Curtin finance lecturer conducts workshop on finance and investment for Lodge International School students

Miri – 12 June 2023 – Alpha Ngadan, a finance lecturer at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia), was recently invited to conduct a workshop on ‘Financial Literacy and Basics of Investing’ by Lodge International School in Kuching for its Year 10 to Year 12 students in conjunction with its Humanities Day.

The interactive workshop aimed to spark interest in finance and investment at a young age and equip young people with the essential knowledge of managing their finances.

During the session, Alpha explained the importance of financial literacy, particularly in today’s digital age, where youths are increasingly exposed to various forms of financial decisions. He highlighted the essential financial terms and concepts, discussing the difference between savings and investments, risks versus returns in investment, and the importance of budgeting.

The students were engaged throughout the session, eagerly asking questions and sharing their perspectives on money management. The interaction allowed the students to think critically and better understand the practical applications of financial literacy in their daily lives.

IIbeth Lim, head of Lodge International School’s Humanities Department, expressed her gratitude to Alpha for the insightful workshop. She also spoke about the importance of educating youths on financial literacy as it equips them with the necessary skills to make informed financial decisions in the future.

Alpha, who has had over 10 years’ experience as a finance lecturer and is a seasonal trader himself, shared his thoughts on the workshop, saying, “I am delighted to have had the opportunity to share my knowledge and insights with the students. It is always refreshing to see young minds eager to learn about finance, especially when the information provides practical advantages.”

“It was good to be able to pass on some of what we teach our own students to the students at Lodge International School. It is good to expose them to the basics of finance and investment at a young age, igniting their interest in finance and equipping them with the tools necessary for managing their financial future.”

The workshop was divided into two sessions, the first for Year 12 students sitting the A-Levels examination, and the second for Year 10 to Year 11 students sitting the O-Levels.

Alpha started both sessions with an introduction to finance and the importance of budgeting, saving and investment. The students were also introduced to various platforms that offer virtual trading money, and given insights into the psychology behind trading, the different types of trading profiles, and the importance of identifying the different kinds of trading styles.

In addition, Alpha highlighted that Curtin Malaysia is the only institution in Borneo with a Curtin Trading Room that simulates a real stock trading environment and is designed to give finance students hands-on experience in the real world of finance, training them in financial modeling and portfolio management, and giving them an edge in the competitive job market when they graduate.

“It is highly beneficial for students to learn how to trade and practice trading in such a facility. We also have a very active student-run Curtin Finance and Investment Club that regularly organises stock trading workshops and in-house trading games to help our students enhance their trading knowledge and skills,” said Alpha.

Also present at the workshop was Isaac Lim, Student Recruitment and Business Development Officer from Curtin Malaysia’s Domestic Student Recruitment Department. Lim highlighted the advantages of pursuing further studies at Curtin Malaysia, the earliest and largest of Curtin University’s five global campuses and one of five higher education institutions in Sarawak owned by the state government.

He also briefed the students on the wide range of courses at pre-university, undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and the options of entry pathways and scholarships and financial aid available at Curtin Malaysia

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit www.curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Alpha introducing various investing platforms to Year 12 students, which they were required to try on their mobile devices.

Alpha explaining the importance of financial literacy to Year 10 and 11 students

(L-R) Ilbeth Lim, Alpha Ngadan and Isaac Lim exchanging souvenirs

Students receiving gifts from Alpha and Isaac for active participation in the workshop