SOME 250 Ipoh Teacher-Training Institute (IPG) students took part in a financial literacy programme in Tanjung Rambutan, Perak.
The “Gen Z Smart Money, Debt-Free Youth” programme was organised by Dewan Belia Perak in collaboration with IPG and the Perak Water Board (LAP) among its sponsors.
Programme director Noor Ain Anuar, from Perak Youth Assembly, said the programme aimed to educate young people on managing their finances wisely and avoid excessive debt.
“The initiative is important as some young people tend to spend beyond their means to keep up with lifestyle trends.
“Sometimes, young people’s spending exceeds their income because they want to maintain a certain lifestyle,” she said.
“We do not want them to be stuck with serious debt at an early age.
“Through this programme, we hope to teach them the importance of managing their finances wisely.”
Noor Ain said the programme was the first of its kind organised by the youth assembly at the college and had received an encouraging response, particularly from final-year students.
She said the programme also taught participants to live debt-free, encouraging young people to develop good financial habits, including saving for their future and home ownership.
She also said this was in line with the state government’s initiative to encourage young people to consider purchasing their own homes at an earlier age.
“Many young people do not believe they can afford to own a house when they are young, so they rent,” said Noor Ain.
“However, home ownership can be achievable if they manage their finances properly and plan their spending according to their income,” she said.
She also cautioned young people against the fear of missing out and the pressure to follow the latest trends, citing the desire to own expensive smartphones despite having limited incomes, as an example of spending beyond their means.
To reach a wider audience, she said the programme also featured a TikTok video challenge to encourage students to create financial awareness content for their peers.
She said the platform was chosen as Gen Z users were particularly active on TikTok, allowing the message to reach more young folk.
“The challenge received encouraging participation from students at IPG Kampus Ipoh.”
Noor Ain said the youth assembly hoped to potentially extend the initiative to other teacher-training institutes.
LAP general manager Lokman Abd Rahim launched the programme.
