Financial literacy must not be taught to children only when they are older and start to earn and manage their own money.
The foundations for understanding money, making smart choices and dealing with financial consequences can begin much earlier during their most formative years.
A new learning initiative by Citrine One Malaysia is hoping to introduce these lessons to children by using storytelling and hands-on activities, teaching everything from budgeting and saving to spending decisions and understanding inflation.
The social enterprise initiative, also known as Nimbus Presents: Money Wise Tales, was launched last month in Putrajaya.
Designed for kids aged nine to 12 years old, the one-day programme brings together five financial literacy modules based on the Money Wise Tales book series by author Redza Arbee.
The programme uses stories and practical learning to make money concepts easier for children to comprehend and apply in everyday life.
The initiative follows two pilot programmes held in July and August involving students from Buddhist Maha Vihara, Kuala Lumpur and SK St Mary’s, Selangor. Up to 90 students aged between eight and 14 years old participated in the two workshops.
The Money Wise Tales book series has also reached more than 10,000 copies distributed to oer 30 primary schools across Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Melaka, Sabah and Sarawak since its launch in December 2025.
Being smart with money
Initiative co-founder and book series author Redza Arbee says that the book series is meant to build the foundations for understanding how we create, exchange and represent value.
“Through entertaining stories, children can begin developing perspectives that help them make better decisions, while giving parents a simple way to start meaningful conversations about money, value and everyday choices and, in the process, build stronger bonds with their children from an early age.”
Meanwhile, Citrine One Group executive chairman Ivlynn Yap believes that financial literacy should not only be limited to knowing how to handle cash.
“Citrine One Malaysia was reinvented on the belief that education has the power to transform lives and communities,” she explains.
“Financial literacy is not merely about managing money – it is about developing responsible decision-making, resilience, ethical leadership and confidence. By bringing together storytelling, experiential learning and community partnerships, we hope to make quality financial education accessible to every child regardless of background.”
Yap adds that the positive response from participating students and parents have been really encouraging to see.
“Fun, entertaining experiential learning is the way to go and ought to be the basis of education to excite the cognitive stimuli of young minds.”
The programme has plans to expand well into schools, corporations, foundations, community organisations and government agencies by providing workshops, educator resources and community outreach.
