UTAR students spark financial literacy through creative learning at SJK(C) Pei Yuan

UTAR Bachelor of Communication (Honours) Public Relations students brought financial literacy to life for 105 Standard Five and Six pupils at SJK (C) Pei Yuan through their Grow n Glow corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative on 3 September 2025.

The initiative was carried out as part of the UAMP3084 Corporate Social Responsibility course, a graded assignment under the supervision of Prof Dr Cheah Phaik Kin. Organised in collaboration with UTAR Department of Soft Skills Competency (DSSC), the project was led by student leader Chin Yi Tung, who coordinated a team of 40 undergraduates. It provided the students with a valuable opportunity to translate classroom learning into real-world applications while creating meaningful impact within the community.

Students solving challenges at the game stations

Centred on the theme Education for Life, Empowerment for All, the one-day programme featured four interactive learning stations combining financial literacy with creativity, teamwork and problem-solving. These stations were thoughtfully crafted to make abstract concepts relatable and engaging for young learners.

In Who is the Little Millionaire?, students rolled dice and made budgeting decisions in a Monopoly-style board game that reinforced money management skills. Send Chang’e Home paired science and budgeting as teams launched balloon rockets within limited budgets. Go! Go! Go! Crack the Code! challenged students with memory games and cultural questions where purchasing hints required strategic spending. Finally, The Mission Lane checkpoint race blended geography and general knowledge with practical financial scenarios, promoting collaboration and critical thinking.

Game masters from UTAR explaining activity rules to eager participants

UTAR presenting a token of appreciation to SJK (C) Pei Yuan
From left: Mr Ng, Mr Yee, Dr Lee, Ms Bazlin, Mr Kong and Chin

“Seeing how focused and motivated the students were in each challenge showed us how hands-on learning can make a real difference. It’s a reminder that education can and should go beyond textbooks,” said project leader Chin.

“The project emphasised sustainability by using activity kits and props made from recycled materials, reflecting UTAR’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals),” she added.

It received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with over 85% of students rating the activities as both fun and challenging. The interactive format encouraged active participation and helped students connect lessons with real-life situations. “I didn’t know learning about money could be this fun. I actually want to start saving now,” said one Standard Six pupil, reflecting on the hands-on experience.

SJK (C) Pei Yuan Headmaster Mr Yee Chun Weng said, “This programme not only supports our students’ academic growth but also helps them think critically about real-world skills. We are thankful to UTAR for such meaningful engagement.”

Meanwhile, Faculty of Arts and Social Science Dean Dr Lee Lai Meng, expressed, “Our students demonstrated remarkable creativity and teamwork. This initiative not only benefited the schoolchildren but also helped our students grow as socially responsible communicators. Courses like UAMP3084 provide an invaluable platform for undergraduates to step beyond theory and immerse themselves in the kind of problem-solving, planning, and collaboration that they will need in their future careers. It builds both confidence and character.”

“The project is also a strong reflection of the University’s goal to nurture essential soft skills such as communication, leadership and teamwork among UTAR students. It’s encouraging to see these qualities come to life in a real community setting—shaping not only what students learn, but who they become as future contributors to society,” said DSSC Head Ms Hee Chwen Yee.

Also present at the event were SJK (C) Pei Yuan Senior Assistant of Co-curricular Mr Ng Chee Loong, UTAR DSSC academic Mr Kong Hoi Yoon, and Head of UTAR FAS Public Relations Department Ms Bazlin Darina binti Ahmad Tajudin.