Banking Can Pay Dividends

by S.C. Chua

To succeed in the banking industry, a good attitude and discipline are prerequisites. S.C. Chua speaks to a new player in the industry, Kuwait Finance House, to find out more about establishing a career there.

“Be a creative thinker. Know what you want to be and with whom. Know what your career aspirations are.” This is some of the advice that Dato’ K. Salman Younis, Managing Director of Kuwait Finance House (Malaysia Berhad), wants to impart to graduates interested in a career in the banking industry.

An ever-changing and fast-paced industry, graduates seeking a banking career in Malaysia can expect to meet plenty of challenges – and only the relentless will rise to the occasion.

VAST OPPORTUNITIES

Malaysia’s Islamic banking industry is an exciting one, and potential employees can truly learn a lot as well as gain the necessary knowledge and experience to go further.

Islamic banking was introduced to Malaysia some three decades ago, and this added a new facet to the industry. But it is only during the past few years that the country has seen a rapid expansion in Islamic banking and finance. This is due to a host of reasons – abundance of funds, accelerated growth of Islamic banking from a novelty item to being mainstream, and its increasing acceptance by both Muslims and non-Muslims.

With the rapid rise in demand for Shariahbased financial products, Islamic banks and financial institutions – both locally and globally – are facing an urgent need for valuable manpower. What this means it that vast opportunities are now available to graduates. And even better news is that the opportunities vary – from front-end to back-end, the career scope is very wide.

“This is as reflected in the wide range of products offered by Islamic banks – corporate, investment, commercial, consumer and retail banking, fund management, private equities and treasury, and takaful,” says Dato’ K. Salman Younis. “Besides that, the industry also requires Shariah scholars and economists, analysts and other support staff.”

MAKING IT YOUR FUTURE

If you have always been interested in the banking industry, then this is a good time to explore your many career options. With the right attitude and, of course, academic results, employers will be knocking on your doors with job opportunities.

“We are constantly on the look-out for candidates with the ability to learn and implement all aspects of Islamic banking concepts,” stresses Dato’ K. Salman Younis. He adds that with the expansion of the industry, with growth rates of 15-20 percent per annum projected for the next several years, the prospects are decidedly bright. In short, this is definitely the time for you to check out what is available and to take advantage of the many opportunities.

So what can you expect when exploring career opportunities in the industry? Dato’ K. Salman Younis describes it best when he says, “A career with an Islamic bank is as challenging as working in other banks or corporations. At the same time, it is rewarding.”

Like all other industries, Islamic banks want you to meet certain criteria. These would include good academic results, great personality, the ability to learn on the job, be effective and the willingness to go the extra mile.

“Over the years, the roles and responsibilities of the KFH Group have evolved. Part of the growth includes our ability to attract the most intelligent and talented group of people wherever we operate,” he says.

“We seek candidates with good discipline and attitude. We also want candidates with common sense, initiative, strong commitment and enthusiasm.”

A CAREER OF OPPORTUNITIES

As Islamic banking grows by leaps and bounds in Malaysia, you can be sure that a career here means plenty of opportunities to develop.

”Upon joining, new recruits undergo a comprehensive induction programme. They will also undergo training in basic Shariah principles and product knowledge. When necessary, technical skills required for the respective divisions and departments will be provided.

Furthermore, it is mandatory that all employees undergo at least three days of training per year.” Continuous training is necessary because being a fairly new foreign Islamic bank in Malaysia, Kuwait Finance House is still expanding and its vision is to become the leading and preferred regional Islamic bank.

“Our employees have vast opportunities to play a part in shaping the bank’s future. In this regard, candidates are assured of career progress, skills development and training programmes, both internal and external. Employees can expect to grow with us as we are committed to continually developing and practising a culture of excellence.”

Ready to take on the banking industry? Now is the best time to do so. Go ahead, give it your best, and before you know it, all that effort and hard work will pay off.