By Geraldine Tan

A TERTIARY qualification is often considered a must-have in today's global business environment, and with private education providers, those looking to climb the corporate ladder realise that there are many different ways to get to the top.

While it is one thing to equip students with fundamental competencies, institutions like the Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS) and the Singapore Accountancy Academy (SAA) are going to great lengths to give their students an edge with relevant, market-driven courses that are affordable.

SAA, formed 23 years ago, is the training arm of the national accounting body, the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore (ICPAS).

It currently has 5,000 students. Apart from professional programmes from internationally recognised institutions, it also offers a range of full- and part-time courses, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in accounting, finance and business in conjunction with several universities in the United Kingdom.

The MDIS Business School (MBS) is the largest and most established school at MDIS. It administers degrees ranging from business and management studies, accounting and finance and marketing to business computing, international business and entrepreneurship from universities in Australia, the UK and France. Its 8,500 students can elect to pursue these studies either full time or part time.

MDIS' internationally recognised qualifications enable its graduates to work in any part of the world.

Both schools say that the students are drawn to their programmes that produce professionals who are adaptable, analytical and well-prepared to face the rigours of the business world.

"MBS offers more than 40 programmes ranging from certificates and diplomas to bachelor's, master's degrees and a doctorate degree," says Ms Tan Gek Khim, senior director of MDIS.

"MBS has launched specialisations in the areas of entrepreneurship, international business, and banking and finance to meet the needs of the working professionals who yearn to learn more, stay relevant and be kept abreast of changes to their career development."

Ms Cheng Siew Kiong, SAA's assistant director for academic programmes, adds: "Over the years, students have chosen SAA as we are the training arm of ICPAS.

"SAA offers high quality degree and professional programmes from internationally recognised universities and institutions, and our professional qualifications are highly relevant to the current accounting practices."

Ms Cheng notes: "All our lecturers are highly qualified professionals with many years of industry and academic experience. Our lecturers are members of ICPAS or professional accounting bodies, and are updated with the latest regulations on accounting profession, auditing profession, corporate disclosure and corporate governance."

A complete and inclusive academic programme is also of high priority.

Says Ms Tan: "We constantly review the current market, industrial trends and industry demands. The course curricula and learning outcomes are constantly being reviewed to enable our students to achieve a positive learning experience."

MDIS also makes it a point to have entrepreneurship skill modules.

Ms Cheng adds: "SAA, together with ICPAS, is always in consultation with all stakeholders about the development of its qualification, including students, members, employers, governments, regulators and regional accountancy bodies."

Being part of ICPAS also has other benefits for the students. Says Ms Cheng: "The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants- ICPAS Joint Examination Scheme programme is a highly relevant, targeted combination of study and practical experience.

"The syllabus is a result of extensive research and consultation with governments, students, colleges and employers from a range of public and private sector organisations.

"Graduates of the programme are given the same recognition by ICPAS for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) membership, together with the accountancy graduates from local universities. They can complete the programme at cheaper course fees of less than $8,000.

"Graduates from our University of London accounting and finance degree gain entry into ICPAS Professional Examination for CPA membership purposes. This means that graduates will not only attain a credible degree but also a prestigious professional qualification."

Ms Tan says of the programmes at MDIS: "We offer internationally recognised qualifications which enable the MDIS graduates to work or seek employment in any part of the world, and we have the flexibility to change and adapt the curriculum quickly to match skills set required by industries and commerce.

"At MDIS, we constantly enhance our students' analytical and problem-solving skills along with their ability to adapt to the ever changing environment. We believe this is integral in shaping dynamic leaders for today's competitive business world."

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Aug 31, 2008.