Dear Editor,

We agree with Mr Woon on the importance of strengthening investment education efforts at the grassroots level (“Educate S’poreans on investment products at grassroots level”, TODAY, 18 August 2017).

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has stepped up its efforts on this front in recent years through MoneySENSE, the national financial education programme. MoneySENSE has been partnering government agencies, educational institutes and industry, as well as community and investor organisations, to equip consumers with the capabilities to manage their personal financial affairs, including how they can assess investment opportunities.

MoneySENSE partners the Singapore Polytechnic Institute for Financial Literacy to organise regular talks and workshops on a range of personal finance topics, at workplaces and within the community.  Together with the Securities Investors Association of Singapore, MoneySENSE recently launched a public campaign on investment scams, highlighting to consumers the steps to evaluate investment opportunities. The outreach efforts include roadshows in the heartlands and educational videos at community movie screenings.  The message to consumers is to always Ask, Check and Confirm when assessing investment choices. 

Investment education is an ongoing effort. We hope to do more.  MAS will continue to enhance its financial education initiatives and partner grassroots organisations to reach a wider audience. We also encourage consumers to visit the MoneySENSE website (http://www.moneysense.gov.sg ) and the MoneySENSE Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/MoneySENSE ) for more information, resources and programmes about managing your personal financial matters and financial products.

Bey Mui Leng (Ms)
Director (Corporate Communications)
Monetary Authority of Singapore