Financial literacy is fast becoming a necessary skill that can help people build resilience and prepare themselves to face eventualities brought about by global economic crises such as the one caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Despite the fact that the government took immediate steps to introduce various measures such as stimulus packages, wage subsidies and cash handouts for a greater, longer-term impact, there is a need to improve the levels of financial literacy among Malaysians.
The pandemic has also accelerated the use of technology to provide easy access to financial education, allowing more people the opportunity to increase financial capabilities to help safeguard their financial standing against future crisis.
In its 43 years of establishment, it has been Permodalan Nasional Berhad's (PNB) priority not only to deliver its mandate for the creation of wealth for all Malaysians, but to also ensure that it has a positive impact on the economy and wellbeing of society.
Financial education for the public has been and continues to be PNB's top priority as it helps to empower the public towards becoming a financially savvy society. PNB seeks to uplift all Malaysians by increasing the national financial literacy rate and empower Malaysians to make better financial decisions for long-term overall wellbeing.
Continuing its efforts to improve financial literacy and to reach out to all Malaysians, PNB is hosting Minggu Saham Digital (MSD) once again. MSD, which was introduced last year, is a digital adaptation of Minggu Saham Amanah Malaysia (MSAM), PNB's flagship physical event previously held annually for the past two decades.
Themed #laburbersama, this event aims to educate and enhance public understanding on financial planning in an edutainment format, whilst showcasing PNB's portfolio of companies and their business operations.
MSD 2021 began its seven-day live streaming on Nov 17 and will run until Nov 23. The daily activities will be broadcasted between 12.30pm and 10pm through the official Minggu Saham Digital Facebook page and YouTube channel.
PNB president and group chief executive Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn said, "PNB's focus on creating value and generating long-term sustainable returns for our unit holders goes hand in hand with our commitment to boost financial literacy standards and empower Malaysians to make better financial decisions for their future. With the same goal as its predecessor MSAM, MSD remains as PNB's integrated financial literacy platform to achieve this aim."
The digital event was officiated by PNB group chairman Tun Arifin Zakaria and Ahmad Zulqarnain at a virtual launch ceremony and was broadcast live on the MSD Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob congratulated PNB for its continuous initiative to hold the annual financial literacy event on the digital platform. He made a special appearance through a video address at the launch.
The event features various interactive, entertaining, educational and engaging contents that educate and empower Malaysians of all ages to achieve financial independence.
MSD 2021 showcases more than 70 edutainment programmes on finance, investment, entrepreneurship and economic topics by top personalities, celebrities and industry experts such as Jumpa Di 118, Bijak Finance, Raiz Bersama, Sembang-Sembang ASNB as well as the prestigious Asia School of Business-Iclif MBA Masterclass featuring world-class speakers who share insights and sought-after knowledge on finance, entrepreneurship and investment.
"The digitalisation of societies is growing in tandem with the need to deliver financial education digitally. Digital education programmes have the potential to reach broader audiences and therefore allow an all-inclusive national action plan. We must work on the implementation of digitalised and innovative tools that respond to technological evolution in the financial sector. It is crucial to provide a tailor-made approach to digital learning activities to engage society in teaching methods that mirror current technological systems," said Ahmad Zulqarnain.
MSD 2021 is in line with PNB's digital transformation and the government's push for the digital economy to expedite the country's economic recovery plan amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The event makes available resources and educational programmes on unit trust investments, risk and return, and financial planning for all Malaysians in the comfort of their own homes.
Learning from last year and seeing the success of MSD 2020 from a number's standpoint, PNB is confident and hopes to attract more viewers and engage them with even higher quality content this year.
To participate and for more information and programme schedule, visit www.minggusahamdigital.com.my or @minggusahamdigital on Facebook and Minggu Saham Digital YouTube channel.