FINCO supports over 1.6 million students through education initiatives

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KUALA LUMPUR, 8 May 2026 (The Capital Post) — More than 1.6 million students nationwide have benefited from educational programmes organised by the Financial Industry Collective Outreach (FINCO) since the initiative was established in 2017.

Guided by Bank Negara Malaysia, FINCO is supported by over 110 financial institutions, bringing together industry resources to deliver inclusive and high-quality educational initiatives aimed at preparing students with future-ready skills.

The collaborative approach also enables financial institutions to create a larger collective impact while supporting social and financial inclusion efforts in line with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles.

FINCO Chairman, Azman Hashim, said the organisation’s partnership-driven model helps expand meaningful educational opportunities for students from low-income families.

He said the initiative allows FINCO to develop evidence-based and scalable programmes that improve educational outcomes while helping build a resilient workforce prepared for future challenges.

One of the organisation’s programmes, Ringgit Rules, focuses on financial literacy among students. A participant, 17-year-old Sushmithaa A/P Ananthan from SMK Bandar Tasik Selatan, shared that the workshop inspired her to save RM5 daily with a target of achieving RM200 in monthly savings for future use.

FINCO reported strong outcomes across its four strategic pillars in 2025, namely English Proficiency, Life Aspiration, Financial Literacy and Disaster Relief.

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According to the organisation, 98 per cent of students involved in English proficiency programmes showed improvement, while 92 per cent of teachers applied newly learned reading and critical thinking strategies in classrooms.

Meanwhile, 90 per cent of students participating in life aspiration programmes used the knowledge gained to make informed decisions regarding their post-SPM pathways.

In the financial literacy pillar, 96 per cent of students involved in the Good SENS programme demonstrated the ability to apply financial management skills in real-life situations.

The organisation also provided disaster relief assistance benefiting 3,250 students and their families through aid channelled to schools and affected communities.

FINCO Chief Executive Officer Clare Walker said underserved students require targeted support to unlock their full potential and navigate future challenges more effectively.

She added that the organisation remains committed to expanding its reach and ensuring more Malaysian youth have access to opportunities that can help them achieve meaningful careers and long-term financial wellbeing.– The Capital Post