PENANG, 3 May 2025 – As part of Universiti Sains Malaysia's (USM) ongoing commitment to equipping the younger generation with essential financial skills for a more secure future, its School of Management (SOM) recently hosted the financial awareness programme, ‘Think Before You Follow, Wise Money Tomorrow,’ at the Penang Golf Club (PGC).

The programme was held in collaboration with the Malaysian Financial Planning Council (MFPC), Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri Malaysia (LHDN), Securities Commission Malaysia, Federation of Investment Managers Malaysia (FIMM), Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK), and Saturna Asean Equity Fund.

The primary goal of this financial literacy programme is to promote prudent financial habits among students and the general public.

More than 300 participants attended the programme held on 26 April 2025, including students from Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TARUMT), Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), and USM.

The programme began with a welcoming speech by the Chairman of the MFPC Penang Chapter, Charles Tan Swee Choon, who expressed his appreciation to all attendees, partners, and stakeholders for their support and participation.

He reaffirmed the Council's mission to enhance community awareness of effective financial planning techniques and improve financial literacy.

Penang State Executive Council (EXCO) Member for Local Government and Town & Country Planning, YB H’ng Mooi Lye, emphasised the importance of financial literacy among young people, particularly in today's increasingly complex and dynamic financial landscape.

"Financial scams are becoming more sophisticated in Malaysia, and young people must not be easily deceived. It is crucial to develop strong financial awareness early to protect not only your current finances but your future wealth as well," he said.

He further added that young professionals, entrepreneurs, and the general public could gain valuable insights into personal financial planning, investment strategies, and wealth management, thus strengthening financial decision-making skills by participating in such programmes.

Several notable VIPs graced the event as well, including Dr. Ooi Chai Aun from the School of Economics, Finance and Banking, UUM; Associate Professor Dr. Siti Rohaida Mohamed Zainal, Deputy Dean of Student Affairs and Alumni as Dean Representative, School of Management, USM; YB Sim Tze Tzin, Member of Parliament for Bayan Baru; and Dato Seri Ong Poh Eng, CEO of Penang Bukit Jambul Golf Club.

Their presence demonstrated how strongly the public, commercial, and academic sectors support the advancement of financial literacy.

Program Coordinator from the USM School of Management, Associate Professor Dr. Haslindar Ibrahim, commended the dedicated organising committee of 30 students from the School of Management and 7 committed members from the USM AKPK club for their efforts, dedication and teamwork in ensuring the event's success.

“Their tremendous efforts embodied the spirit of collaboration and excellence,” she remarked.

Attendees benefited from insightful talks and interactive sessions led by financial experts, who highlighted key strategies for cultivating prudent financial habits and staying vigilant against financial scams in the one-day programme.

Text & Photos: School of Management (SOM), USM/Editing: Rebecal Armugam, Internship Student, Media & Public Relations Centre (MPRC), USM