QUOTE(aaron1kee @ Oct 8 2012, 09:30 PM)
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.
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!
Added on November 22, 2012, 2:57 pmQUOTE(fino_abama @ Nov 22 2012, 02:20 PM)
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.
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.
This post has been edited by mcrayfc: Nov 22 2012, 02:57 PM