MIRI: Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) took a proactive step towards empowering its community with essential financial knowledge by hosting a dynamic event in observance of National Financial Awareness Day.
With a focus on financial literacy and sustainable finance, the event drew a diverse audience of students, staff, and faculty members, sparking crucial conversations on how finance intersects with sustainability.
Held at the university’s Faculty of Business building, the event featured a poster exhibition covering a range of financial topics, from climate finance and stock trading to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing.
The exhibition was more than an educational showcase; it was a call to action for attendees to adopt responsible financial habits that align with global sustainability goals.
The event, spearheaded by Dr Mohammad Abdul Matin Chowdhury with guidance from Dr Dhanuskodi Rengasamy, Head of the Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics, and Professor Pauline Ho Poh Ling, Dean of the Faculty of Business, centred on this year’s theme: ‘Sustainable Finance.’
This theme underscored how finance plays a pivotal role in addressing environmental and economic challenges, aligning with global efforts to build a sustainable future.
Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor and distinguished guest at the event, commended the initiative’s impact.
He emphasised the importance of expanding financial literacy to younger generations by involving school students in future events.
Additionally, he suggested collaboration with professional bodies like CPA Australia, the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA), and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) to host financial competitions and forums.
Professor Ho highlighted that Financial Awareness Day served as a poignant reminder of the critical role finance plays in securing a stable future for ourselves and our loved ones.
In a world where financial decisions resonate through all aspects of our lives, the transformative power of financial literacy cannot be overstated.
A scalable initiative that empowers people with the financial literacy skills they need to make better financial decisions has the potential to address five SDGs: SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnership for Goals).
These five SDGs form the nexus of positive change, and it is through the lens of financial literacy that we can truly unlock their potential.
The event attracted an impressive turnout, with over 100 students and 30 staff members in attendance. The carefully curated posters not only educated but also sparked lively discussions, prompting participants to reflect on their financial strategies and the role of sustainable finance in today’s world.
The blend of academic insights and practical information resonated well with attendees, highlighting the importance of fostering financial responsibility within the campus community.
In his closing address, Dr Mohammad Abdul Matin expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and active participation, reaffirming the department’s commitment to making National Financial Awareness Day an annual highlight at Curtin Malaysia, ensuring that financial education remains a cornerstone of the university’s community engagement efforts.
Dr Dhanuskodi further emphasized the significance of financial literacy, referring to it as the “lifeblood of both business and everyday life”.
He noted that a solid understanding of finance equips individuals to make informed decisions, manage risks effectively, and contribute meaningfully to both personal and societal prosperity.
As Curtin Malaysia looks ahead to next year’s event, the success of this year’s National Financial Awareness Day sets the stage for even broader and more impactful initiatives.
The university’s ongoing dedication to promoting financial literacy and sustainability aligns with its strategic focus on people, planet, and partnerships, contributing to a brighter, more financially responsible future.
For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit https://www.curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or Tik-Tok.
