A group of 44 UTAR students and five lecturers from the Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance (THP FBF) embarked on a study tour to the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) on 16 May 2025. Organised by Department of Economics academics Dr Chen Fanyu and Dr Koay Ying Yin for the course UBEA2173 Current Issues in Economics and Finance, the visit aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of Malaysia’s economic and financial governance through firsthand exposure to key institutions.
The study tour comprised 31 undergraduate students, eight postgraduate students, and five accompanying lecturers, namely Dr Thavamalar Ganapathy, Assoc Prof Dr Leong Lai Ying, Dr Chen, Dr Vivien Wong Zi Wen, and Dr Koay.
The objectives of the visit were to provide practical insights into the workings of the MOF and BNM, understand the formulation and implementation of fiscal and monetary policies, and explore the roles these institutions play in economic growth, financial stability, and national development.
Additionally, the visit served as a platform for students to engage directly with industry experts and policymakers, thereby bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world applications.
Visit to the Ministry of Finance
At the MOF, participants were warmly received by Mr Mohd Izzuddin bin Adanan, Assistant Secretary from the Fiscal and Economy Division. He presented an overview of the Malaysia Economic Outlook 2024, highlighting key policies relevant to the current economic climate.
A lively Q&A session followed, during which UTAR students and researchers, especially postgraduate students engaged in a thoughtful exchange of views and research insights on Malaysia’s fiscal and financial conditions with Mr Mohd Izzuddin.
Visit to Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery
The second part of the study tour took place at the Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery. The museum features six permanent galleries: the Children’s Gallery, Bank Negara Malaysia Gallery, Economics Gallery, Islamic Finance Gallery, Numismatics Gallery, and Art Gallery. These galleries trace the evolution of Malaysia’s financial system and economic development, and highlight BNM’s role as both monetary authority and cultural steward.
Through the exhibits, participants gained a deeper appreciation of BNM’s roles in managing monetary policy, regulating financial markets, and issuing currency. They also explored Malaysia’s rich numismatic history and the Bank’s commitment to promoting regional art.
The study tour offered an enriching experiential learning opportunity that reinforced classroom theories and stimulated critical thinking. It enabled students to connect academic concepts with real-world applications in fiscal and monetary governance, while also promoting dialogue with professionals in the field.
By the end of the day, participants left with a broader perspective on the mechanisms that drive national financial policy, and a clearer understanding of the roles of MOF and BNM in shaping Malaysia’s economic landscape.
Mr Mohd Izzuddin presenting an overview of the Malaysia Economic Outlook 2024 and highlighting key policies relevant to the current economic climate
Group photo during the field trip to the Ministry of Finance
Group photo during the field trip to Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery
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