INTRODUCTION FOR PRACTICAL FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR WORKING ADULTS IN MALAYSIA
“Practical Financial Planning for Working Adults in Malaysia” is a comprehensive 2-day training program designed to equip Malaysian working adults with essential financial knowledge and practical tools to make informed financial decisions. In today’s challenging economic environment—rising living costs, increasing financial commitments, and uncertainty in long-term financial security—many individuals struggle with budgeting, debt management, insurance selection, and retirement planning.
This program provides step-by-step guidance using real Malaysian regulations, financial instruments, and case studies to ensure participants gain clarity and confidence in managing their personal finances. Whether participants are young working adults, SME business owners, HR or Finance professionals, or anyone seeking financial literacy, this course delivers practical strategies that can be applied immediately.
By combining theory, hands-on exercises, discussions, and real-life applications, this course empowers participants to build a solid financial foundation aligned with their long-term goals. The training also supports HRDC’s objective of strengthening the financial well-being and productivity of the Malaysian workforce.
TRAINING METHODOLOGY
- Lectures / Presentations (theory and concepts)
- Case Studies (local Malaysian context, EPF, PRS, insurance)
- Workshops & Exercises (hands-on calculations, planning templates)
- Group Discussions (practical problem solving)
- Assessment / Quiz (to measure learning outcomes)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:
- Understand key financial planning concepts under Malaysian law and regulation.
- Apply budgeting, savings, and debt management strategies.
- Evaluate insurance and takaful needs, distinguishing between life and general coverage.
- Understand EPF, PRS, and other retirement planning tools in Malaysia.
- Develop a personal financial plan that aligns with long-term goals.
- Gain awareness of estate planning instruments (Wasiat, Hibah, Trust, Nomination).
TARGET AUDIENCE
- Working professionals (age 20 and above)
- SME business owners
- Employees in HR/Finance roles
- Individuals seeking financial literacy and planning knowledge
COURSE CONTENT
Day 1
Module 1: Introduction to Financial Planning
- Definition and importance of financial planning
- HRDC perspective on financial literacy and workplace productivity
- Overview of Malaysian financial ecosystem (BNM, SC, FIMM, EPF)
Module 2: Budgeting & Cash Flow Management
- Needs vs Wants framework
- Building a personal monthly budget
- Tools for tracking expenses (digital apps vs manual)
- Workshop: Creating a cash flow statement
Module 3: Debt Management
- Good debt vs bad debt
- Understanding credit card, personal loan, housing loan, PTPTN
- Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio and financial health indicators
- Case Study: Debt restructuring for a Malaysian household
Module 4: Protection Planning (Insurance & Takaful)
- Purpose and types of insurance
- MRTA vs MLTA
- Life, medical, and general takaful
- Case Study: Choosing the right protection plan
Day 2
Module 5: Investment Planning Basics
- Risk vs return concept
- Shariah-compliant vs conventional investments
- ASB, Unit Trusts, PRS, Bursa Malaysia basics
- Workshop: Setting up a simple investment plan
Module 6: Retirement Planning
- Understanding EPF structure and i-Invest platform
- Private Retirement Schemes (PRS)
- Inflation and retirement adequacy
- Exercise: Calculating retirement needs
Module 7: Estate Planning
- Distribution under Faraid, Intestate Succession Act 1958
- Wasiat, Hibah, Trust, Nomination (EPF, Insurance)
- Case Study: Family inheritance planning
Module 8: Putting It All Together
- Developing a Personal Financial Plan
- Group activity: Drafting a financial roadmap for different scenarios
- Presentation & Review
Assessment & Evaluation (HRDC Requirement)
- Pre-Test & Post-Test (to measure knowledge gain)
- Individual Exercises (budget, debt, retirement)
- Group Project (financial roadmap presentation)
- Trainer Evaluation (participant feedback on content and delivery)
Training Materials
- Course slides (HRDC format)
- Financial planning worksheets & templates
- Case study booklets
- Recommended reading list
Certification
Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion (HRDC Claimable) upon fulfilling minimum attendance (75%) and assessment requirements.
