FAM hosts engaging financial leadership talk with AmBank

The Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) welcomed AmBank Islamic Berhad Manager Encik Mohd Ridzuan Saleh to deliver a talk titled Understanding Smart Financial Planning and How Financial Leadership Drives Success on 4 November 2024 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. Aimed at bolstering students’ financial literacy and leadership skills for future careers, the event attracted around 150 participants, including students and AmBank Islamic guests.

Encik Mohd Ridzuan (front row, third from left) with FAM Deputy Dean Mr Low Chin Kian (front row, most right), AmBank Islamic guests and UTAR staff and students

Organised by the FAM Department of Finance, the insightful talk began with Encik Mohd Ridzuan’s discussion on the financial challenges Malaysians face, including low saving rates and high debt among working adults. By illustrating common financial missteps at various life stages, from overspending in one’s 20s to inadequate retirement planning in later years, he highlighted the urgency of sound financial management across all life stages.

Encik Mohd Ridzuan sharing his insights with students

The central focus of the talk was Mr Mohd Ridzuan’s six crucial financial planning processes to achieve smart financial planning: analysing one’s financial situation, setting achievable goals, crafting and executing a plan, selecting appropriate financial tools, and conducting regular plan evaluations. This approach empowers individuals to set firm financial foundations and adapt to changing circumstances.

Mr Mohd Ridzuan, a seasoned banker with over 33 years of experience across major Malaysian banks, also shared practical advice on budgeting, optimising tax reliefs, managing debt, and planning for retirement. “Financial leadership requires foresight and discipline. Today’s decisions lay the groundwork for your financial stability tomorrow,” he emphasised, encouraging students to take charge of their financial futures proactively.

Participant during the talk

The event concluded with a dynamic Q&A session, allowing students to seek personalised advice, followed by a networking opportunity with AmBank Islamic representatives. As part of UTAR’s ongoing efforts to provide practical education, the talk aligned closely with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 – Quality Education, aiming to equip students with essential life skills that will serve them beyond their university years.