The School of Business and Communication (SBC) at INTI International College Subang (IICS) recently welcomed Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, Chairman of Bursa Malaysia, for a guest lecture on 19 April at the Tan Yew Sing Auditorium.
With a distinguished career spanning various leadership roles, Tan Sri Wahid Omar delivered an inspiring talk on ‘Leadership and Career in the Capital Market,’ offering attendees actionable strategies and profound reflections on navigating the complexities of the financial sector.
In discussing these industries’ supply and demand dynamics, Tan Sri Wahid highlighted the lucrative nature of professions in the financial services and capital markets. He emphasised, “Increasing the number of Chartered Financial Analysts (CFA) in the country is essential. This demand extends within Malaysia and to countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and London. Despite having approximately 30,000 accountants, there is an insufficient supply to meet the global demand for chartered accountants.”
He further encouraged attendees, stating, “Considering a career in the financial services and capital markets industry with professional qualifications in accountancy or CFA can significantly boost your career prospects.”
Tan Sri Wahid also shared invaluable advice on maintaining good health, stressing, “Take care of your diet by being mindful of what and how much you eat, as well as when you eat. Avoid late dinners and suppers; opt for early dinners and avoid consuming large meals before bedtime. Regular exercise is crucial. Instead of spending all your time indoors on your gadgets, engage in sports and outdoor activities.”
“Neglecting your health can impact not just your productivity but also burden your family with high healthcare costs, particularly after retirement. I just turned 60 three months ago, but my physical health is closer to 70 due to neglecting my heart health.”
Furthermore, he reminded everyone never to forget their roots: “Always strive to study hard and smart, give your best effort, and achieve outstanding results. Express gratitude to the Almighty, your lecturers, and your parents for their guidance and support. Be kind and thank those who have assisted you on your journey.”
Cedric Choong, a lecturer and the event organiser, shared the true intention behind the session, stating, “We have noticed a decline in student interest in accounting and finance courses, possibly because these fields are seen as challenging. Our goal with this event, inspired by the insights from our esteemed speaker, is to show students the exciting possibilities in finance and accounting and encourage them to explore these fields confidently.”
Nurul Fatin Ameera Ahmad, a Bachelor of Business Administration student and the event chairperson, expressed the emerging need for such events. She said, “I saw a gap in our college events that didn’t delve deep into the finance and accounting realm. With today’s job market being super competitive, I felt students needed to get a head start in understanding these fields. Plus, finance and accounting aren’t just about numbers; they’re about shaping our economic world, and that’s pretty exciting!”
“Finance and accounting skills are like golden tickets in the job market. Every company, big or small, needs someone who can manage their money and make sense of their financial data. So, the demand is high, but there’s also a cool variety in the roles you can snag, from financial analysts to accountants to investment bankers,” she added.
Regarding investments such as cryptocurrencies and forex, Loroshaankumaar A/L Sivakumar, a marketing student with a diploma, emphasised the importance of thorough research and consideration of one’s financial goals and risk tolerance before investing in these assets. He said, “Some may only see the positive aspects of how these assets are portrayed on social media, viewing them as revolutionary technologies with the potential for financial inclusion and reduced transaction costs. However, others who have conducted thorough research approach them cautiously, recognising their profit opportunities and acknowledging the unpredictability and regulatory concerns associated with them.”
Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar’s lecture drew an audience of over 300, including students and staff of IICS. It was more than just an educational event; it inspired attendees to explore the abundant opportunities in the finance and accounting fields.