Leading the charge: (From left) Bank Negara Malaysia Financial Inclusion Department director Nor Rafidz Nazri, Mak, Alina and FWD Insurance ESG & Strategic Initiatives head Khairul Anuar Che Yeop at the programme launch recently.
MONEY matters, but not everyone knows how to handle it.
Starting this month, the first cohort of 50 university students will embark on a three-month curriculum that includes training, coaching and community service to equip them with essential financial skills.
Launched by FWD Insurance Berhad and Arus Academy, the Fun(d) for Life – University Edition (FFL Uni) financial literacy programme will culminate in 500 participants from Malaysia’s local universities receiving RM1.5mil in grants upon completion.
Kickstarting the programme is a three-day immersive bootcamp focused on setting financial goals, budgeting, and creating comprehensive financial plans, including savings, protection and investments.
Over the course of the programme, students will receive ongoing coaching and mentoring, alongside tools to track expenses, reflect on financial habits and develop actionable financial plans.
Participants will also document their journey through weekly diaries to raise awareness about financial literacy.
A significant component of the initiative includes eight hours of community service, where participants will teach financial literacy to at least 20 peers.
At the end of the programme, each participant will receive an RM3,000 grant, deposited into their savings accounts or fixed deposits, to support their financial goals and foster long-term independence.
Arus Academy chief executive officer (CEO) and co-founder Alina Amir said university students are at a pivotal stage of their lives, where building strong financial habits can significantly shape their future careers and personal goals.
“The FFL Uni programme equips university students with the financial skills and autonomy to make informed decisions about their future,” she said in a press release dated Jan 23.
FWD Insurance CEO Mak See Sen said financial literacy is a fundamental skill everyone should have.
“Through this programme, we go beyond education by offering a holistic approach that not only equips young people with the skills to manage their finances, but also provides them with the resources to put their learning into practice.
“By investing in their growth, we empower individuals and cultivate a financially literate society, driving Malaysia’s economic progress,” he said.
With an anticipated reach of over 10,000 beneficiaries through direct engagement and community service, the initiative reinforces Malaysia’s vision of fostering a financially literate, resilient and economically inclusive society.
By reaching tertiary students, FFL Uni is broadening its impact on youth of all ages, promoting a more inclusive and sustainable future nationwide.
Last year, a collaboration between Arus Academy and FWD Takaful Berhad benefited over 47,108 primary and secondary school students through comprehensive financial education initiatives, featuring interactive learning portals, financial literacy camps and design-focused events.
To register interest in the FFL Uni programme, visit https://arus.cc/FFLUni-registration-of-interest-2025.
