OpenAcademy, a Malaysian ed-tech platform, has introduced “Duit Yourself”, a financial literacy education series created in partnership with the Financial Education Network (FEN) — a national platform established by Bank Negara Malaysia — together with key members including the Malaysian Financial Planning Council (MFPC) and the Financial Planning Association of Malaysia (FPAM). The programme aims to help young Malaysians better understand, manage, and grow their finances through engaging lessons led by certified experts.
Launched in line with the priorities outlined under Belanjawan 2026, the initiative supports Malaysia’s broader push to strengthen financial literacy and resilience, especially among youths. Hosted on the OpenAcademy app, the free “Duit Yourself” series features 11 practical modules developed with FEN’s network of planners and educators. Topics include payslip basics, EPF and SOCSO, budgeting, debt management, savings, investments, and long-term financial planning.
Crafted by professionals with on-the-ground experience, the content offers accurate, real-world insights to help Malaysians make informed financial decisions at every life stage.
The digital-only series will be delivered through the OpenAcademy platform and supported by social media outreach with education partners. It is designed for students, young working adults, individuals planning their long-term financial future, and anyone seeking better control over their personal finances.
“Financial literacy is about feeling confident in everyday money decisions. With the ‘Duit Yourself’ series, we worked with FEN and leading financial experts to build content that is engaging, credible, and freely accessible to all Malaysians,” said Celine Ting, Co-founder and Managing Director of OpenAcademy.
Driving a national conversation on financial literacy
The launch event also included a panel discussion titled “Are Malaysians Financially Literate?”, moderated by Daryll Tan, Co-founder of OpenMinds and OpenAcademy. Panelists included Kevin Neoh, Licensed Financial Planner and Certified Financial Coach; Anuar bin Shuib, CEO of VKA Islamic Wealth Management and Fellow of MFPC; and Daniela Strîmbei, Executive Director of SOLS Foundation.
The session explored the state of financial literacy in Malaysia, the importance of early financial education, and the role of public–private collaboration in closing knowledge gaps. Panelists also discussed why financial illiteracy persists among youths despite rising awareness, the influence of social media, the gig economy’s impact on financial habits, and whether traditional literacy benchmarks still reflect today’s needs.
Cultural mindsets, systemic challenges, and widespread misinformation were highlighted as key barriers, along with practical steps communities, institutions, and policymakers can take to drive meaningful behavioural change.
Extending impact through “Teach to Thrive”
Beyond financial literacy education, OpenAcademy is also expanding its social impact through the “Teach to Thrive” campaign, a movement focused on bridging the education gap and empowering underserved communities with practical, real-world skills. Built on the belief that education unlocks opportunity, the initiative aims to help individuals build better futures through knowledge and confidence.
The campaign currently collaborates with SOLS Foundation and Women of Will (WOW) to make education more inclusive and accessible. For partnership enquiries or more information, contact OpenAcademy at [email protected].
