Seminar on property markets and start-ups

The Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) organised a seminar called “Malaysian Economy (Property Markets and Start-Ups)” for visiting MBA students from Nanjing Agricultural University (NAU) and UTAR on 25 February 2017 at Sungai Long Campus.

The invited speakers were Raine & Horne International Zaki + Partners Sdn Bhd Associate Director James Tan Keen Meng, EU-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (EUMCCI) CEO Roberto Benetello. Also present at the seminar were NAU MBA Education Center Deputy Dean Prof Dr Geng Xianhui, UTAR FAM Dean Dr Sia Bee Chuan, FAM Deputy Dean Assoc Prof Dr Kevin Low Lock Teng, FAM Head of MBA (Corporate Governance) programme Dr Pok Wei Fong, FAM Head of PhD and MPhil programmes Dr Cham Tat Huei, and FAM Lecturers Assoc Prof Dr Law Kian Aun, Dr Teddy Lian Kok Fei, Dr Ma Guoxin, and M. Komathi.

The audience answering questions from Roberto

During her welcome remarks, Dr Sia said, “Today’s seminar is a good platform and opportunity to exchange ideas between UTAR and NAU. We understand that the world is changing fast and globalisation, ICT and social media are key factors nowadays. We need to understand how the world is and what the market demands are. I also hope that our guests from NAU will take the time to explore and enjoy the beauty of Malaysia.”

Prof Geng said, “We truly appreciate UTAR for organising this seminar for the MBA students from NAU and UTAR. NAU is one of the oldest institutions of higher agricultural education in China. Being one of the top 100 universities in China, NAU is committed to a blueprint of promoting leading-edge academics, cultivating innovative and entrepreneurial talents, and emerging as a regional hub for international academic exchange and cooperation. Today’s seminar is a great platform for both universities to exchange teaching experience, expand social networks and explore collaborative opportunities.”

Dr Pok kicked off the seminar with an introduction to the Malaysian economy, saying, “As of September 2016, the labour force of Malaysia numbers 14.76million, and the unemployment rate stands at 3.5%, which is considered very low. Besides that, Malaysia is a pivotal part of China’s economic expansion in ASEAN, and we will be discussing the outlook of the property market. So I believe today’s seminar will give fruitful lessons for the MBA students.”

James Tan said, “Through today’s seminar, I wish to share with the attendees on howto apply the knowledge and theory in reality. We need more practical knowledge in our education system. I believe UTAR produces a lot of employable graduates. As an educator, I believe we need to train and teach the students according to the practical applications needed in the market rather than with theories and ideas only.”

Roberto said, “Malaysia is EU’s second largest trading partner in ASEAN.In order to promote, support and develop EU business interests in Malaysia as well as facilitate trade, commerce and investments between EU and Malaysia, EUMCCI carries out activities that will catalyse and stimulate networking of European companies in Malaysia with the Malaysian business community.”

James Tan is a registered valuer and registered real estate agent with over 30 years of working experience in the valuation of various types of landed properties for finance, corporate and statutory purposes, valuation of plant and machinery items, as well as in market research and feasibility studies for both local and overseas projects.

Roberto Benetello has over 20 years’ experience in international general management, strategic marketing and business development, sales in B2B and retail, renewable energy, scientific and laboratory equipment, medical devices and equipment, health and wellness,and tourism.

Dr Sia presenting a token of appreciation to James Tan

Dr Sia presenting a token of appreciation to Roberto

Prof Geng receiving souvenirs from Dr Sia

The speakers with NAU and UTAR lecturers and students