Seminar highlights essential skills for financial economists

In a bid to equip financial professionals with the tools needed to navigate today’s complex economic landscape, the Centre for Foundation Studies (Sungai Long Campus) hosted a dynamic seminar titled “Essential Skills for Financial Economists in the Modern Economy” on 6 September 2024. The event, held virtually via Microsoft Teams, featured Dr Mahdi Toobaee, an esteemed academic from the University Canada West, as the keynote speaker.

With a robust turnout of engaged participants, Dr Toobaee led the audience through an insightful exploration of the competencies vital to financial economists. His presentation resonated with professionals and students alike, delving into not only the theoretical frameworks but also the practical applications of these skills in real-world economic analysis.

Dr Toobaee delivering his talk

The seminar opened with Dr Toobaee’s engaging introduction, emphasising the critical nature of mastering core financial economics skills. These competencies, he noted, form the backbone of any financial economist’s career. Dr Toobaee highlighted that understanding these skills in depth would not only improve analytical capabilities but also better prepare professionals for the dynamic and often unpredictable financial markets.

Following this, participants were taken through real-world applications of these core skills. Dr Toobaee underscored how financial economists can leverage their knowledge in sectors such as corporate finance, financial risk management, and financial regulation, thereby bridging the gap between academic learning and professional practice.

Dr Toobaee interacting with students

Beyond technical abilities, the session also touched on career development strategies. Dr Toobaee provided a roadmap for attendees interested in furthering their academic credentials or moving into specialised financial roles, particularly in light of rapid advancements and the evolving global economy.

In conclusion, Dr Toobaee’s seminar on Essential Skills for Financial Economists successfully shed light on the fundamental competencies required in the field, the importance of practical application, and the pathways for professional growth. His wealth of knowledge in corporate finance, financial risk management, and financial literacy enabled him to offer participants both a comprehensive overview of the skills necessary for financial economists and practical insights based on his extensive real-world experience.

With an impressive and diverse background, Dr Toobaee holds a PhD in Business Administration from the University Jean Moulin Lyon, France (2019), an MBA from Universiti Malaya (2014), and a Master of Science in Quality Systems Engineering from Concordia University, Montreal (2022). His experience extends beyond academia, encompassing several managerial roles within Iran’s national electronic payment system, where he applied his expertise in finance and operations.