APU Hosts Insightful Talk on Mutual Funds

As part of its ongoing initiative to align academic learning with real-world industry practices, the School of Accounting and Finance (SoAF) at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) recently hosted a compelling industry talk centred on the topic of mutual funds.

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This enriching session was designed to deepen students’ understanding of managed fund investing, as introduced in Chapter 4: Managed Fund of the AQ019-3-3 Capital Investment Analysis module.

Held on 22 April 2025, the session brought together finance students and seasoned industry professionals in a one-hour learning exchange that proved both educational and inspiring.

Learning from Industry Leaders 

The guest speakers for the day were Mr Cheong Chee Yeong and Ms Siew Yin Ling, experienced financial agents representing Public Mutual Berhad—one of Malaysia’s leading unit trust management companies. 

Their presence at APU underscored the University’s commitment to delivering not just theoretical instruction but also practical insights directly from the financial services sector.

The session was organised by Dr Chan Siew Lian, a part-time lecturer at SoAF, who recognised the importance of integrating professional perspectives into the classroom to enhance the learning experience.

Demystifying Mutual Funds

Throughout the session, students were guided through key concepts of mutual fund investing. The speakers addressed foundational elements such as evaluating historical fund returns, understanding portfolio volatility, and assessing asset composition. 

These technical concepts were brought to life through relatable examples and simplified calculations that made the material accessible to students of all levels.

One of the highlights of the presentation was the explanation of dollar-cost averaging—a strategy that involves consistent investment over time to mitigate the effects of market volatility. 

By illustrating how this method can reduce risk and promote long-term gains, the speakers effectively dispelled common myths surrounding mutual funds and highlighted their relevance in everyday financial planning.

Interactive and Engaging Delivery

What truly set the session apart was its interactive nature. Students were encouraged to ask questions, challenge ideas, and participate actively in the discussion. 

This dynamic exchange not only sustained engagement throughout the session but also reinforced the practical value of the concepts covered.

Many attendees noted that the clarity and enthusiasm with which Mr Cheong and Ms Siew delivered their content made complex financial topics significantly easier to grasp. 

Their ability to translate theory into practice provided a valuable bridge between classroom instruction and real-world financial literacy.

A Lasting Impact on Student Learning

In her closing remarks, Dr Ng Hui Chen, Academic Lead of the Banking and Finance Programme and Senior Lecturer at SoAF, expressed heartfelt appreciation on behalf of the School. 

She thanked Dr Chan for her efforts in coordinating the talk and extended sincere gratitude to the guest speakers for their time and insights.

Dr Ng emphasised the significance of such industry engagement in preparing students not just for examinations, but for future careers in the financial sector. 

The session, she noted, had made an “impactful influence on the students’ learning journey”—a sentiment echoed by many attendees.

Looking Ahead

The mutual fund talk is part of SoAF’s broader commitment to enhancing student learning through strategic collaborations with industry partners.

By providing students with direct access to professional expertise, APU continues to uphold its mission of producing industry-ready graduates equipped with both academic knowledge and practical financial competencies.

As the financial landscape evolves, opportunities like this will remain vital in shaping the next generation of finance professionals—well-informed, confident, and capable of making sound investment decisions.