Can you make RM100 last a week? Curtin Malaysia uses budgeting game to empower rural youth

Miri, Sarawak – 12 October 2026 – Can RM100 last an entire week? For young people in Miri, the answer depends on their choices. Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) brought this everyday financial challenge to life through an interactive workshop that helped rural kampung youth explore the realities of budgeting, saving and making responsible financial decisions.

Titled “My RM100 Week: A Practical Budgeting Game for Rural Kampung Youth in Miri,” the workshop was organised by Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Business under its Community Engagement Fund initiative.

Led by accounting and finance academics Dr. Hosam Alden Riyadh and Dr. Shahid Latif, the programme turned essential money management concepts into a hands-on learning experience.

Rather than relying solely on classroom instruction, participants were challenged to manage a simulated weekly budget of RM100 while navigating everyday financial decisions. They had to balance essential expenses against personal wants, set aside savings and respond to unexpected costs, experiencing first-hand how one spending decision could affect their ability to meet other priorities.

The exercise introduced key financial literacy principles, including budgeting, distinguishing between needs and wants, prioritising expenditure, saving and preparing for unforeseen expenses. Through group discussions and interactive activities, participants also developed their communication, teamwork, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

Dr. Hosam said the initiative was designed to make practical financial education more accessible to young people in Miri’s village communities.

“Financial literacy becomes more meaningful when young people can practise making financial decisions rather than simply learning financial concepts. Through the RM100 budgeting challenge, participants experienced the reality of having limited resources and the need to balance immediate needs, personal preferences, savings and unexpected expenses,” he said.

He added that engaging young people through realistic scenarios could help them better understand the consequences of their spending habits and appreciate the value of planning ahead.

Dr. Shahid said introducing basic financial management skills at an early age could help young people develop healthier attitudes towards money and greater confidence in making everyday financial decisions.

“Learning to manage money is not just about knowing how much to spend or save. It is also about understanding priorities, weighing alternatives and taking responsibility for financial choices. Practical activities such as this can help young people build these habits in a relatable and engaging way,” he said.

The workshop reflects Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to connecting academic expertise with meaningful community engagement. By taking financial education beyond conventional classroom settings, the initiative demonstrated how accessible, experiential learning can help equip young people with practical skills relevant to their everyday lives.

The active participation in the budgeting exercises and group discussions underscored the value of learning by doing. Through the simple challenge of making RM100 last a week, participants explored how small spending decisions can have wider consequences and how careful planning can help stretch limited resources.

Curtin Malaysia will continue to support community-focused educational initiatives that empower young people with practical knowledge and skills, contributing to their long-term personal development and financial well-being.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Dr Shahid Latif (8th right) and Dr Hosam Alden Riyadh A. Alezeez (to Dr Shahid’s right) with participants of the financial literacy workshop .