Financial literacy, sustainability key focus for future graduates

University students must be equipped with strong financial literacy and a sound understanding of the global sustainability agenda to emerge as a competitive and responsible generation capable of contributing to Malaysia’s future development.

This was the message delivered by Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of RHB Islamic Bank Berhad, Datuk Adissadikin Ali, during the closing ceremony of the RHB Ocean Harmony and RHB MySiswa Brand Challenge 2026 at the Experimental Theatre, Sultan Azlan Shah Campus, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI).

The three-day programme brought together students from nine public higher education institutions, providing participants with exposure to marketing, digital banking, financial literacy and sustainability-related issues through practical learning experiences.

“If you view this programme merely as an event, it will remain just an event. However, if you see it as a learning experience, you will gain far greater value from everything that has been provided throughout the programme,” he said.

According to Adissadikin, the MySiswa Brand Challenge was introduced to strengthen students’ understanding of responsible financial management while increasing awareness of digital transaction security and financial fraud risks.

“Financial literacy begins with awareness. Students need to understand the financial products they use, manage their finances prudently, and protect their personal information from misuse by irresponsible parties,” he added.

Competition highlights student innovation and industry readiness

Meanwhile, UPSI Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Prof. Dr. Norkhalid Salimin, described the initiative as a platform that enabled students to apply academic knowledge in real industry settings.

He said the programme encouraged participants from diverse backgrounds to develop innovative ideas, strategies and solutions through the Ocean Harmony and MySiswa Brand Challenge competitions.

“Programmes such as this not only encourage critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, but also provide invaluable learning experiences for students in preparing themselves for the challenges of the real working world,” he said.

During the ceremony, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) emerged champion of the MySiswa Brand Challenge, while Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) won the Ocean Harmony category. Both teams received RM1,000 in cash, certificates of appreciation, plaques and implementation grants worth RM2,000.

The event also saw RHB Islamic Bank present a mock cheque worth RM111,595 to UPSI under the Student Care Card Initiative to support student welfare programmes at the university.