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Business Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

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mcrayfc
post Jul 26 2012, 09:55 AM

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QUOTE(kinwing @ Jul 26 2012, 08:59 AM)
Passing rate for Level I and Level II is 38% and 42% respectively.

But seems quite a lot of ppl in this forum pass I and II, maybe it is just the "survivorship bias" that indicates only winners will speak up and losers weep without being noticed.

Anyway, congratulation to those who have passed the exam and keep up your work and for those who failed should not give up in the study.
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Congrats to those who passed...
anyone thinking of going for classes for level 3? I did self-study for level 1 and 2 and don't think i will have enuf time and discipline for level 3 anymore...getting old already...

Among the choices of kasturi, sunway, noesis, mim...what's the recommendation? appreciate your comments!


mcrayfc
post Jul 27 2012, 05:22 PM

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QUOTE(fino_abama @ Jul 26 2012, 10:12 AM)
I'm still going to continue lvl 3 at Noesis. One of the lecturer is an exam marker, and his experience will help when it comes to the essay part.
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Thanks for the feedback. How much is it approximately at Noesis? And usually, when will be the classes? only weekends? Both Saturday and Sunday? How many hours per week? Thanks!


Added on July 27, 2012, 5:25 pm
QUOTE(Eve90 @ Jul 26 2012, 08:12 PM)
Grats.. Wow so many above 70%  rclxms.gif


Added on July 26, 2012, 8:14 pm

Definitely recommend you to go for Noesis...
Great lecturers over there  smile.gif
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Can you elaborate more on Noesis? Friends told me Sunway and Kasturi are good also...



This post has been edited by mcrayfc: Jul 27 2012, 05:25 PM
mcrayfc
post Jul 28 2012, 01:45 AM

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QUOTE(Eve90 @ Jul 27 2012, 11:33 PM)
Both weekends and weekdays classes. You can choose to attend either or both. I actually attended some on weekdays and some on weekends. Can attend same session twice also smile.gif  Plus the class size is small so if you have any problems, you can just raise your hand and ask or catch the lecturer during break time. I think Sunway's class size is also small.

I also like that their parking space is just right beside the class. I'm also an ex-Sunway student and you have to walk from Pyramid to classes through the canopy walk bridge or park at parking places around the uni and walk to class under the sun.
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Thanks eve90 for the reply. So will u be attending noesis again soon? If yes, which level?

I am struggling if I should go to noesis, Sunway, or just buy the kaplan schweser materials for self study for level 3..

Any thoughts?


mcrayfc
post Nov 21 2012, 09:32 AM

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Hi guys & gals, I am considering level 3 classes offered by Sunway College & Noesis. Which is better?
Lecturers quality? Delivery of contents? Practice questions?

Look forward to getting your feedback!
mcrayfc
post Nov 22 2012, 01:47 PM

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QUOTE(fino_abama @ Nov 21 2012, 10:15 AM)
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.
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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.
mcrayfc
post Nov 22 2012, 02:48 PM

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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!  icon_rolleyes.gif now hafto juggle between studies and work. hahaha.
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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 pm
QUOTE(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.
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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 tongue.gif 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
mcrayfc
post Nov 23 2012, 02:21 PM

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QUOTE(aaron1kee @ Nov 22 2012, 09:11 PM)
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!
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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!


Added on November 23, 2012, 2:26 pm
QUOTE(fino_abama @ Nov 22 2012, 09:19 PM)
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? biggrin.gif
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Hopefully my company will be able to register and pay for me on time...fingers crossed...


Added on November 23, 2012, 2:29 pm
QUOTE(fino_abama @ Nov 23 2012, 12:07 AM)
Mine starts in one week  brows.gif I sapu Book 2,3,4 already. These few weeks too busy with meetings. Zzzz =.=


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.
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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?

This post has been edited by mcrayfc: Nov 23 2012, 02:29 PM
mcrayfc
post Nov 27 2012, 01:56 PM

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QUOTE(aaron1kee @ Nov 25 2012, 10:51 PM)
Then we'll look back and say, hey the journey to here isn't all too bad.  biggrin.gif
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Haha, I would rather be a management consultant than an IB banker! But I heard the hours are equally bad too?
mcrayfc
post Dec 5 2012, 11:40 AM

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QUOTE(aaron1kee @ Nov 29 2012, 11:43 PM)
All CFA peeps are equal and friendly! =)
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Hi aaron1kee, I understand that Sunway L3 classes will only start in Jan 2013? Instead of Dec 2012?
Can you confirm? Thanks.
mcrayfc
post Dec 7 2012, 05:27 PM

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QUOTE(aaron1kee @ Dec 5 2012, 11:07 PM)
Yeah, apparently they couldn't garner enough people. Classes will start in Jan nonetheless AFAIK.


Added on December 5, 2012, 11:10 pm

Well, that's the exact route I took. CAT > ACCA > CFA.

But honestly, why the rush? U just finished your SPM. Evaluate your options, explore other alternatives before committing.  CFA is still too far-fetched for now. Who knows you might just discover another interest of yours. smile.gif
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Hi aaron1kee, how likely will sunway-tes organise the level 3 cfa classes, given that the number of students thus far is low? Any possibility sunway-tes will cancel level 3 classes?

The reason I am asking is I am sponsored by my company. If sunway-tes is not doing level 3, then i need to inform my company fast an enroll me somewhere else (kasturi or noesis).

U have any info? Thanks.
mcrayfc
post Dec 13 2012, 01:08 PM

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QUOTE(fino_abama @ Dec 7 2012, 05:49 PM)
Hi mcrayfc,

Just to let you know (maybe you already have the schedule), we're done with SS3 (Behavioral Finance) and SS4 (Private Wealth Management) last week and this Sunday we will cover SS6 (Capital Market Expectation) and SS17 (Performance Evaluation & Attribution), then SS14 (Risk Mgmt) by end of the month. The classes won't be repeated (but it's recorded), so you might want to check out classes at Kasturi (which I suspect have started as well).

I think Sunway will likely start the class, otherwise they will never get the ball rolling (just my take, wait for aaron to get back or perhaps call Sunway to ask).

UPDATE:
I've checked Kasturi's schedule. They've started since 17th Nov and to date have completed 4 study sessions (plus this coming weekend, that will be 6 study sessions).

Source: Kasturi 2013 Jun CFA L3 Timetable
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Thanks fino_abama for your info. looks like sunway is my best bet then...

How do u feel about the topics thus far? I did scan thru the textbook and found that it is very boring...all are pure text-reading, and not many maths stuff...


Added on December 13, 2012, 1:09 pm
QUOTE(aaron1kee @ Dec 8 2012, 10:06 AM)
Hey mcrayfc, like I said earlier the class will start nonetheless, no matter how low the turnout it may be. If you have any specific questions, you can contact PIC liyeeny@sunway.edu.my. She is the admin for Sunway CFA.


Added on December 8, 2012, 10:08 am

I'm falling behind the schedule and along with classes delay. FINO  icon_question.gif  icon_question.gif  icon_question.gif
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Thanks aaron1kee...I have confirmed with li yeen and even with the singapore side. yes, they will conduct the class. my only concern is, sunway seems to have the lowest number of class hours compared to noesis and kasturi.....


This post has been edited by mcrayfc: Dec 13 2012, 01:09 PM

 

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