Maleen a CIMA World Star

Maleen Abeydeera, a 21-year Royal College student is CIMA's latest world prize-winner, scoring the highest marks in the world (94) for Financial Accounting and Tax Principles at the May 2009 Examinations.

Maleen started the basic foundation stage of CIMA when he was 16. He studies engineering at the University of Moratuwa.

Maleen also had the opportunity of representing Sri Lanka at the International Mathematical Olympiad, in Vietnam in 2007. The competition brings the best young mathematical talent in countries across the globe to participate once a year after a rigorous selection procedure. He considers it as his finest achievement so far along with this CIMA world prize.

Maleen does swimming, badminton and cricket in his free time. He says he owes this world prize to the encouragement, dedication and support of his parents and the CIMA lecturers.

According to Maleen, more than the subject knowledge the CIMA lecturers provide students with, it's the sharing of experiences in the corporate world which is really valuable. He says, "What matters finally, is not how you do at exams, but how you perform in the real world." He said, "I did a lot of self studying, and I'm thankful for the library facilities at CIMA which offers students an excellent collection of books and magazines on economy and finance."

"In Sri Lanka, and elsewhere in the world, CIMA is considered a premium qualification and for a good reason. CIMA is the next generation qualification, covering other important aspects such as Marketing, HR, Risk management , Strategy and Project management.

CIMA gets you on track for life in the world of top management.

He said many of his friends studied at the University of Moratuwa have also decided to go with CIMA. Maleen said, "I've learnt a lot from lecturers who are also in high places in Sri Lanka. From MAS Holdings to Richard Pieris and NDB bank so the learning experience is inspiring and insightful."

Maleen, who was ranked 15th (All Island AL Maths Stream) said that while some of the subjects are challenging, he feels comfortable with the CIMA course so far, but also stresses that prospective CIMA students need to take a keen interest to get through the many complexes.