Program Overview
Fintech (Financial Technology) refers to using technology to assist organisations and people in managing their financial operations via algorithms and software. It also offers cutting-edge technologies and new approaches for improving and automating financial services. The phrase refers to a quickly expanding sector that benefits consumers and companies in many ways.
Before the late 1990s and early 2000s, there was no such thing as the fintech sector as we know it now. However, the development of computer systems and the expansion of electronic banking in the financial services sector in the 1970s and 1980s are where fintech’s roots can be found. These early developments paved the way for the growth and development of fintech in the second half of the 20th century and beyond.
Thanks to the fintech revolution, companies no longer need to rely on traditional or outdated methods. Nowadays, one may find various possibilities and alternatives, from crowdsourcing to online banking to mobile payments. With the aid of fintech, anyone can start their own business in no time and establish immediate strategies for obtaining financing and, most crucially, where to source it by employing such financial services.
The Financial Technology (Fintech) degree program will provide students with a combination of theoretical and practical knowledge and expertise to assist the expansion of this crucial economic sector. More than ever, organisations want personnel who can advise them on how to expand within the financial services industry. Here are some modules that will be covered:
- Financial accounting
- Macroeconomics and microeconomics
- Financial derivatives
- Corporate finance
- Financial modelling
- Programming for fintech
- Data analytics, mining and machine learning
- Blockchain technologies and digital currencies
- Crowdfunding
- Technopreneurship
For tech-savvy developers and business owners who can develop innovative methods to supply financial goods and services, a career in fintech is a fantastic choice. Your interests and abilities are the only factors determining whether you should pursue a career in fintech. You’ll need extensive familiarity with programming languages and sophisticated mathematical or quantitative abilities to start a career in this field. You will have an advantage over other applicants if you combine these attributes with analytical and logical thinking abilities and a knowledge of pricing theory.
The prospective job prospects are intriguing for individuals with the necessary technical and non-technical skill sets, given the wide range of applications and fintech’s extensive penetration throughout the financial services industry. Considering how profitable these occupations are and supply and demand still favour the qualified applicant, a degree in financial technology is well worth pursuing.
Why Study This Program
Competitive Advantage
For the next four years, the worldwide fintech sector, involving Malaysia, is anticipated to expand at 20% annually. There is fierce rivalry since hundreds of startups are vying for funding rounds and the chance to become the dominant players in their respective markets.
In retrospect, the development of fintech in Malaysia is significant, yet there are insufficient competent resources. As a result, a degree in this highly competitive course distinguishes learners from the crowd, and they are quickly prioritised and recruited by organisations. Developing and comprehending the company’s business operations would improve their talents and make them more productive.
Understanding the business procedures of the organisation for which you work is undoubtedly rewarding and learning how fintech in Malaysia works and utilising suitable vocabulary can also aid in answering queries such as “Why fintech?” In these technological times, improving your skills is critical to be more operative repeatedly.
Increase the Potential of Your Career
A program of fintech in Malaysia is an excellent way to advance your career as a tech, accounting and technology expert. It will assist you in propelling your job advancement and confidently following your professional goals. It will also add considerable value to your CV and give your qualified profile more reliability. Obtaining a degree in fintech in Malaysia would be an outstanding decision whether you are a recognised professional trying to upskill or a student hoping to kickstart your career.
While fintech in Malaysia is a relatively new pitch, few people in the market have the necessary expertise and abilities to specialise in it. As a result, several employment possibilities and career routes are available in this area, making it an excellent time to pursue financial technology courses. Professionals seeking a significant transformation or new graduates seeking a head start in their careers might benefit significantly from learning about technology use in financial operations.
With over 50,000 job openings, the sector is aggressively seeking competent individuals as it is predicted to grow more than 25% per year over the next five years. As a result, a degree in fintech in Malaysia gives them an advantage over rivals in comparable positions. It helps them advance in their careers and reach their goals faster than previously.
Stimulating and Rewarding Work
Due to the rapid development mentioned, a job in fintech in Malaysia may be fascinating. Being at the forefront of innovation means working in a fast-paced, demanding environment. Each employment in the sector involving fintech in Malaysia necessitates the capacity to look ahead and anticipate market needs. It isn’t easy to keep up with this sector’s invention rate. Everything is up for grabs, and it has the potential to impact other aspects of our life.
Hence, if you enjoy solving people’s issues with innovative technology, a job in fintech in Malaysia might be precisely what you’re looking for. Apart from that, your ability to ask questions and come up with answers may lead to you establishing, or at least aiding with, the “next big thing” in financial technology apps. You can alter entire systems and revolutionise entire industries. It’s thrilling to realise that you may significantly influence the world as we know it. Hence, if you’re looking for more job happiness, fintech has something to offer.
Use Cutting-Edge Technologies
Currently, practically every industry uses technology to fulfil its everyday responsibilities. Technology has assisted them in transforming their businesses and improving financial processes, causing the fintech industry to expand rapidly. New technologies are introduced every few months to automate work and make financial activities easier. Courses in fintech in Malaysia provide an excellent opportunity to learn about the newest technology and how to apply it to improve an organisation’s productivity.
It may be pursued by new graduates or those who want to improve their existing knowledge and abilities to offer their CV an advantage. Furthermore, students learn to identify future trends in the sector, which company executives highly value. We live in a world where technology is constantly evolving. As a result, staying up-to-date on these developments is advantageous. Both newcomers may obtain fintech certifications with no prior expertise in this industry and those who want to improve their existing knowledge and abilities.
Improve Your Creative Thinking
Currently, you may easily visit an Artificial Intelligence adviser who can aid you in making a more “logical” decision, such as when to invest. Without the support and role of fintech in Malaysia, these efforts would be far less successful. Furthermore, minimising the complexity and expense of financial activity for all parties is an evident benefit that fintech has brought us.
As a result, our lives are becoming more manageable. Consider how many possibilities you may acquire for your organisation with the various innovative solutions fintech in Malaysia offers. Most fintechs nowadays rely on artificial intelligence, which provides advantages. Artificial intelligence may frequently lead to good decisions when matched with reliable data. You can identify which stocks to buy by analysing data. You may apply your knowledge and expertise in other areas outside the financial industry.
Why Study In Malaysia
Expanded Scope
Universities offering fintech in Malaysia programs teach students how to encourage businesses to adopt new technologies to expand their reach and service areas. Financial technology firms are increasingly utilising mobile connections. As a result, there is a substantial opportunity in Malaysia for international students to boost their usage of this sort of service and enhance transaction quality and convenience. It allows clients to handle their accounts via smartphones and tablets and allows the corporation to optimise its processes.
Learn How to Enhance Security
Getting a degree in fintech in Malaysia prepares individuals to provide consumers with the most modern and high-end financial services. They educate students on the need to utilise the most recent security procedures and ensure they are comfortable using financial services. Universities offering fintech in Malaysia programs provide highly specialised curriculums to prepare students for the benefits of modern mobile technologies.
Affordable Course Fees
The fee required to study fintech in Malaysia is comparatively less than that required in many other countries, such as the USA, the UK, Australia, and Canada, to name just a few. With fintech degree expenses shooting up worldwide, Malaysia comes across as a reliable option to receive a high-quality education at an affordable cost.
Globally Recognised Degrees
Fintech degrees from Malaysian universities enjoy global recognition. Studying fintech in Malaysia allows students to pursue the program in Malaysia and then move anywhere globally. Several students continue their master’s and specialisation in Malaysia or transfer to other countries to pursue different pathways.
International Education Standard
The standard of fintech programs in Malaysia meets international standards. This ensures exceptional education for students who enrol in this course. The course curriculum is rigorously developed, keeping in line with international benchmarks to ensure students learn the latest developments in fintech.
Excellent Campus Facilities and Infrastructure
Malaysia offers excellent campus facilities, modern infrastructure, and innovative teaching aids for studying fintech in Malaysia. The schools in Malaysia offer a great learning atmosphere. Several leading universities have developed in-house labs and testing facilities dedicated to helping students learn with hands-on experience, operate with state-of-the-art machinery, and stay up to date with the latest innovations.
Career Prospects
FinTech specialists are essential to keeping up with the most recent innovations in this quickly developing field. A FinTech professional is a financial technology expert who employs expertise to create novel strategies for improving the speed and security of financial transactions. They could work in startups, accounting firms, and banks.
FinTech is developing quickly because of ongoing technological developments. This indicates that as a career path, it appeals to people who want to work with and participate in the newest technical developments while being a part of the banking industry. There are several things to consider if you’re thinking about a career in Fintech, such as the role you will have.
Here are some of the roles and responsibilities you will have as a FinTech professional:
- Support delivery of client-facing research projects focusing on FinTech topics. Working with quantitative data and conducting field research in the industry.
- Assist with the management of individual client accounts.
- Take responsibility for all aspects of the delivery lifecycle.
- Learning and increasing business knowledge quickly.
The viability of FinTech employment options is implied by positive developments in the FinTech sector and future growth potential. Therefore, most individuals are interested in learning about the best FinTech skills that may provide them with a professional advantage. For any newcomer looking to further their career in this industry, the importance of FinTech may be one of their top worries.
Here are some skills that you will be required to have when looking for employment:
- Software development or programming knowledge.
- Knowledge of finance.
- Data analytics.
- Social intelligence and machine learning.
- Blockchain expertise.
- Communication skills.
- Adaptability.
- Creativity and problem-solving.
Investment Analyst
An investment analyst gathers data and analyses assets such as stocks, bonds, currencies, and commodities. Furthermore, they collect and analyse corporate financial statements, price changes, currency adjustments, etc.
Machine Learning and AI
In this career specialisation, you’ll work with algorithms and rule-based systems to construct anything resembling artificial intelligence. As we get closer to constructing robots that can think like humans, these algorithms’ promise (and risk) grows. This is strongly related to data analytics.
Cybersecurity
Due to the financial sector’s increasing reliance on digital solutions, cybersecurity has become a primary issue. As a result, financial institutions must protect consumer data from cyberattacks and require staff with the necessary capabilities.
Data Scientist
One secret to the rapid success of finance businesses is their ability to improve through feedback and use statistics continually. They need data scientists who can sift through massive amounts of data to find valuable insights.
Product Manager
FinTech organisations, like any other industry, require project managers to organise their initiatives from conception to completion. To achieve corporate goals, FinTech project managers explain client requirements, establish project scopes, design plans, and timetables, and manage material and human resources.
Marketing Manager
A marketing manager of a FinTech business is in charge of all communications and marketing for the company’s goods and services. They manage marketing activities such as social media, email campaigns, digital advertising, search engine optimisation, and website content.
User-Experience Designer
A user-experience designer is in charge of making technology more user-friendly. Since customer satisfaction with a financial product is so important, user experience designers employ their abilities to create aesthetically appealing and simple-to-use interfaces.
Quantitative Analysts
Quantitative analysts, or quants, handle financial and risk management problems using mathematical and statistical methodologies. FinTech firms engage them to manage risk, identify possible investment possibilities, and make prudent financial decisions.
Technical Consultant
A Technical Consultant, often known as IT support, will work with an organisation to optimise its use of technology and achieve business objectives. They are technical specialists who organisations recruit to give guidance, solve problems inside the organisation, and drive efficiency across all divisions.
Business Development Manager
A business development manager is in charge of monitoring the growth of their FinTech firm. They are responsible for implementing new strategies and procedures to make the organisation as lucrative and efficient as feasible.
Program Duration
The duration to study fintech in Malaysia is three years for the bachelor’s program. English is the medium of instruction followed in schools across all major international private universities.
The first year will have a number of common subjects between different specialisations. As students progress to years two and three, their modules and subjects will become more specialised as per their field of choice.
Students can sometimes switch from one specialization to another, but it will require approval from the University faculty and the relevant authorities in Malaysia.
Students who want to opt for program transfers to another University will usually need to prepare the transfer paperwork and start processing from their second year onwards to ensure all the paperwork and approvals are in place so the program transfer can be done.
Entry Requirements
The Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) sets the entry requirements and guidelines for university admissions in Malaysia, which all universities must adhere to. All prospective international students must meet the minimum entry requirements, as the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) takes these standards into account during the application acceptance and processing phases.
The admission requirements to study fintech in Malaysia for international students may vary from one university to another. However, the basic entry requirements are the same for most universities.
Usually, there are two pathways to entering a degree program in Malaysia:
- First, students can join a foundation program after completing their secondary schooling, O levels, or equivalent qualifications. After completing the foundation in the business program, they can continue to the bachelor’s degree as per their choice.
- Second, students who have completed their higher secondary school or A levels or equivalent will be able to join the bachelor’s degree programme directly into year one.
If a student fails to meet the entry requirements for a bachelor’s degree programme, the faculty may offer different pathways into the degree programme, for example, through a foundation or a diploma programme.
Universities may raise the entry requirements to ensure incoming students are academically prepared for the rigours of their programmes. So, prospective international students should consult with an admission advisor to determine the precise entry criteria for their chosen programme and their preferred university.
General Entry Requirements For Bachelor’s Degree
- A Levels: 2 Passes in A-Level in any 2 subjects, and a Credit in Mathematics and a Pass in English at SPM/O-Level/IGCSE or its equivalent.
- Foundation: Passed the relevant Foundation programme (minimum CGPA of 2.0)
English Language
International students who wish to study fintech in Malaysia will need to also provide proof of their English language proficiency with IELTS or TOEFL exams. Students who have studied the British or American curriculum are generally exempted from the English proficiency requirements since the medium of instruction for that curriculum is in English by default.
Students who have studied other curriculums where the medium of instruction is also English will usually need to provide a supporting letter from the school stating that the instruction language for their schooling has been English. With that letter, English language requirements are proven to have been completed.
Fees & Cost
Students sometimes only look at the tuition fee during the comparison. However, depending on how forthright and clearly the fee guidelines from the university are, the extra fees can be a hefty amount that could be a surprise. So students are advised to correctly add all the fees and decide which university fits their budget requirements to study fintech in Malaysia.
Various factors will contribute to the overall cost structure, such as:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation fees
- Admission fee
- Registration and Visa fees and
- Other one-time fees.
These fees vary from university to university and can depend on varying factors. The quality, infrastructure, facilities and teacher-to-student ratio will also determine how much a university charges.
You must find the right balance between quality and cost to get the best education possible. The average cost to study fintech in Malaysia is between RM30,000 to RM40,000 per year, depending on the University.
For reference, that’s around USD $7,500 to $10,000 per year for a 3-year fintech degree program at the current exchange rate.
Accommodation
Accommodation cost is going to be another recurring fee for international students. Generally, students have two options: they can either stay at the on-campus accommodation provided by the university or at private accommodation. The prices will differ according to which university and area you choose.
Generally, campus accommodations at major universities start at around US$150 per month and can go up to $400 per month. The pricing for on-campus accommodation is determined by the size of the room, whether a student will be sharing the room or will be staying alone, or if the student is taking a master room which generally comes with an attached bathroom or decides to stay at a sharing room with shared bathroom.
Some universities also offer cooking facilities and on-campus accommodation, which are shared facilities which will also be factored into the accommodation costs. Utility costs are generally an add-on fee.
While choosing the university, you can check with your admissions advisor on the options available for accommodation and how much they will cost so that you have an idea of how much of a monthly budget you will require as a student.
Admission Procedure
Researching, applying and managing overseas admissions is a tedious, time-consuming and often confusing process. Incorrect application submissions can lead to lengthy processing, delayed approvals, or rejections. You can visit education, exhibitions and fairs to collect information. However, that is not enough. You can only collect cursory information at these places. However, your admission processing will usually take much longer. During that time, you will need consistent and dedicated support to ensure your application is in the right experienced hands.
This is where we help.
Edmates helps international students from around the world with complete admissions processing. Our integrated one-stop centre helps international students with everything. We help you find future-driven programs that match your abilities and interests in leading universities.
We handle the entire process from the beginning until you have joined the university. Our international support system will manage everything for you, absolutely free.
Each student is assigned with a dedicated admission advisor who will manage the complete admission process and also guide the student throughout the admissions process. The advisor will also liaise with the university admissions department to ensure clear communications and faster processing.
You can speak with your assigned advisor anytime by booking a free call online through the website. You will also receive regular updates regarding your application via emails, SMS and WhatsApp.
To learn about each step of the admission process, you can read our complete guide to start applying for your higher education the right way.