Hi, I'll be starting Level 3 classes at Noesis this coming December. Those that have completed Level 3 classes at Noesis are not active here. High passing rate (small class size) and one of the lecturers is an exam marker for the essay portion. Practice questions mainly from text, Schweser and Elans. Lecturers will mainly focus on delivering classes.

I believe both are good (I think this is Sunway's first batch of Level 3 classes but aaron1kee mentioned that the lecturers are experienced working professionals as well)  and since you have reached this level, you should realise that self-preparation will beat any well-delivered lecture.

If you want to get more info on Sunway classes, you can pm aaron1kee. He is going for Level 3 classes there.

Thanks fino_abama for your reply. I did self-study for level 1 & 2 but find that i don't have much time for self-study this year due to my work commitment, hence, would like to attend classes.

I understand that Noesis provides career services too to its students (job placements)?

Another consideration is the class schedule. Sunway has monthly classes on Sat (full day) and Sun (half day). While for Noesis, it is almost every Sunday (full day).

Not sure which is better in terms of time mgmt on my side.

Hi hegolas, first of all congratulations on passing your level one. I believe fino has given a fair assessment of Noesis.

On a general basis, I think self-study for level 2 is still practical, given the right discipline and effort. Now that you aren't actively seeking for jobs, I do suggest that you do self-studying, with reference materials from Schweser.

I'll try to be objective in giving you a fair assessment of Sunway. But I might be biased because I've been studying in Sunway for the past four years. I did my undergrad there as well.

PROS:
1. Relatively cheaper pricing. I think the main selling point is its package of weekend classes and schweser materials, all at just 4k. IMO, having schweser saves me a lot of precious study time as they know which part to emphasis and it's very helpful when you're under time constraint to complete the syllabus. Else, please do go through the textbook if you do have the time to do so. Especially the case study, they tend to examine the examples, albeit in a different manner.

2. Professional lecturers imported from Singapore AB Maximus. All our weekend classes are taught by working professionals from Singapore, and they have accumulated enough experiences in the working world to be able to integrate the syllabus with practical examples. AFAIK, AB Maximus itself is quite renowned in Singapore and the present collaboration between Sunway and AB Maximus do allow us to access to such talent base.

3. Progress test. Sunway has a system in assessing students performances every now & then.  After every few lessons we have internal assessment, a full mock up simulation of the actual test, along with a discussion after the assessment. This is of particular importance to me personally as it keeps me in line with the syllabus and also an effective way of assessing your level of knowledge.

Cons:
1. Relatively young education provider. Sunway has just started its CFA program last year, whereas Noesis has been a local leader for a number of years. The lack of experience may be a turn off to some, but I can assure you Sunway is learning through the collaboration with AB Maximus.

2. Limited lessons. There are just 18 lessons per level. It's insufficient to cover the whole syllabus so often the lecturers may have to rush through certain parts. It can be mentally tiring sometimes to absorb so much in such a short time.

Again, I might be overselling just like what Fino did. But it's your personal effort at the end in passing the exam, choosing Sunway/Noesis/Kasturi makes not that much of a difference because I believe everyone has a competitive edge in the courses they offered.
PS: Fino, started my first day of employment today!  now hafto juggle between studies and work. hahaha.

Yes, level 3 classes will be on Sundays up till May (of course there will be breaks during festive periods and includes the Intensive Revision Course). Some find it quite tiring for a full day class but that's life in the program.

Not sure how busy you can get on weekends, do you have a gf/wife/children commitment? If yes, get them to understand that it's for your future and for them as well.

Yes, Noesis provides career services for their students BUT, success is provided that you are fluent (at least not half-cooked) in English and well-versed with the CFA syllabus (for the area that you are interviewing in). I'm assuming that you're not in the industry.

Thank you very much for your review on Sunway, aaron1kee.

Just 2 questions here. Firstly, does Sunway have any lecturers/trainers who are actual examiners of the CFA exam?

Secondly, does Sunway give any workshop/training on how to answer level 3 essay questions in an effective way? Thanks!

I think regardles, lecturers (sunway & noesis & kasturi) will teach students how to answer the essay questions so you have no worries on selecting either. Your consideration might be more on traveling time (I don't think cost is an issue for you).

Aaron1kee, how's work?

Work is alright It's just that I get so worn out everyday after work. Haven't been checking this thread for long!

How's level 3 going?  my class starting in 2 weeks time!

Thank you very much for your review on Sunway, aaron1kee.

Just 2 questions here. Firstly, does Sunway have any lecturers/trainers who are actual examiners of the CFA exam?

Secondly, does Sunway give any workshop/training on how to answer level 3 essay questions in an effective way? Thanks!

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Added on November 22, 2012, 2:57 pm
Thanks fino_abama for your quick reply. You and aaron1kee did all of us a great favour by reviewing Noesis and Sunway.

To your last statement, I have been in the industry for quite some time, though my bachelor and masters are in engineering hence, doing CFA will compliment my experience nicely...

I was in the investment division of EPF for quite some time, and am now in a local IB.

If I'm not mistaken CFA questions are determined by a board committee. I doubt they would disclose their status as part of the examiner board, but I don't think the lecturers are part of it.

For the second question, Sunway will be conducting their first level 3 lesson this coming december. I'm pretty sure that all tuition providers will provide examination tips. Let you know once we've kick started the class!

I think regardles, lecturers (sunway & noesis & kasturi) will teach students how to answer the essay questions so you have no worries on selecting either. Your consideration might be more on traveling time (I don't think cost is an issue for you).

Aaron1kee, how's work?

Mine starts in one week  I sapu Book 2,3,4 already. These few weeks too busy with meetings. Zzzz =.=

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Added on November 23, 2012, 12:30 am

With your experience, it should be easy to find a related job (or if you want to move into a different field, e.g. private equity) if you come from an investment background.

Too bad no one to review Kasturi. No full picture to compare.

If i am not mistaken, Noesis stated in their website saying one of the lecturers is the actual exam marker for the morning essay paper...

The only downside to Noesis for me at the moment, is its class schedule. It starts from 130pm to 8pm on Sundays!

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Added on November 23, 2012, 2:26 pm
Hopefully my company will be able to register and pay for me on time...fingers crossed...

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Added on November 23, 2012, 2:29 pm
wow! u already read thru 3 books! you are 60% done for level 3!

being my age now (very old compared to you guys), i think i have had enuf of 12-15hr days...prefer to be in buy-side now actually, or not-so-front-line roles...private equity is something to consider in the near future...

what are you guys doing now? what specific investment jobs are u guys doing? with IBs?

If i am not mistaken, Noesis stated in their website saying one of the lecturers is the actual exam marker for the morning essay paper...

The only downside to Noesis for me at the moment, is its class schedule. It starts from 130pm to 8pm on Sundays!

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Added on November 23, 2012, 2:26 pm
Hopefully my company will be able to register and pay for me on time...fingers crossed...

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Added on November 23, 2012, 2:29 pm
wow! u already read thru 3 books! you are 60% done for level 3!

being my age now (very old compared to you guys), i think i have had enuf of 12-15hr days...prefer to be in buy-side now actually, or not-so-front-line roles...private equity is something to consider in the near future...

what are you guys doing now? what specific investment jobs are u guys doing? with IBs?

I'm not in IB. (how ironic right?) Working in management consulting now with one of the big 4.

We're not there now but we'll be there soon. 

Then we'll look back and say, hey the journey to here isn't all too bad. 

I'm going for Level 3 classes at Noesis. I know one girl who is going for Level 2 but she's not in the forum. You going for classes at Noesis?

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Added on November 17, 2012, 4:57 pm

One of the easiest topics but there are students who shiver when they see the words "Statistics","Probability", "Hypothesis Testing", etc.

yes, i am going for level 2 in noesis...ur fren has started her L1 in noesis  or new to L2 in noesis like me?

She started her L1 in Noesis. Are you worried about being new cos you join from L2? Don't worry, it's a very small and friendly batch. You'll fit in easily. =)

She started her L1 in Noesis. Are you worried about being new cos you join from L2? Don't worry, it's a very small and friendly batch. You'll fit in easily. =)

alright..glad to know that  thanks...

All CFA peeps are equal and friendly! =)