Executives grasp opportunity to break out of comfort zone
In an increasingly competitive business environment, executives more than ever are putting in time and money to earn more credentials in different fields, not necessarily with a view to changing careers, but to broaden their knowledge base.
Jonathan Ng Tai-sing, director of education at the Hong Kong Institute of CPAs, cites the qualification programme run by the institute for those wishing to become a professional accountant, as of benefit to students because it is an internationally recognised qualification.
'The programme consists of four modules and a final exam,' said Mr Ng.
'We also admit non-accounting graduates who initially go through a three-month intense conversion course. The qualification is internationally recognised in England, Scotland, Wales, Canada and elsewhere. This speaks for itself and also shows the level of competency.'
Through workshops and learning packs, the students not only learned technical but also generic skills, he said. The final exam is open book.
'We don't need the students to memorise all the information, as in their jobs they would be able to do research.'
Graduates look to have a bright future after the qualification programme.
'The Big Four [accountancy firms] are very much engaged with our programme. It is highly recognised by top tier firms,' he said.
