Kuala Lumpur, 24 February 2024 – The LIAM-AKPK Jelajah Bijak Wang 2023/2024 (JBW 2023/2024) has come to its final showdown today, where 250 enthusiastic finalists (50 groups) were competing to win the RM18,900 cash prizes at the Final Challenge - Treasure Hunt (JBW Quest) at Kolej Sultan Alaeddin Suleiman Shah (KOSASS), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang.   

 

The finalists were shortlisted from over 6,200 students across 21 higher learning institutions nationwide who underwent three phases of the financial Journey from November 2023 to January 2024 consisting of 30 classroom sessions, a gamification adventure with MatAwang, the futuristic robot from the year 2040, and an online financial protection module with protection elements.  

 

The JBW Quest was flagged off this morning by Chief Executive Officer of LIAM, Mark O'Dell, witnessed by the vibrant atmosphere, energy, and enthusiastic crowd of students and representatives from AKPK and UPM.

 

The JBW 2023/2024 is a significant initiative between LIAM and AKPK supported by 16 LIAM member companies and a university partner, UPM, to raise awareness and empower young individuals with essential financial knowledge and skills.

 

The JBW 2023/2024 prize giving and closing ceremony was graced by Yang Berbahagia, Tuan Syamsul Tahrin, Deputy Director General of the Rakan Muda Development Section, Ministry of Youth & Sports who represented the Minister of Youth & Sports, YB Hannah Yeoh. He presented the top five prizes of RM5,000, RM3,000, RM1,000 and RM700 to the grand prize winner, the 1st runner-up, the 2nd runner-up, the fourth and fifth placing respectively. The 6th to 10th consolation prize winners each received RM700, and the 11th to 20th consolation prize winners each received RM500. 

 

Tuan Syamsul Tahrin delivered a keynote address by YB Hannah Yeoh, Minister of Youth & Sports at the closing ceremony. She commended LIAM, AKPK, and UPM for coming together, underscoring their unwavering commitment to nurturing the financial intelligence of our youth.  

 

"It is a testament to our belief in their potential, aspirations, and capacity to shape a brighter tomorrow. This programme aims to holistically address the well-being of our youth in their emotional, spiritual, financial, environmental, social, physical, and career dimensions. Recognising their preference for experiential learning, JBW 2023/2024 adopts a fun and engaging gamification approach to financial education,” Yeoh added. 

 

“I'm confident that this programme will not just cultivate positive habits through classroom and physical activities but will also impart essential lessons in strengthening understanding of financial protection. Recognising the significance of financial protection against key risks in life at a young and healthy age is a strategic step to safeguard yourself and your loved ones during challenging times. Additionally, I commend AKPK and LIAM for creating a platform for showcasing young talents and creativity and inspiring them holistically to evolve into responsible young adults,” said Yeoh.  

 

YB Hannah Yeoh also advised the young participants to continue actively practicing and advocating the principles they have learned with unwavering enthusiasm, unyielding curiosity, and resolute determination. 

 

"The insights you have acquired here are not just valuable assets; they are the cornerstone upon which you can build a future of financial success and security. Let this knowledge serve as your guiding compass, navigating you through the complexities of the financial world and illuminating the path to prosperity."

 

She further emphasised, "JBW 2023/2024 is not merely an investment in our youth; it is an investment in the prosperity and resilience of our nation. Let us unite our efforts to ensure that every young person in our country can build a solid financial foundation and realise their dreams."

 

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of LIAM Mark O'Dell said, "JBW has transcended expectations with students' enthusiasm, dedication, and eagerness to learn, which have been the driving force behind the success of this initiative. It was truly remarkable to see all 250 students running around participating in our JBW Quest to end this JBW 2023/2024 journey."

 

“LIAM and its 16 members extend our heartfelt gratitude to our co-organiser AKPK, our university partner UPM, and all participating higher learning institutions nationwide, which have contributed to the success of this programme. While celebrating the success of JBW 2023/2024, let us remember the invaluable lessons we have learned and the enduring legacy we have created together. Indeed, we have empowered our youth with essential financial skills and laid the foundation for a brighter, more prosperous future for generations to come," Mark added. 

 

"Kudos to MatAwang, who has played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of this programme. Through its insightful recordings of life in 2040, MatAwang has shed light on the perils of financial instability, urging us to learn from past mistakes and chart a course toward a brighter, more sustainable future. The programme content involving MatAwang has served as a source of inspiration and has provided participants with invaluable insights into managing finances responsibly. 

 

Through the power of Gametize, participants have had the opportunity to explore and master the seven Dimensions of Wellness, aiming to forge a society that is not only financially strong but remarkably resilient, poised to overcome future challenges with newfound wisdom and unity," Mark explained. 

 

As for AKPK, its General Manager of the Education and Outreach Division, Nor Fazleen Zakaria said in her remarks, "Being an authorised financial services provider and a collaborative smart partner of LIAM for JBW 2023/2024, this is one of many financial literacy interventions created to empower various segments of the society, especially the financially vulnerable — including youth. AKPK has worked with numerous strategic partners in similar programmes and appreciates LIAM’s noble initiative to equip our youth with vital financial acumen, helping them to protect themselves and become financially resilient in the future."

 

The industry will remain committed to working closely with the government, Bank Negara Malaysia, and the Financial Education Network (FEN), an inter-agency platform championing the national financial education agenda in which AKPK is a member.  

 

In alignment with the Financial Sector Blueprint (FSBP) 2022 - 2026 agenda, which aims to elevate the financial well-being of households and businesses, LIAM and its member companies will continue to collaborate with key stakeholders, including Bank Negara Malaysia, Malaysian Financial Planning Council, AKPK, and Malaysian Insurance Institute to educate and raise consumer awareness, including dispelling misconceptions about insurance, educating on vital issues and guiding individuals to make informed decisions. 

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