Aflatoun International - Asia Regional Meeting on Youth Financial Literacy

In September 2022, the Make It Right Movement (MIRM) had the privilege of participating in the Aflatoun International Asia Regional Meeting on Youth Financial Literacy, held in Bali, Indonesia. This event brought together key stakeholders from across the region to discuss the integration of financial literacy into national education systems, with the overarching goal of empowering youth with the knowledge and skills needed for financial independence.

The meeting, which included participants from over ten countries, was a collaborative platform where educational leaders, financial experts and youth advocates gathered to share best practices and insights into teaching financial literacy to young people. MIRM’s active participation in this meeting demonstrated its commitment to promoting financial education as a critical component of youth development.

The Importance of Youth Financial Literacy

Youth financial literacy has become an increasingly important topic in today’s world, as young people face complex financial decisions from a very early age. From managing student loans to understanding the basics of saving, investing and budgeting, financial literacy equips youth with the skills needed to make informed choices and secure their financial futures.

The Asia Regional Meeting provided a platform to address these challenges and find ways to integrate financial literacy education into school curriculums across the region. The goal was to ensure that students, regardless of their background, have access to financial education that prepares them for real-world financial responsibilities.

MIRM’s Role in the Regional Meeting

At the meeting, MIRM CEO Brian Lariche and Community Projects Executive David Ranil Nyanapragasam played key roles in leading the "Best Practices" session. During this session, they highlighted MIRM's experiences in teaching financial literacy to marginalised communities in Malaysia and shared the innovative approaches MIRM has adopted to make financial education accessible to all.

MIRM’s contribution emphasised the importance of tailoring financial literacy programs to meet the specific needs of different groups, particularly those in underserved communities. By focusing on practical skills and real-world scenarios, MIRM has been able to engage young people in financial education, helping them to build confidence in managing their money.

Key Takeaways from the Meeting

National Integration of Financial Literacy Syllabus: One of the key goals of the meeting was to explore how the Aflatoun financial literacy syllabus could be integrated into national education systems across Asia. MIRM contributed to discussions on how this integration could be implemented in Malaysia, based on its own experiences in delivering financial literacy programs.

Best Practices in Financial Education: MIRM highlighted several successful initiatives, including its community-based financial literacy workshops, which have helped young people from low-income families understand the basics of budgeting, saving and financial planning.

Collaboration Across Borders: The meeting fostered a spirit of collaboration, with participants sharing ideas on how to overcome challenges in implementing financial literacy programmes. MIRM’s focus on inclusivity, particularly in reaching rural and marginalised communities, resonated with participants from other countries facing similar challenges.

Networking and Partnerships: In addition to the formal sessions, the meeting offered opportunities for MIRM and other participants to network and form partnerships with organisations from across Asia. These connections will help MIRM expand its financial literacy initiatives and explore new approaches to financial education.

The Impact of Financial Literacy on Youth

MIRM believes that financial literacy is a key component of youth empowerment. By teaching young people how to manage their finances, MIRM is not only helping them to make informed financial decisions but also building their confidence to pursue economic opportunities and secure a better future.

The meeting in Bali reinforced the importance of financial literacy in shaping the next generation of leaders. By equipping youth with financial knowledge, countries across Asia can ensure that young people are better prepared to contribute to the economy and make sound financial choices that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Future Plans

Following the Asia Regional Meeting, MIRM plans to further enhance its financial literacy programmes in Malaysia by incorporating the insights and best practices shared during the event. MIRM is committed to working with schools, communities and partners to integrate financial literacy into the national education system and reach even more young people.

Additionally, MIRM aims to continue its collaboration with Aflatoun International and other regional partners to advocate for policies that promote financial education as a fundamental part of youth development.

The Aflatoun International Asia Regional Meeting on Youth Financial Literacy was a significant event that highlighted the urgent need for financial education across Asia. MIRM’s participation and leadership in the discussions reaffirmed its dedication to empowering young people through financial literacy.

As MIRM continues to expand its financial literacy programmes, its involvement in such international forums ensures that Malaysian youth are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an increasingly complex financial world. Through continued collaboration and innovation, MIRM aims to be at the forefront of efforts to promote financial literacy for all.