Curtin Malaysia and MICPA – CA ANZ bring financial literacy to Rumah Salin longhouse

Miri, Sarawak – 28 August 2025 – A longhouse in Beluru has become the latest beneficiary of a community outreach initiative blending education with cultural exchange, thanks to a collaboration between Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia), The Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA), and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ).

On 9 August, faculty staff and students from Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Business, supported by MICPA – CA ANZ, delivered a financial literacy talk to the residents of Rumah Salin, equipping them with practical skills to manage household budgets, track expenses, and develop long-term savings habits. The team comprises Yip Ka Yii, Dr Ho Jie Min, Dr Joseph Sia, and Dr Ivy Hii Siaw Hung.

The initiative, organised with the Dayak Association Miri (DAM) and partly funded by MICPA -CA ANZ and the Curtin Malaysia Community Engagement Project Fund, aimed to address real-life financial challenges in rural communities by presenting money management strategies in simple, relatable ways.

“Our goal was to empower the Rumah Salin community with knowledge that can directly improve their financial security,” said Yip Ka Yii, Associate Dean of External Engagement at the Faculty of Business and the coordinator of this initiative. “By combining cultural engagement with practical financial education, and with the expertise of MICPA – CA ANZ, we created an impactful programme that resonates at the grassroots level.”

MICPA – CA ANZ representatives praised the initiative, emphasising how such collaborations contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Delivered by Dr Ivy Hii, the financial literacy talk was part of a wider field trip programme, where Curtin Malaysia students also engaged in cultural exchanges, gaining first-hand insights into Sarawak’s rich indigenous heritage while building stronger community ties with Rumah Salin.

This initiative underscores Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to community empowerment, knowledge transfer, and cultural appreciation – values that continue to shape the university’s outreach projects across Sarawak.

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

A financial literacy talk at Rumah Salin longhouse to equip the community with practical money-saving skills.

A financial literacy talk at Rumah Salin longhouse to equip the community with practical money-saving skills.