FAM and THP FBF host financial planning workshop
to empower students at SMK Sultan Yussuf

Front row, from left: Pn Aenizawati, Mr Low, Dr Mah, and En Megat with students

The Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM), in collaboration with the Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance (THP FBF), organised a financial literacy workshop for 120 Form Six students at SMK Sultan Yussuf on 10 December 2025. Titled From Pocket Money to Big Dreams: Mastering your Cash Flow, the workshop sought to equip young adults with essential financial tools and critical thinking skills required for future success. Led by FAM academic Mr Low Choon Wei and THP FBF academic Dr Mah Pei Yew, the session bridged the gap between academic theory and practical life skills, fostering a deeper understanding of economic responsibility among participants.

The workshop began with Mr Low establishing a strong foundation by introducing core concepts of financial planning and literacy. He guided students through fundamental economic ideas, specifically helping them differentiate between needs, wants, and demands. This was followed by an exploration into the power of goal setting, where students learned to distinguish between personal, career, life, and financial objectives.

To translate these concepts into a tangible roadmap, Dr Mah led a practical exercise where students sketched personal “goal trees.” This activity empowered students to identify their long-term aspirations and outline the specific, actionable steps necessary to achieve their financial milestones.

The central objective of the session was to help students visualise and define the concept of financial independence. To solidify this understanding, the workshop transitioned into a highly engaging and interactive cash flow game. Under the guidance of Mr Low and Dr Mah, students utilised financial planning sheets, occupation cards, and expense lists to simulate real-world financial commitments. The game featured dynamic scenarios such as natural disasters and fluctuating income, forcing students to employ critical thinking and adaptability.

By developing creative strategies to manage their fictional finances and balance income against unforeseen expenses, the Form Six students gained a realistic, hands-on experience that highlighted the vital importance of diligent budgeting and long-term financial resilience.

Mr Low during the workshop

Students sketching their “goal tree”

Mr Low and Dr Mah guiding students on financial planning