CIMB launches financial literacy programme targeting youths

KUALA LUMPUR: CIMB Foundation launched Be$MART, its maiden financial literacy programme targeted at youths, in a bid to provide fundamental financial management skills to set them on a successful life journey and to mitigate the growing number of bankrupt youths today.

Be$MART is a specially curated two-day workshop for pre-university students and undergraduates, and will be run nation-wide over the next few years. The workshop is both engaging and entertaining as it combines interactive lectures with fun simulation games. CIMB Bank representatives will also play an integral part in delivering a holistic and practical overview of sound financial management.

Datuk Hamidah Naziadin, chief executive officer of CIMB Foundation said, “Through the Be$MART programme, CIMB Foundation aims to leave a legacy of well-informed and educated youths who are well-equipped in managing their finances for themselves and become exemplary models for future generations.

“Leveraging on the financial expertise of CIMB Group, a leading Asean universal bank, CIMB Foundation is proud to have curated a holistic financial literacy programme to facilitate the development of the communities we serve in.

“We recognise that today’s youth will play an integral part of shaping the country’s future and therefore it is important for them to understand how best they can take ownership of their finances and be financially independent.”

The pilot Be$MART programmes yielded highly encouraging results and feedback. Most of the participants found the programme impactful and understood how important it is to have a purpose for money; and how, armed with the right knowledge, habits and mindset, they can take charge of their finances and achieve financial independence.

Modules of the Be$MART programme cover a wide range of money management lessons such as delayed gratification, goal setting with Financial IQ, Risk Assessment & Profiling, Property Investment, Debt Management, Financial Lifestyle Changes, Unit Trust Investments, Wealth Multiplier Lifestyle, Budgeting and Tracking, Share Investments, Financial & Investment Planning and Identifying Scams.