Sun Life Malaysia is expanding its InsureLit Youth Programme to reach 800 polytechnic students across the Klang Valley, reinforcing the importance of financial literacy as Malaysia prepares its future Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) workforce.
Organised in collaboration with Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK) and Jabatan Pendidikan Politeknik dan Kolej Komuniti (JPPKK), the programme equips students with practical financial management skills, protection awareness and long-term financial planning knowledge before they enter the workforce.
Supporting Malaysia’s Growing TVET Talent Pipeline
As Malaysia continues to invest in TVET education to meet the needs of high-growth industries, financial capability is becoming an increasingly important life skill alongside technical expertise.
According to the National TVET Council, enrolment in TVET programmes reached 459,558 students last year, reflecting growing interest in vocational and technical education as a pathway to employment and entrepreneurship.
Recognising this shift, Sun Life Malaysia is extending its financial education programme to support students who will soon join Malaysia’s workforce, helping them make informed financial decisions from the beginning of their careers.
A Practical Learning Journey Beyond the Classroom
The third edition of the InsureLit Youth Programme will run from July to September 2026, engaging students from Politeknik Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah, Politeknik Banting Selangor, and Politeknik Metro Kuala Lumpur.
Rather than relying solely on classroom learning, the programme combines face-to-face workshops, interactive board games, gamified online learning, virtual activities and practical assignments to make financial education more engaging and relevant.
Students will also learn about financial protection, including the fundamentals of takaful and waqf, while developing decision-making skills that can help them navigate real-life financial situations.
Building Financial Confidence Before Entering the Workforce
For many young Malaysians, joining the workforce brings new financial responsibilities, from managing salaries and savings to understanding insurance, credit and long-term financial planning.
According to Azam Yusof, Chief Executive Officer of Sun Life Malaysia Takaful, financial education should be accessible regardless of a student’s academic pathway.
He said the programme aims to complement students’ technical and vocational training by helping them understand financial protection, manage risks and build the confidence needed to participate in both the workforce and the entrepreneurial economy.
This holistic approach prepares students not only to earn an income but also to make responsible financial decisions throughout their careers.
Collaboration Strengthens Financial Literacy Efforts
The programme brings together expertise from government agencies, education institutions and the financial services industry to create a more comprehensive learning experience.
AKPK Chief Executive Officer Azman Hasim highlighted that young people today face increasingly complex financial challenges, including digital payments, credit management, fraud risks and personal budgeting.
Meanwhile, Ts. Ibrahim Bin Burhan, Director of Politeknik Banting Selangor, said financial capability has become an essential life skill that complements technical education and prepares graduates for an increasingly dynamic economic environment.
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to producing graduates who are not only technically skilled but also financially resilient.
Encouraging Students Through Interactive Learning
To make learning more engaging, the programme includes team-based challenges and interactive activities that encourage students to apply financial concepts in practical situations.
Participants will compete for prizes totalling RM11,250, with the winning team receiving RM3,000, followed by RM2,500 for first runner-up and RM2,000 for second runner-up.
The rewards are intended to motivate participation while encouraging students to begin thinking seriously about budgeting, saving and financial planning as they prepare for their future careers.
Expanding Financial Education Across Different Learning Pathways
Since its launch in 2024, the InsureLit Youth Programme has continued to broaden its reach.
The initiative first introduced financial literacy to more than 1,000 primary school children before expanding to over 600 university students in 2025. This latest edition marks another milestone by extending the programme to polytechnic students, ensuring financial education reaches learners across different educational pathways.
The continued expansion reflects Sun Life Malaysia’s long-term commitment to improving financial literacy while supporting Malaysia’s efforts to build a skilled, confident and financially resilient workforce.
Why Financial Literacy Matters for Malaysia’s Future Workforce
As Malaysia advances its TVET ecosystem and prepares young people for careers in emerging industries, financial knowledge is becoming an essential complement to technical skills.
Understanding how to manage income, build savings, protect against financial risks and plan for the future can help graduates achieve greater financial stability while contributing to a stronger and more resilient economy.
Initiatives such as the InsureLit Youth Programme demonstrate how collaboration between industry, education providers and public institutions can help equip the next generation with the practical skills needed both inside and outside the workplace.
