The Association of Banks in Singapore and MoneySENSE spearhead drive to inculcate savings habit amongst primary school students

Singapore - The Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) and MoneySENSE today announced the launch of a two-year programme aimed at driving home the habit of saving to all primary school students in Singapore. The programme, entitled “Saving – the Sensible Habit”, teaches students the difference between “needs” and “wants” and the virtues of living within your means and saving for a rainy day. 

2   The programme features a 30-minute interactive skit performed by well known local theatre group, Act 3 THEATRICS. The key messages of being prudent and spending within your means are underscored in a lively and enchanting story of TRIFF, the bear, and his friends. 

3   Said Mrs Ong-Ang Ai Boon, Director ABS: “We have always believed one is never too young to learn about managing money. For the young children, we want to bring home the message of the importance of savings in an endearing and interesting manner. We would like to thank MoneySENSE and the Ministry of Education for supporting this programme – which will be performed in over 170 primary schools in 2007 and 2008.”

4   Said Mr Shane Tregillis, Chairman of MoneySENSE Financial Education Steering Committee and Deputy Managing Director (Market Conduct), Monetary Authority of Singapore: “Reaching children early in life can play a critical role in helping them inculcate sound financial habits. MoneySENSE is happy to work with ABS on this creative programme for primary school students. This is MoneySENSE’s first programme for primary school students and we thank principals and teachers for their support.”

Attachments:
1) Fact Sheet on the ABS-MoneySense “Saving – the Sensible Habit” Programme (PDF, 110KB)
2) Fact Sheet on ABS (PDF, 88KB)
3) Fact Sheet on MoneySENSE (PDF, 105KB)