications to study CFA/ACA though however, it would be better if you at least have some foundations in these areas.

> their notes are summary from schewer. schweser is summary from all the text books. hehe.

> part time

> im doing IT support.

wanna move into investment/analyst/fund management. ..... level 1 is nothing.

Wow, sounds like many ppl are keen in switching to Finance and Econ. Interesting trend.

Btw, Alfred, may I know for ppl who wants to do self-study, what kind of study materials would you recommend? Schweser? Available at local bookstores?

Also, after passing all three levels, one still need to have at least 3 years of finance-related work experience rite?

dr phil,

u hav joined cimb as management trainee.
how to join such programme, i mean how do i post the resume to.
can u help ?

hi i'm interested too...

alfred, do u chat ?

MSN or YM ? I'm quite keen to talk to u regarding the CFA cource u're taking at Inti

pls PM me ur YM or MSN contact

hi alfredfx, ya me too. I will decide to take the CFA level 1 this year. Hope can get some tips from you
And also we can share the financial knowledge together
pm me if you have msn or YM

sorry la guys.
no tips. no easy way

u wanna know more about the course.
www.ims-inti.com. contact them, they will reply you promptly.

alfred, we're not asking for tips..

its just good to actually talk to someone who is doing it. it does help us in some way or another.

i will contact ims-inti too...

anyway is it the same inti at Subang Jaya ?

hi alfred + tuna,

From what I understand, all new intakes at the graduate level must go thru the management trainee program. Here, you will be placed in different departments to learn as much as possible. Every 4 months, you are posted to a new division.

If you have some relevant working experience, you may be able to join at a higher level in the division of your choice.

The application criteria (direct from CIMB):
1) Good academic results with Second Upper / CGPA 3.00
2) Demonstrate leadership qualities
3) Able to articulate and communicate with impact
4) Active involvement in extra curricular activities
5) The attitude to learn and work hard for success

My advice is to center your resume around these themes. CIMB is always on the lookout for excellent candidates.

Email it to: ghr@cimb.com.my

If you want to, u can also send me ur resume for me to look over.

Good luck!


I believe they recently changed it to four years.

This post has been edited by Dr Phil: Mar 7 2006, 09:39 PM

haha, if my cgpa not above 3.0, that's mean i cant join CIMB anymore ????

dr phil
can gimme your email

Well, it makes it tougher. Its like gathering points - if you are lower on one category, you have to make up for it in others. Having said that, there are people who have gone through the process with a 3rd class honours and have become very successful employees (I know this for a fact). Just bear in mind that getting an interview may be tougher with lower grades.

johnsonwong80@yahoo.com

hi, thanks for your explanation. ya i agree that our result does not really reflect a person at all. people with high memory maybe can get a better result (this is malaysia education style.... always memories answer), but when you test their creativity, etc... maybe its will disappointed you.
I will graduate this year soon. really hope that can apply a job which is related to financial field. Although i'm major computer science, but i will take CFA level 1 this year. hope can cover this
But i'm afraid that during the interview, when the interviewer see my result are not fulfill the requirement(CGPA above 3.0). he/she will reject me directly without see my performance during the interview time .

This post has been edited by v2_vehooi: Mar 7 2006, 10:19 PM

hi alfredfx, maybe i can not use the word "tips " .
actually what i need is the guideline, where can i find the reference book, and is it got any book (text book) that specially for CFA candidates??
I found some guide ouline (pdf format) in the cfainstitute. But all information is 2005. Even the fees also base on 2005. Is it the exam scope and the fees all remain same until now ????

Hey Dr Phil, thanks for the advice and info... I really appreciate it... but are you sure they hire management trainee from IT background? as in IT degree holder...

I've been working a year plus in IT... but i'm quite interested in financials as well, especially coorporate finance or financial controller and the equity market....

am i still fit to apply?

and how do i apply for the Citibank's graduate program ? Thanks again

This post has been edited by tunasandwich: Mar 8 2006, 07:09 PM

If you're good enough, any company will take you. That's a fact - not an exaggeration. People with just a basic high school diploma have gotten into the largest IBs in the world and have become very successful there.

Just write in to Citibank.

thanks for the advice... appreciate it very much

I been working in IT for couple of years. If I took up CFA now, what career path can I look for in IT. Or do I have to do a complete switch on carreer path to econs and finance.

good question, i'd like to know bout that too...

i'm just not sure a complete change of career is a good choice

This post has been edited by tunasandwich: Mar 12 2006, 08:18 PM

ehm.... anybody know where can buy the exercises book regarding the financial and the book got provide the answer one??
got such book in the market ??

pls brother and sister for those who have take CFA examination can help me ?? I need to take CFA level 1 examination this end of the year.. but i dont know where can get those exercise book .. can anyone recommend it .. thanks

wah~ got ppl here taking CFA!! i should my respect to u guys who taking it.

its no an easy exam thou. and there are only 200++ CFA holders throughout the whole of msia.

and no doubt, ur basic salary is RM 10k or above if u r a CFA holders.

guess u need to change ur carreer path if u intend to bcome CFA holder. as CFA has nothing related to IT at all. mb this is what ppl so called "Quarter life Crisis"

dr phil, are u with cimb?

im also in the management trainee programme and was supposed to sit for Level 1 Dec paper this year but i have no idea when i will be able to study for it with all this work

which dept u in

Hi, can i know where isInti IMS in? in jalan ampang or inti college???

at jalan yap kwan seng...
but quality so so....
go open university.....or kasturi

Suria College in Plaza Pantai, Kerinchi, KL. (Can go by taking the LRT)

It's good. The principal is the lecturer himself. Pay much attention to students and give loads of classes. Plus, the fees are REALLY REALLY reasonable compare to others.

and ooohhh, the principal himself is also a CFA.

check it out.

This post has been edited by eternalflame: Dec 18 2007, 11:58 PM

Thanks chgchksg128 and deternalflame. appreciate so much...

Hye guys...:-)

well, i'm gonna register my classes soon, an the latest news is that the CFA Institute have increased its examination prices from US 415 to US 600, but now, they're giving us the Schwesser books. so ppl, you all do not need to worry bout where to buy the books from.. and also, i'm looking for a job in finance, so if you all have any contacts with the investement banks, pls pm me or email me @ sianakorang@hotmail.com

and just to let you guys know, there's a career fair in april 1st week, from jobstreet.com, and ppl, pls do register a jobstreet account before goin there, coz u need to be a member in order to enter. so if u guys do not want any hassle, i suggest better register from home.

and ppl, talking about CFA, well it's def a tough course (only 39% worldwide passes) for level 1, so yeah, but as alfred said, if u put in effort, for anything, it'll be easier..

and guys, If you need help on subject matters, pls do not hesitate to contact me, i'll be more than willing to help you guys, for level 1, coz am gonna take tat now, and in the process, i'll also learn.. and maybe, if the support is gd, then we can make a group where ppl can post questions and answers.. that's in the future and if there's a demand..

and also, we might be able to exchange notes from different colleges, and this will be a gd learning tool as well..

i hope we all can achieve greater heights if we work together, i hope to hear from u guys.. tc ppl and pm or email me if anything regarding on anything..:-)

kalpesh

level 3 candidate ... anyone help me to enter IB ?

hye there ppl, am currently doinmy level 1 now.. so yeah, doing it in kasturi college.. so if anyone of u who wants the notes, please pm me or email me.. sadly, i have hardcopy, not softcopy, n i would appreciate tat if u hv other coleges notes, for level 1, n if other levels, i don't mind either..

thanxx...

NEO

just curious, anyone doing it by self study?
i enrolled for Dec 08 Lvl1

I passed Level 1 few years ago ... after that never continue Level 2 ... dunno need to retake Level 1 again ... please advice

ur case just same with me
I passed lvl 1 and not continue as I can not chnage my field from engineering to finance

3 lvls in 7 yrs...this is what I know last time

i am blur... look like a lot people can pass level 1? $1k + will be wasted if failed... =.=

Whether the other people pass level 1 easily is irrelevant to you. You don't know how much the effort put in by those who passed the exam and we do not know how smart and resourceful you are. So the correct question should be "how you make yourself pass level 1".

-deleted-

This post has been edited by SuperpagesMsia: Feb 14 2011, 05:22 PM

for your info, the last sitting in Dec 2010's passing rate for Level 1 worldwide is only 36%.

that's the kind of passing rate you get when company sponsor for CFA >.<

do i have to have a degree to sit for CFA classes and exams?
btw, I have diploma in accountancy.

honestly, although I passed CFA level 1, it is useless for me as I am from diff background.Thus even I passed level 3, no ppl will hired me as well. Tat is y I stop after level 1.
If u already in finance, then go ahead. It is good for ur careerpath.
If u want to pass so that u can earn a place as investment analyst, I will said, u can but the paid is similar with those freshie with business degree

May I know where are you based at? KL?

By the way, I never knew the existance of this thread until someone digged it up, not to mention there are so many people actually take up CFA. It's a good thing though.

Anyway, for those that have passed level 2 or 3, how much has this professional qualification assisted in your career? I'm curious as Malaysia is not really well known for a strong financial centre in Asia region, at least not like hongkong, shanghai and Singapore.

It appears to me that a lot of forum members made good attempts in taking CFA, I'm just wondering what happen to the CFA candidates in malaysia who fully passed/partially passed CFA? How is this qualification/knowledge help you in your career advancement or career change?

You never try then you will never know. When I first started to study CFA Level I, I was then working as an application engineer and later I full time study 2 years to complete the CFA program. But I am still able to get a financial related job even my previous job not relevant to financial job.

By the way, I am getting the salary of an assistant manager after probation period though my title is still rank at executive, it could be due to the CFA professional that I have achieved.

The basic entrance requierments are stated below

"Have a bachelor's (or equivalent) degree

or be in the final year of your bachelor's degree program at the time of registration

or have four years of qualified, professional work experience

or have a combination of work and college experience that totals at least four years (Note: Summer, part-time, and internship positions do not qualify)

If you initially enroll/register as a final year undergraduate student with a degree in progress, you may not register for the Level II exam until you have earned your degree, or obtained work experience that meets the program’s entrance requirements. At the time your degree is awarded, you may update your account education information to certify that your degree has been received."

http://www.cfainstitute.org/cfaprogram/pro...ages/index.aspx

So for your case, you need prove you have 4 year working experience (irregard if the 4 year working experience is financial or professional related) together with your diploma.

Passing CFA or not does not matter. The more important is to pass the SC module exam, the so-called licensing test which is ultimate to start in the investment bank. Unless you are going for equity research side then only what you have learnt from the CFA program will prepare you for the job.

kasturi got

Hi All,

IMS-INTI websites seems not working. Maybe they forgot to pay for the domain name.

Anyone to review on INTI vs Kasturi's lecturer?

anyone can help too?

INTI vs KASTURI?

i am final year and finishing final exam on may. however i would think to work first before taking the cfa.

questions:
- i need to work for 4 yrs then only can take the exam, or within the 4 yrs can take it?
- i like to take cfa, however the jobs that said to qualify during the 4 yrs job, can be front office or back office? (any type of job also can, whether related or unrelated? anyway i taking banking and finance course, planning to work at banks)
- wat is the longest duration allowed to finish the cfa? (exp: passing lvl1, then wait 1 yr to lvl 2, then wait 2 yr to lvl3)

these are the confusion i get when reading their terms. hope u can explain to me. thanks alot =)

This post has been edited by Chisinlouz: Apr 14 2011, 01:59 AM

Guys, just so you know, there's another thread in Education Essentials about the CFA papers, with people asking pretty much the same questions :

http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/359541

According to my 'interpretation' of the entry requirements for the CFA program,

- if you have a degree, you don't need to prove you have working experience;

- if you don't have a degree but a diploma, then you have to prove your work and college experience all together should be at least 4 years, and the working experience should be professional related;

- if you don't even have a diploma, you need to prove you have qualified and professional working experience;

- if you registered for CFA Level I during the last year of your degree program and subsequently you pass Level I, you may not proceed for Level II if you fail to earn your degree later, unless you can prove you have obtained the relevant qualified working experience that meets the entrance requirements.

- the 'qualified and professional experience' should be referring to the financial professional related experience. According to the CFA Institute, working experience should be "at least 50 percent directly involved in the investment decision-making process and engaged in responsibilities and/or producing a work product that informs or adds value to that process. Part-time positions and managing your own investments do not qualify as 'qualified and professional experience'. For my opinion, back office job might not be able to expose you much to the experience of "at least 50 percent directly involved in the investment decision-making process".

- previously I heard from other friends that candidates need to complete the CFA program (from Level I till Level III) within 7 years, but now it looks like there is no such restriction in time to complete the program.

Hope these can clear some of your doubt.

For more information, indeed you should email your queries to the CFA institute and we are pleased if you can share what have the CFA institute revert back to you.

This post has been edited by kinwing: Apr 14 2011, 10:03 PM

@kinwing
My friend is currently undertaking CFA and the time to pass the exam apparently is 10 years.. (for level 1 - 3).

However, this is all based on his words. Someone may want to verify it.

Ya, this also recalls me a friend of mine who failed level II twice and 3 or 4 times for level III but he is still eligible to sit the next coming CFA exam .

Does anyone have the photocopy of the CFA books that they are willing to part with? I am thinking of doing CFA. I am currently pursuing wawasan's banking and finance degree

Not likely.
Getting a CFA is only useful if yr a fund manager or an equity analyst or maybe some investment banking corporate advisory side. It just gives you a little bit more credibility that's all. Other than those stated CFA is of little use and yr promotion is due to yr hard work rather than yr qualifications. Besides banks always likes engineers for some reason.

I have CFA books for level 1 (2008), level 2 (2009) and level 3 (2010). If you want to refer the latest version, the old version might not be what you want and you should then go check the latest topic outline from the CFA's website.

why banks like engineer?
my CFA level 1 passed on the yr 2005. even extend to 10 yrs, i dun think i will complete it

^

Because Financial engineer creates dreams, they build the dream, create the innovative financial products since people are greedy, and they make the disaster since people are fear, they can achieve double returns. Then banks prefer the engineering graduates. Then you should take up degree in Financial Engineering.

Nonsense. Engineers are more fond of number crunching and are meticulous enough to make sense of the numbers which is what banks are looking for. It also offers an alternative viewpoint (engineers viewpoint and a finance people viewpoint may be different, influenced by their background). Bank's also like people from chemistry, biomechanical, etc field for the same reason above

^

my friend graduated in hotel admin Cornell univ , working for barclays, got S$7-8K

Financial Engineer has nothing to do with engineering graduates. To be exact, Financial Engineering is a Finance course instead of a Engineering course.

yup

Financial eng study investment model, create model to earn money

would like to ask, if I have CFA besides investment bank or research house, where else can I utilize this certificates?

currently working in FMCG company and I was told the nearest possible position could be is in treasury team which handle all sort of investment for the company.

hi peeps,
I need some advises here.
I am a finance graduate and i am planning on doing CFA Level I in June 2012.
5 months of self-studying time will be enough for me to pass the exam?

will CFA guarantee me a position as an analyst and above average salary?
Thanks peeps.

try trading companies. im working in a palm oil refinery and they have a trading desk, trading some commodities, perhaps it suits u

No la. My friend completed it in 4 years time.

---

Added on December 29, 2011, 11:33 pmu just need to be a degree grad to take CFA.

level 1 exam is held twice a year and level 2 & 3 once a year. However i would strongly suggest that you take 1 year to prepare for level 2 for those who wants to reduce their study period by taking the june level 1 exams and december level 2 exams subsequently.

This post has been edited by T3N5AI: Dec 29 2011, 11:33 PM

+1

why not enroll for dec 2012? more time to study....

5 months? depends on lots of factor... like whether you are working, how fast you can learn and also the time you willing to spent to study ?
not a guaranteee but slightly more advantage compared to others when compete for analyst position...

i have a SG friend who is taking CFA test too.. he's doing self-study and he has like 6 reference books all together....

^

is he part-timer?

reference book or textbook??

My reply will shock you but comming from within the industry, the answer is "You will NOT get a job in a finance line, treasury or otherwise". Maybe you can join their fresh grad trainee program/entree level position but nothing -repeat - nothing more. And if you have a decent salary/rank at your current job, chances are you will MOST likely have to take a pay cut....
Seriously.
These position will not take people with no experience no matter what CFA or qualification you have.

I strongly suggest you get in first, (via mgmt trainee position or connection or networking, whatever it takes) then get your CFA when you already have enough experience, like 5-6 years in the industry. Then you can command a premium.....

Are there anybody out there who has just taken their CFA level 1 and would like to let go of their CFA textbooks? I don't mind buying from you. Please pm. Thanks.

Anyone taking CFA level 1 this year? M looking for a study group if possible, don't have time to go class...

Hi, How was your CFA exam? Are you holding the CFA designation now? I'm also from IT background.

i am a charter holder.

fancy for a study group ? I'm having my lvl2 this coming june...

looking into CFP and CFA this year.

any master sifu can give a lil advice or insight on the exams?

Hi guys, I am working as a banker in one of the malaysia local bank currently. I am thinking to take cfa level 1 in next year. Anyone is looking into it as well?

cfp cannot be compared to cfa, at all.