BY JAMES WONG
KUCHING: Children as young as four to seven helped Kuching get into the Malaysia Book of Records here on Saturday.
They achieved the feat after it emerged that they accounted for the ‘Most Students Graduated from a Financial Literacy Programme.’
The SmartReader DuitSmart Kids Programme saw 1,789 graduates nationwide, all of them in the same age group.
The programme was a joint effort between Hong Leong Bank (HLB) and Smart Reader Worldwide, aimed at improving financial literacy and instilling healthy financial habits in children.
Aim Smart Academics Sdn Bhd’s Operations and Business Development, East Malaysia Manager, Norman John, said financial literacy goes beyond mere money management and individual benefits.
“In the long run, it will help in mitigating the negative impacts of financial instability in families and communities. By raising a financially literate generation, we build a stronger economy.
“Through this programme, we are empowering the next generation with knowledge and tools to build their own secure financial futures,” she said during the graduation ceremony here at Grand Riverine Ballroom here yesterday.
The graduation ceremony was officiated by Women, Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
The curriculum consisted of 10 video-based lessons, which were integrated into regular school hours at all Smart Reader Kids centres across the country.
In cultivating independence and responsible decision-making among children, four key concepts were introduced in the curriculum, namely earning, saving, spending and sharing.
Also present at the ceremony were Smart Reader Worldwide Sdn Bhd Business Development director Jeraj Pitchamuthu; Hong Leong Bank Senior Regional Head Moses Wong and Malaysia Book of Records office manager Lee Pooi Leng.
