FWD Group (“FWD”), a pan-Asian life insurance company, is supporting a new programme that aims to promote financial inclusion and empower young people across the Asia Pacific region. JA SparktheDream, developed by Junior Achievement Hong Kong (JA Hong Kong) together with FWD, begins by acquainting young students with essential financial literacy skills and concepts. But it goes further than just imparting knowledge – it also reinforces concepts through engaging games and invites young people to work with their parents and peers to imagine how they can apply this knowledge for social good.

“JA SparktheDream means inspiring children to become financially capable individuals and igniting their imagination to turn aspirations into reality. We’re excited to make a difference in our local communities by educating the next generation and providing an early platform for them to achieve a better financial future,” remarked FWD Group CEO, Huynh Thanh Phong.

When asked why the programme primarily focuses on pre-teen and early teen learners, JA Asia Pacific President and CEO, Maziar Sabet remarked, “There are skills, habits and mindsets that take root most effectively if the seeds are planted early on. There is a sense of empowerment that comes with knowing you can make choices in life that can positively impact yourselves, your families and the broader community.”

The programme seeks to address a glaring gap in education in the region – first and foremost by instilling basic skills around financial literacy and inclusion. “The integration of financial, social and life skills education is essential, but has not been emphasised enough in our regular school curriculum” noted Dr. William Lo, JA Hong Kong Chairman. By taking a holistic approach, JA SparktheDream also seeks to develop other essential 21st century skills: “This is a hands-on learning journey empowering children to make informed decisions, think creatively, empathise with others, and manage their lives in a healthy and productive manner” Dr. Lo went on to remark.

The multi-year initiative will be led by FWD volunteers, providing a unique opportunity for the organisation’s employees to serve the communities in which they are based.

The programme will launch in Hong Kong and Singapore in 2022, before being brought to life across a total of seven markets in the region and aims to reach some 25,000 students and thousands more of their peers.

About FWD Group

Established in Asia in 2013 with a trailblazer mentality, FWD is the primary insurance business of investment group, Pacific Century Group

FWD Group spans 10 markets in Asia including Hong Kong SAR & Macau SAR, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia and Cambodia, offering life and medical insurance, general insurance, employee benefits, Shariah and family takaful products across a number of its markets.

FWD is focused on creating fresh customer experiences and making the insurance journey simpler, faster and smoother, with innovative propositions and easy-to-understand products, supported by digital technology. Through this customer-led approach, FWD aims to be a leading pan-Asian insurer by changing the way people feel about insurance.

For more information please visit www.fwd.com

About JA Asia Pacific

JA Asia Pacific is a member of JA Worldwide, one of the world’s largest youth-serving NGOs dedicated to preparing young people for employment and entrepreneurship. With the Asia Pacific region being home to 60% of the world’s youth, JA Asia Pacific aims to empower young people to benefit from and contribute to the region’s economic development and to create a positive impact in their lives and communities.

For more than 100 years, JA has delivered hands-on, experiential learning in work readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. We create pathways for employability, job creation and financial success.

For more information please visit www.jaasiapacific.org