Bangkok--27 Dec--Sasin
Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration of Chulalongkorn University (“Sasin”) announced that it is one of two academic institutes in Thailand to be recognized by the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (“CFA”), for its finance courses, which emphasize corporate financial planning strategies, investment analysis, and out-of-class activities to help prepare students for the business world. Sasin is also planning to expand its program by offering new courses amid the growing economy in the country and in the region.
Assistant Professor Dr. Pattarake Sarajoti, Executive Director and Head of the Finance Group at Sasin, noted that finance is one of the main courses currently taught in the MBA program, and focuses on teaching students about financial policy and strategic planning, in order to become effective executives after graduation. Additionally, the course teaches students about financial investment for new business, which gives them an idea about what investment really is. This is essential for new, growing businesses, which always need proper methods of funding. He said that not only does Sasin put a lot of importance on finance itself but Sasin’s financial course also integrates related subjects and many case studies into each class. Sasin aims to help students understand subjects completely and effectively so they can use their learning experience in their careers.
Assistant Professor Dr. Pattarake said that CFA is a worldwide non-profit organization, which was established to design finance programs and to provide test administration. The program is offered to investment and financial professionals around the world, and focuses on ethics and standards of professional conduct. A candidate who successfully completes the program and meets other professional requirements is awarded a "CFA charter" and becomes a "CFA charter holder." Presently, the CFA institute has about 110,000 members in 137 countries, of which 104,000 are registered as CFA charter holders. The CFA institute is headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA, with branches in London, Hong Kong, and New York.
Referring to Sasin’s finance courses, Assistant Professor Dr. Pattarake said that, “In addition to the lectures by experienced Thai professors, there are also lectures by renowned academics from Asia, Europe, and America.” Assistant Professor Dr. Pattarake said that this diverse faculty brings the most benefits to students who are able to get knowledge from and exchange ideas with all of these professors.”
Assistant Professor Dr. Pattarake went on to say that, “The finance course offers a variety of subjects in response to the interest of students and the nature of finance and investment in Thailand; for example, the analysis of fixed income securities. This subject was added to the program after the growth of the bond market in Thailand, in order to help those interested in this type of investment and to give them a better understanding of this market. In addition, there is another subject on analysis of securities. Those who have finished this subject will be able to analyze corporate securities as well as the investment factors. In sum, students will have a fundamental knowledge of investment management and financial analysis, which will benefit them in both personal and corporate investment.”
In terms of the teaching of finance, Sasin’s courses use a combination of styles, from class lecturing, to exchanging ideas, to case studies. So far, the course has attracted a number of financial professionals and others, who have enrolled in order to equip themselves with a better knowledge of finance, and of other disciplines, so they can effectively compete in their industries.
Assistant Professor Dr. Pattarake also said that, “The factors which attract students to enroll in this particular course are, first, the reputation of Sasin, which was established over 30 years ago and has already produced graduates from all professions, in both the public and private sectors. Second, the program has always adjusted to fit in well with the current financial and investment environment. Third, the program strives to help students to turn knowledge into reality. This is often done during the case study section of the course, during educational trips abroad, and through special lectures given by academics from abroad. So far, our students have been able to find employment even before they graduate, and their work has been well received.”