Fun(d) for Life Inspires Students to Lead Peer-Driven Financial Literacy Activities in Support of Financial Literacy Month

The Fun(d) for Life (FFL) programme continues to strengthen financial resilience among young Malaysians through engaging, student-driven learning experiences that make financial literacy practical, relevant, and enjoyable. Now entering its seventh edition, the programme has transformed the way financial education is delivered in schools through gamification, hands-on activities, and youth empowerment. Since its inception, FFL has reached more than 123,011 students nationwide, establishing itself as one of Malaysia’s most impactful financial literacy initiatives for school-aged learners.

In conjunction with Financial Literacy Month this October, students across the country took part in school-level projects powered by RM500 micro-grants, allowing them to design and implement creative finance-themed initiatives within their communities. These projects ranged from budgeting carnivals in Sabah and peer-to-peer savings challenges in Kedah to awareness campaigns in schools and the creation of simple expense-tracking tools for classmates in Terengganu. From these efforts, 100 outstanding students were selected to form the inaugural FFL Student Council, representing schools nationwide and marking a significant milestone in student-led financial education.

During the four-day FFL 2025 Summit, held at UTM Hotel & Residences in Kuala Lumpur, Student Council members underwent facilitator training, conducted simulation workshops, and led interactive, gamified sessions focusing on budgeting, saving, smart spending, and financial protection. They also directly engaged with 100 students from the Klang Valley, modelling what it means to be peer advocates for financial literacy. This shift—from teacher-led lessons to youth-led advocacy—signals a meaningful evolution in the programme, empowering students to champion financial education within their schools and wider communities.

Over the years, Fun(d) for Life has demonstrated that when financial learning is dynamic and participatory, students not only absorb knowledge—they take ownership of it. The establishment of the Student Council represents the next phase of this mission, fostering a generation of confident, capable, and financially savvy youth who can positively influence their peers over the long term. “Fun(d) for Life was designed to make finance feel relevant, practical, and doable,” said Alina Amir, Programme Lead. “This year’s Student Council shows what happens when we hand the mic to students: they model positive money habits, teach their peers through interactive sessions, and turn financial literacy into a culture in schools.”

FFL’s efforts align with Malaysia’s national financial literacy agenda under Bank Negara Malaysia, the Ministry of Education, and the Financial Education Network (FEN). The programme contributes to the upward trend in the Malaysian Financial Literacy and Capability Index, which has risen from 57.1 in 2018 to 59.1 in 2024, reflecting growing financial awareness nationwide. By embedding money management skills early, Fun(d) for Life plays a pivotal role in nurturing financially resilient future generations.

Supported by FWD Takaful and Arus Academy since 2019, Fun(d) for Life continues its mission to build empowered young leaders and expand financial literacy across Malaysia. To follow the journey and stay updated on next year’s programme highlights, visit @fundfor.life on Instagram.