A pact to bank on
ASIAN Institute of Chartered Bankers ( AICB) and Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation ( APU) collaborate to nurture industry- compliant banking professionals.
Both institutions announced an academic collaboration to equip the next generation of banking- related graduates through the sharing of skills, best practices and knowledge.
Under the new Memorandum of Understanding, upon the completion of APU’s Bachelor in Banking and Finance with a Grade Point Average ( GPA) of 3.0 and above, students will have an opportunity to attain professional membership with the Executive Banker certification awarded by AICB.
This is the first level of the Chartered Banker qualification, the gold standard in banking qualification. As part of the collaboration, AICB will work with APU in mapping out the syllabus of APU’s Banking and Finance programmes to identify exemptions for students to accelerate into the second level of the Chartered Banker qualification – Professional Banker.
Depending on the outcome of the mapping process, students may be exempted from taking all the three modules in the Professional Banker qualification and only need to complete one or two modules.
Both AICB and APU are delighted to establish the collaborative relationship. AICB CEO Tay Kay Luan said, “As AICB places significant importance on the cross- sharing of intellectual resource and technical expertise, I am certain that leveraging on both parties’ strengths and capabilities will allow us to explore various possible and potential collaborations to further enhance the education and training for the industry.
He also said he believes such collaborations will enhance competitiveness in the global financial market. APU vice- chancellor Prof Ron Edwards said, “The AICB- APU partnership provides yet another opportunity for APU students to connect with industry and prepare for professional life.”
He also stated that expertise in the banking and finance areas, in particular, enhances employability and familiarity with professional standards.
The Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers ( AICB) is the professional body for the banking and financial services industry. Known previously as the Institute of Bankers Malaysia ( IBBM), AICB continues its founding tradition of upholding and ensuring high professional standards, its development and delivery of education and learning; for both institutional and individual members.
AICB remains as the centre of excellence through the delivery of professional services and innovations. APU is among Malaysia’s premier private universities and offers a wide range of degree programmes in collaboration with Staffordshire University, UK, with technology as a common core, including Information Technology, Engineering, Business and Management, Accounting, Quantitative Studies and Media.
These programmes nurture students into professionals and prepare them for challenging careers and roles in business and society globally.
Professionalism, problemsolving skills, and creativity and innovation are some of the key attributes of APU graduates.
The multicultural student community comprises Malaysian students as well as international students.
APU earned its reputation as an award- winning university through its achievements in winning a host of prestigious awards at national and international levels. It was announced as among the highest rated universities in Malaysia, being rated at Tier 5 ( excellent) under the Setara 2013 Ratings by the Higher Education Ministry and Malaysian Qualifications Agency in 2012.
For more information, visit www. apu. edu. my.