MIRI: As part of a collaborative effort between two units in its
School of Pre-U and Continuing Education (SPACE), foundation and diploma students of Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently attended a talk introducing them to financial literacy, particularly in the area of Indigenous finances.
Dex Yong, a unit manager with a life assurance agency for more than 10 years, conducted the talk, designed to enrich the students’ understanding of Indigenous financial practices, challenges, and ways of overcoming them.
The talk provided a unique opportunity for the students to delve into topics relevant to their current academic units, namely Communication, Culture, and Indigenous Perspectives in Business and Financial Decision Making.
Yong discussed topics ranging from traditional Indigenous economic practices to contemporary financial challenges faced by Indigenous communities.
This gave the students valuable insights into integrating cultural perspectives into financial decision-making processes and the importance of communication in managing finances within diverse cultural contexts.
According to SPACE’s associate director of Learning and Teaching, Delon Chai, Curtin University is committed to acknowledging all First Nations people in Australia and Indigenous communities in its global locations, including Sarawak.
Furthermore, it embeds Indigenous perspectives into learning, teaching, and research.
He added that the talk served as an excellent starting point to expose students to Indigenous perspectives and respect the diverse cultures in Sarawak and internationally.
Head of the Department for Arts and Commerce at SPACE, Michelle Phua, meanwhile, stated that proper financial management is vital for fostering economic resilience and sustainability within indigenous communities.
She said Yong’s expertise and insights were instrumental in broadening the students’ understanding of Indigenous financial systems and their implications for contemporary business practices.
SPACE was established in 2021 to create educational and training opportunities for youth so that they can unlock their potential.
The school offers diploma and foundation programmes that are pathways to degree programmes at Curtin Malaysia and other Curtin campuses, as well as professional education, including corporate training, short courses, and micro-credentials, for young learners and working adults to take their careers to the next level.
To learn more about SPACE, visit cmspace.curtin.edu.my, or email them at cm.space@curtin.edu.my
Information on Curtin Malaysia can be found on its website at www.curtin.edu.my, or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok.
