350 primary school children graduate from JA-HSBC More Than Money Programme

YOUNG GRADUATES!

 

 24 July 2012  - HSBC Bank Malaysia recently hosted more than 40 young guests at a certificate presentation ceremony for the HSBC-JA More Than Money programme. The young guests, aged 10 to 11, represented Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (C) Lick Hung in Subang Jaya; Sekolah Kebangsaan Sri Anggerik in Cheras, Sekolah Kebangsaan St. John’s 1 & 2 and Sekolah Kebangsaan Sri Bintang Selatan.
 
“The programme equips the students with the knowledge needed to make wise financial decisions. It will have a positive impact on their behaviour as future professionals and consumers,” said Marlene Kaur, Head, Group Communications (Malaysia) & Corporate Sustainability, HSBC Bank Malaysia.  
 
A two month programme, HSBC JA More Than Money which began in April aims to cultivate financial literacy by teaching young students the concepts of earning, spending, sharing and saving money in a creative and innovative manner. The programme consisted of a series of six sessions using a variety of hands-on activities designed to support differentiated learning styles. Students were encouraged to tap on innovative thinking, problem solving and decision making. The programme injected inter-activity through team driven activities whilst keeping it fun with a colourful board game. To ensure the learning continued beyond the classroom, students were also provided with take-home flyers to share with their families.  
 
Designed by Junior Achievement (JA) Worldwide and supported by HSBC globally for its third year, the programme is conducted locally with the support from The American Malaysia Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM), the Malaysian JA Worldwide representative. For the first time this year, to enable the opportunity for underprivileged children to also benefit from the lessons, the programme was extended to Ti-Ratana Welfare Society.
 
“I thank all the participating schools that allowed us to deliver this programme in your school and HSBC for your support and funding to make this programme possible for our Malaysian students.  Over the past 3 years of the programme has reached approximately 1,600 students and 14 schools and one home for this year,” said Datuk Tim Garland, Vice President of American Malaysia Chamber of Commerce.
 
28 HSBC employees took up the challenge to volunteer as teachers for the programme In support of the bank’s continuous efforts to embed the spirit of volunteerism in the workforce. Every week they transformed from bankers to teachers and taught these students the importance and value of money. The volunteer teachers were delighted to be able to catch up with their ex- students at the presentation ceremony and watch them receive their certificates.

To help the students understand some of the bank’s day to day operations, they were taken on a tour of the bank complete with a personal guide. First stop was the dignified lion at the entrance of HSBC South Tower followed by a walk-through of the main branch’s banking hall, self-service lobby and Premier Centre. Then it was on to Global Markets to watch the traders’ wheel and deal in foreign exchange followed by a visit to the Operators’ room where the bank has several visually impaired employees working. Last two stops were the conference rooms and gym. Then it was back to the 21st floor Roof Garden for some refreshments.  
 
It was rewarding for HSBC, AMCHAM and the teachers to see the success of the programme. The look of excitement and sense of achievement by the students and volunteers was invaluable.