UOB Thailand continues to boost financial literacy for Thai youths through UOB Money 101: Teen Edition
More than 4,000 students have graduated from the programme nationwide since its launch
UOB Thailand continues to demonstrate its commitment in spearheading the nurturing of financial literacy among the nation’s youths through its financial education programme – the UOB Money 101: Teen Edition. More than 1,700 lower secondary-level students graduated from the third run of the prorgamme and were presented with the graduation certificates. The ceremony was held at the Auditorium, UOB Plaza Bangkok and graced by Ms Kesthip Supawanich, the deputy director of the Office of the Basic Education Commission from the Ministry of Education in Thailand.
Since its launch in September 2021, the programme has seen strong interest from schools, with sign-up rates increasing every year. With the conclusion of the third year of the programme, over 4,000 students from 45 schools across Thailand have undergone comprehensive training in money management concepts and financial wellness principles. The online financial literacy programme equips lower secondary-level students with financial knowledge to support them in making well-informed financial decisions and securing their future economic wellbeing. Through a series of six engagement activities and online interactions, the course helped them get a head start financial on their financial planning by establishing concrete plans to achieve their financial goals. Students are also introduced to the ideas of money psychology, earnings, saving, investing, cost management and financial goal setting.
The programme, in collaboration with the Thailand Collaboration for Education (TCFE), is part of the Bank’s larger UOB My Digital Space campaign which aims to bridge the digital divide and create digital learning opportunities for underprivileged young Thais.
Mr Sanchai Apisaksirikul, Managing Director, Advisor to CEO Office, UOB Thailand, said, “Financial literacy lays the crucial foundation for economic empowerment and upward mobility. Providing financial education for our youth today secures the economic future of Thailand and ultimately ASEAN. UOB Money 101: Teen Edition represents our commitment to developing the next generation of financially capable leaders and entrepreneurs who can drive our nation’s sustainable growth.”
Ms Kanokwan Chowsri, Director of TCFE, Yuvabadhana Foundation, said, “In collaboration with UOB Thailand to equip children, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, with financial literacy, we have observed significant progress over the past three years. Students are spending less, saving more, and beginning to plan towards their goals. More than merely instructing children on prudent money management, this financial literacy programme plays a crucial role in bridging the inequality gap, as breaking the cycle of poverty is possible with proper financial knowledge that safeguards the financial security of individuals and their families.”
Ms Tawina Chaiyongyos, the UOB Money 101: Teen Edition teacher and Deputy Director of Phattharayan Witthaya School, said, “I want our students to have a correct understanding of financial literacy, as they might fall into financial traps if they cannot manage their monthly allowance. While some middle school students may think financial literacy is for adults, integrating various financial concepts into the classroom enables our students to apply this learning in their lives.”
Ms Thanyathon Premprasert, student at Phattharayan Witthaya School said, “Previously, I did not know how to save money, but I changed my financial behaviours after joining UOB Money 101. Thank you, UOB Thailand, for bringing this course to my school; it has made a significant impact on my life. My father runs a business, and I can apply this knowledge in the future. I want everyone to have the same opportunity to learn this course as I did.”
The 2024 programme is now opened for registration. For teachers and schools interested in fostering financial knowledge, skills, and literacy for their students with the “UOB Money 101: Teen Edition”, learn more about the programme at www.facebook.com/uob.th or www.facebook.com/ThailandCollaborationForEducation.
