JEDDAH: Prince Turki Al-Faisal, a member of Effat University's board of trustees, launched an executive master's degree program for Islamic finance management at the university and highlighted the success achieved by Islamic banking in overcoming the global economic crisis.
Turki said the program, which is first of its kind in the Kingdom, would help qualify national cadre to work in the areas of banking and Islamic finance management. "Islamic banks have succeeded in achieving Shariah objectives and providing interest-free finance to meet investment requirements," he said.
Islamic finance management is the first program under the newly established deanship for higher studies and scientific research at the university. Effat had announced its plan to establish the new deanship during its 10th anniversary in 2009.
"Today that dream has come true after the Ministry of Higher Education licensed the deanship and approved its first program, which is the executive master's program in Islamic finance management," he said.
Turki said the program would be conducted in association with Rotterdam School of Management in Erasmus University in the Netherlands and the Higher Institute for Business in Lebanon.
"I am hopeful that this deanship would become a light house in the heart of this country providing generations with an opportunity to pursue their higher studies and conduct scientific research in various fields to boost development," he said.
Turki said the new deanship would also contribute to achieving the university's strategic objectives and the vision of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah. "The king wanted the knowledge community to continue their academic research for taking Saudi Arabia to the level of advanced countries."
Meanwhile, Effat University is hosting its 10th annual career day on Tuesday and Wednesday at its campus. The event is to be held to grant Effat students, alumnae and jobseekers opportunities to increase their professional skills and build contacts.
Omar Shabaan and Said Baaghil will be speaking on the first day of the event which will also feature workshops on developing one's resume, CVs, interview and presentation skills, and business plans.
The job fair will be held on Wednesday; admission is SR50. The event will be hosted by Saudi illusionist Mamdouh Marzooki and Saudi singer Qusai Kheder.
© Arab News 2011
