AFFIN Hwang Asset Management Bhd successfully organised its flagship ‘Beyond the Classroom’ workshop at Penang Tech Dome on Dec 1 as its corporate social responsibility initiative to inculcate financial literacy among young students.
Designed to encourage learning by means of role-playing, the workshop offers students an opportunity to decide on their financial matters and to cultivate a sense of accountability in managing such matters.
The participating students, numbering 200 and aged between 12-17 years old, gained exposure to various aspects of financial management including developing their own budget, debt & credit control, investing and acquiring assets. Through a series of workstations, participants undergo different simulated scenarios or pit-stops while completing numerous tasks with the objective of increasing their net worth and at the same time, managing debt sustainably.
“We applaud this initiative by Affin Hwang to be a positive influence in our community and to advance financial literacy standards among our youth,” Chow said during the opening ceremony for the event.
“It’s a troubling fact today that many Malaysians are burdened by money-related stress. For the majority of low and middle income groups, wages are stagnant with very little savings and a growing debt situation which is not sustainable. Many young Malaysians aged below 30 are also living beyond their means, trapped in emotional spending and are set on an inevitable path of bankruptcy and financial ruin,” he added.
Also present were exco member Zairil Khir Johari, Affin Hwang managing director Teng Chee Wai and Penang Tech Dome CEO Dr Khong Yoon Loong.
Story by Victor Seow
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Chan Kok Kuan