Find Out About Studying Banking & Finance Degree Courses at Malaysia’s Top Private Universities
When choosing the right business course to study, some of the factors to consider are the future job demand, salary, and the subjects that you will study. Looking through the subjects from top private universities and comparing them will give you an understanding of their focus and how they will help you to achieve your future career goals. Find out what you will study in a Banking & Finance degree at private universities so that you can prepare yourself well for a successful career in banking and financial services.
In today’s ever-changing world, finance graduates are highly sought-after in a cross-section of industries which each offer a variety of job opportunities. Therefore, having a finance qualification can lead to a rewarding career. A top university will provide keen knowledge and understanding of market movements and the diverse investment market. Choosing to study Banking & Finance at a top private university in Malaysia will provide you access to top notch lecturers, state-of-the-art facilities and interaction with top students. In addition, the world class syllabus taught by qualified lecturers will enhance your learning experience to gain outstanding skills to succeed in the competitive work force.
Another great reason to study banking and finance is because of the course’ narrow focus, and it also allows you to explore a field that has a lot of job opportunities. Being able to set yourself with a banking and finance degree will help you when searching for jobs, especially from a large number of business administration graduates. As a banking and finance degree is harder to attain, it is guaranteed to set you apart.
Students interested in a career in Financial Sector can pursue the following degree programmes:
- Finance
- Banking & Finance
- Finance & Investment
- Financial Technology (Fintech)
- Finance & Economics
- Financial Engineering
- Accounting & Finance
Why Study Banking & Finance in Malaysia?
Chee Kin, Actuarial & Finance Graduate
Banking and Finance explores the dynamic, fast-paced world of money, shares, credit and investments. Finance is an essential part of Malaysia’s economy as it provides the liquidity in terms of money or assets required for individuals and businesses to invest for the future.
When you choose to study a Banking and Finance degree course at a private university in Malaysia, you will explore the systemised movement and management of money. At companies and businesses, the finance function ensures that activities are funded with equity or debt and the firms can chose value-enhancing project and manage cash flows, risk and liquidity in the interest of their stakeholders. In addition, Financial markets are very important and understanding the pricing of assets and derivative securities is vital. Financial intermediaries such as banks are key players in these financial markets.
Banks in Malaysia, some of which are the largest in Southeast Asia, offer a comprehensive range of banking and financial services. The country’s financial institutions are governed by the Bank Negara Malaysia, which was established in 1959. It serves as the country’s central bank, responsible for promoting monetary and financial stability. Malaysia has 26 commercial banks, 16 Islamic banks, one international Islamic bank and 11 investment banks.
Banking is also a global industry with about 30 banks operating across Malaysia and thousands of institutions and investment houses across the world dealing with money circulation, credit, investments, financing, superannuation and more.
Banking & Finance is continuously changing which makes this course a fascinating area to study.
What is the difference between Banking and Finance?
Haw Chieh (Right), Graduated in Accounting
Basically, the banking industry is most concerned with direct saving and lending while the financial services sector incorporates investments, insurance, the redistribution of risk, and other financial activities.
The services provided by the banking sector and non-banking sector both involve providing investors avenues for managing their wealth in a manner that involves lower risk. The main difference between banking and non-banking financial institutions is that non-banking financial institutions cannot take deposits from customers like traditional banks do.
Banks provide services that include accepting deposits, giving loans, and securities underwriting and offering shares to the public. Finance companies provide a much larger range of services than banking institutions, which include asset management services, insurance services, financial research facilities etc. The institutions under the banking industry are subject to much more stringent regulations compared to the financial services firms.
What is Banking?
Gary, Accounting Graduate from University of Wollongong Malaysia (UOWM) KDU
Many of us require the services of a bank in conducting our day-to-day transactions, which is also the case for small businesses and large firms that also obtain the services of the banking system. The two types of banks include commercial banks and investment banks.
The services provided by a commercial bank are called banking services, which include obtaining deposits from customers and providing loans. The mechanism under which commercial banks operate is simply explained as follows. The bank will obtain deposits from those customers that need a safe place for the surplus funds.
The banks use funds to provide loans to the rest of the bank’s customers that have funding shortages, for a fee known as an interest payment. The services obtained from investment banks include helping firms to raise capital in the stock markets by undertaking to value the company stock, provide underwriting services, conducting road shows to stimulate potential buyer interest and help sell shares to the public.
What is Finance?
Wei En, Accounting at Taylor’s University
Finance deals with efficient allocation and distribution of resources by commercial entities, individuals, as well as other establishments over time taking into consideration the associated risks.
Non banking financial institutions include a number of companies that provide financial services, which include insurance companies, financial research firms, venture capital firms, brokerages, investment funds, pension funds, private equity firms, and so on.
The services provided by these firms differ from each other but are collectively referred as financial services. The main function of the financial services firms is managing investor’s money and assets by predicting the movements and changes in the market and making investments that increase the investor’s return on investment and help accumulate wealth.
Examples of services provided by some of these financial firms are as follows. Insurance companies – provide coverage against a predicted future crisis for a fee known as premium. Hedge funds – Pools of money collected from wealthy investors that are managed in a manner that increases investor wealth. Financial research firms – provide large corporations analysis and insight into investment decisions.
The term called finance can include any of the following areas:
- The process of managing money
- The study of money and other types of assets
- Managing and controlling those assets
- Identifying and handling project risks
If the term finance is used as a verb, it denotes provision of funds for individuals for buying cars or houses and businesses.
The function of finance is to apply a group of techniques which the corporate entities and individuals implement for managing their financial activities, specifically the margin of income and expenditure as well as investment risks.
Finance can be widely categorized into the following types:
- Personal finance
- Business finance
- Public finance
The major sources of financing include:
- Savings
- Loan or credit
- Taxes
- Donations
- Subsidies
- Grants
What is a Finance Course?
Chew Ling, Accounting & Finance at Taylor’s University
Finance studies and addresses the ways in which individuals, businesses and organizations raise, allocate and use monetary resources over time, taking into account the risks entailed in their projects.
Finance is the most encompassing of all business enterprises. To understand finance you must know about the entire business, indeed the entire economy.
“Finance” is a broad term that describes two related activities:
- the study of how money is managed
- the actual process of acquiring needed funds
Because individuals, businesses and government entities all need funding to operate, the field is often separated into three sub-categories:
- personal finance
- corporate finance
- public finance
All three categories are concerned with activities such as pursuing sound investments, obtaining low-cost credit, allocating funds for liabilities, and banking. Yet each has its own specific considerations. For example, individuals need to provision for retirement expenses, which means investing enough money during their working years and ensuring that their asset allocation fits their long-term plans. A large company, on the other hand, may have to decide whether to raise additional funds through a bond issue or stock offering. Investment banks may advise the firm on such considerations and help them market the securities.
As for public finance, in addition to managing money for its day-to-day operations, a government body also has larger social responsibilities. Its goals include attaining an equitable distribution of income for its citizens and enacting policies that lead to a stable economy.
What will I study in a Finance Degree Course in Malaysia?
Kar Jun, Accounting graduate from Asia Pacific University (APU)
A bachelor’s degree in finance or a related area of study will prepare you for working in this high-powered field. You’ll be rewarded with skills that can translate directly into entry-level positions in career tracks like banking, accounting and tax preparation. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in finance will qualify for a wide range of career opportunities in the high paying banking and finance industries in Malaysia .
A 3-year undergraduate degree with a focus on finance will pave the way for a rewarding career in areas such as commercial banking, financial planning, investment banking, money managing, insurance and real estate. Specialized coursework for a finance degree typically includes investments, financial institutions, international finance and managerial finance. Financial analysis degree programs provide advanced instruction in risk management, portfolio management and financial engineering.
The career outlook for moving up in the finance world in Malaysia is good for motivated graduates. With a solid knowledge base, business savvy and excellent communication skills, you will be well positioned to move up the corporate ladder quickly.
What are some of the Subjects in a Finance Degree Course?
Vincent Yeoh, Accounting & Finance at Asia Pacific University (APU)
The subjects for the Finance degree will vary from university to university and depend on the emphasis. Students should look at the subjects offered to see if they meet your academic and career goals. It is also important to note that some universities have a lot of accounting subjects in their finance degree so if you don’t like accounting, you may not want to go for that university.
- Business Finance
- Computers in Business
- Fundamentals of Financial and Management Accounting
- Introduction to Economics
- Microeconomics for Business
- Organisational Behaviour
- Financial Markets Theory
- Corporate Financial Theory
- Financial Derivatives
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- International Bond and Currency Markets
- Managing Corporate Value
- Equity Markets and Fund Management
- Risk Management and Derivatives
- Contemporary Issues in Finance
- Financial Economics
- Financial Markets: Theory and Computation
- Financial Management
- Financial Mathematics
- Financial Reporting
- Fundamentals of Investment
- Law of Banking and Finance
- Management Information System
- Business Research Methods
- The Financial System
- Financial Planning and Control
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Personal Financial Planning Techniques
- Corporate Finance
- Financial Derivatives
- Financial Modelling
- International Banking & Investment
- Portfolio Management
- Risk Management in Banking
What is the Banking & Finance Course all About?
Darren, Finance & Investment Graduate from UCSI University
The Banking and Finance degree course is of particular interest to those wishing to enter the financial sector. It will provide you with the opportunity to acquire specialist economic knowledge of the operation of the monetary and financial sectors. It is designed to equip you with training relevant to the practice of banking and other financial careers in Malaysia.
Banking and Finance graduates may go for the the professional certifications by FPAM – Financial Planning Association of Malaysia, Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Asian Institute of Chartered Banker (AICB).
The Banking & Finance career in Malaysia is one of the highest paid with salaries from RM28,000 to RM48,000 a month for Senior Vice President in Corporate Banking / Global Wholesale Banking/Investment Banking with more than 15 years of experience. In addition, a Senior Vice President in Strategic Planning & Financial Analysis with more than 15 years of experience can earn between RM28,000 to RM38,000 a month.
What will I Study in the Bachelor of Banking & Finance Degree Course in Malaysia?
Chun Tim, Foundation in Business into Finance at Taylor’s University
If you study the banking and finance degree it will allow you to develop you mathematical, managerial and logical thinking skills, preparing you for a career working with numbers, whether in banking, accountancy or financial services in Malaysia or globally.
Undergraduate banking and finance degree subjects will cover a range of business, economic and problem-solving skills. You will also study economic models, financial institutions and the global financial industry. Later modules in your degree course may allow you to focus on a specific area of financial practice, such as risk management or bankruptcy.
Those who intend to undertake undergraduate degree studies in finance should expect challenges particularly in the form of financial theories and formulas. However, these can be overcome by a good understanding of Mathematics to start off with – Additional Mathematics will be an added advantage.
Business graduates who major in finance in Malaysia will be equipped with the necessary skills in critical thinking, problem solving, leadership and interpersonal communication and computing. They will also deal with asset valuation, financial asset pricing, financial modeling using spread sheet techniques and capital budgeting decisions and risk management.
An undergraduate degree is largely about developing your skills and competency to work in the financial and banking industries, so it’s important to be aware of the kind of skills you will gain from your degree. Some of the key skills you can expect to gain if you study the banking and finance degree include:
- Analytical skills
- Knowledge of economic models
- Ability to work with figures and statistics
- Numeracy skills
- Ability to work with deadlines
- Attention to detail
What is the Minimum Education Requirements to work in the Banking & Finance Industry in Malaysia?
Chew Ling, Accounting & Finance at Taylor’s University
The banking and finance industries include a wide variety of careers, including positions in asset management, loan processing and financial planning. The required level of education will vary, but most will possess at least a bachelor’s degree in Banking & Finance or related degree such as Finance, Accounting & Finance, Finance & Investment, Economics, Accounting, etc.
Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels with at least 5 credits including the relevant subjects may enter a Foundation in Business or Foundation in Arts at a top private university in Malaysia for 1 year before continuing on to the 3-year banking or finance degree programme.
Pre-University graduates in Malaysia from programmes such as UEC, STPM, A-Levels, SAM, CPU, AUSMAT and others may enter directly into the degree providing they meet the minimum entry requirements.
Students with at least 3 credits in SPM or O-Levels may go for the Diploma in Accounting or Diploma in Finance and then enter into Year 2 of the accounting, banking or finance degree programme.
