On the afternoon of April 25, 2024, Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President of National Economics University (NEU), met with Florence Wong, Director of Partnerships and Client Solutions for Asia Pacific at CFA Institute, United States, and representatives of relevant organizations.

An overview of the meeting

Also attending the meeting on behalf of partner organizations were Tran Thi Xuan Mui, Deputy General Director of Smart Train Training Academy; and Minh Luu, CFA, Portfolio Manager, An Binh Securities Investment Fund Management Joint Stock Company. Also representing NEU were Dr. Dao Thanh Tung, Head of the Department of International Cooperation; Dr. Vu Van Ngoc, Dean of the School of Advanced Education Programs, High-Quality Programs and POHE; and representatives of the University’s unit leadership, faculty and staff.

On behalf of the University leadership, Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong warmly welcomed the representative of the leadership of CFA Institute in the United States and representatives of relevant organizations to NEU for the visit and meeting. During the discussion, Prof. Pham Hong Chuong affirmed the need to train a high-quality workforce for the finance sector, particularly as deeper and broader economic integration makes workforce quality and professional expertise increasingly pressing priorities. NEU is developing and integrating disciplines and advanced academic programs oriented toward digital transformation. These provide modern knowledge and ways of thinking, support connectivity, transfer programs and international integration, and aim to train a future generation of experts, managers and leaders capable of mastering technology, maintaining control over AI and developing alongside it.

Prof. Pham Hong Chuong emphasized that NEU places great importance on cooperation with reputable international professional organizations such as CFA Institute. The President therefore expressed confidence that integrating CFA Level 1 content into the high-quality bachelor’s program in Finance would strengthen its practical relevance and improve students’ access to high-quality employment opportunities after graduation.

Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President of NEU, and Florence Wong, Director of Partnerships and Client Solutions for Asia Pacific at CFA Institute, United States, exchange views at the meeting

At the meeting, Florence Wong, Director of Partnerships and Client Solutions for Asia Pacific at CFA Institute, United States, briefly introduced an education model integrating the CFA professional qualification. This model is designed for universities whose academic programs cover more than 70% of the CFA curriculum, particularly content related to professional ethics. In addition, students gain access to valuable resources and support from CFA Institute for their studies and preparation for the challenging CFA exams. Students also have opportunities to interact with investment professionals, expand their professional networks and improve their career prospects. For lecturers, this affiliation encourages collaboration and knowledge exchange with investment industry professionals, as well as research into and development of innovative teaching methods, ensuring that the curriculum remains both highly relevant and up to date with standards in practice.

Also at the meeting, the CFA representative expressed the hope that the two sides would soon integrate CFA Level 1 content into the high-quality bachelor’s program in Finance, thereby giving students better learning opportunities through high-quality, reputable academic programs from around the world.

Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong and Florence Wong exchange gifts and pose for commemorative photos

Delegates attending the meeting pose for a commemorative group photo

Following the discussion and meeting with the University leadership, the CFA representatives also took time to speak with students from the School of Advanced Education Programs, High-Quality Programs and POHE about career prospects in financial investment analysis, the CFA curriculum and certification exams, and the advantages of holding the CFA qualification.

Florence Wong, Director of Partnerships and Client Solutions for Asia Pacific at CFA Institute, United States, speaks and interacts with students

The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) qualification is a global professional qualification in finance awarded by CFA Institute in the United States and is one of the world’s highly regarded professional qualifications. To obtain the CFA qualification, candidates must meet one of the following requirements:

For CFA Level 1: Candidates must have at least four years of professional work experience; hold a bachelor’s degree or be in the final year of a bachelor’s program; or combine professional work and education over four years. For CFA Level 2: Candidates must complete their university program before registering for the exam. In addition, candidates must hold an international passport, complete the exam in English, meet the professional admissions criteria and live in a country where the exam is offered.

Because of these requirements, the CFA qualification is regarded as an important credential in finance and the gold standard in investment analysis. In addition, the content of each CFA exam is wide-ranging and complex, covering numerous fields such as investment, corporate finance, risk management, portfolio management, asset analysis, asset valuation and professional ethics.

Article and photos: Department of Communications

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.