LABUAN — A total of 21 students from the International and Offshore Banking Programme at the Labuan Faculty of International Finance (FKAL), Universiti Malaysia Sabah Labuan International Campus (UMSKAL), recently participated in an industrial visit to the CIMB Group Labuan Offshore Branch.
Organised by the International and Offshore Banking Club, the programme aimed to provide students with firsthand exposure to the actual operations of the international banking and offshore finance sectors in Labuan, aligns with the requirements of industry-based experiential learning.
The visit was led by Programme Director Nurrazeeq Danish Norlizam alongside International and Offshore Banking Senior Lecturer, Dr. Mohd Ashari Bakri.
During the visit, students received comprehensive briefings on offshore banking operations, international financial management, and career opportunities within the global banking sector.
The programme also helped students understand the functions of international financial institutions and Labuan’s strategic role as an offshore financial centre in the region.
In addition to the briefings, CIMB Labuan Offshore Branch shared insights into their workplace environment. Students were exposed to a positive, conducive, and professional work culture, which includes various activities such as welfare programmes, festive celebrations, recreational activities, and team-building sessions that strengthen staff relationships.
The sharing session gave students a clear picture of the importance of balancing work productivity with a healthy organisational culture in the modern banking industry.
Furthermore, experience-sharing sessions by bank officials inspired students on the importance of communication skills, teamwork, and professionalism in facing the challenges of an increasingly competitive international banking industry.
Dr. Mohd Ashari stated that industrial visits like this are crucial in helping students understand the realities of the working world.
“Through this visit, students can witness firsthand how international financial institutions operate and understand the industry skills required. This experience can boost students’ confidence, motivation, and readiness to enter the workforce,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nurrazeeq remarked that the industrial visit adds significant value for students as they have the opportunity to interact directly with industry professionals.
“This programme not only provides academic exposure but also expands professional networks and enhances students’ understanding of career opportunities in the international banking and offshore finance sectors,” he said.
The organisers expressed their highest appreciation to Norlela Omar and the entire staff of CIMB Labuan Offshore Branch for hosting the visit and sharing their knowledge and experience throughout the session.
The programme successfully achieved its objective of strengthening ties between educational institutions and the industry, while producing graduates who are more competent, competitive, and ready to face the challenges of the global financial sector in the future.
