FWD Group has renewed its partnership with global nonprofit JA Worldwide to extend its financial education initiative throughout Asia with a focus on youth development through structured programs within the next three years. With the renewed partnership, FWD is set to reach another 40,000 students in eight Asian markets by 2027.
Financial education initiative
The program, called JA SparktheDream, provides financial literacy incorporated with social growth and decision-making abilities for students from age nine. Delivery mechanisms are classroom lessons, online activities, and volunteer-led activities with FWD employees.
The initiative was initiated in 2022 and since then has been rolled out across Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. As per FFW, the initial three years saw more than 37,000 students reached more than projected estimates and consisted of nearly 900 classroom sessions facilitated by nearly 800 employee volunteers.
Cathy Knezevic, FWD group chief corporate affairs officer, said the continued collaboration between the company and JA affirms the need to prepare young people with relevant knowledge early in life.
"Kids are the most valuable resource any community possesses they're our future leaders, innovators, and source of inspiration. We understand that financial literacy empowers individuals to make informed decisions for their future, enabling them to celebrate living. It is also a critical driver of long-term economic and social growth in the community", she added.
Financial education initiative improved
- The second phase will expand the impact of the programme by reaching additional parents and educators and adding new content centered on developing mental toughness.
- Students involved will also have the chance to put their knowledge into practice tackling real-world issues, with more than 1,600 students already participating in community-based problem-solving initiatives as part of the programme's Social Challenge component.
- JA Worldwide CEO Asheesh Advani called the partnership an ongoing investment in youth development.
In our partnership with FWD, we have so far given tens of thousands of students exposure to hands-on and meaningful financial literacy. Moving forward in this next chapter, we look to further intensify the impact and give more young people the financial ability and social awareness to thrive", he added.
Financial confidence of Hong Kong residents
Concurrent to FWD's education program, Prudential Hong Kong launched findings from its 2025 Financial Wellbeing Tracker, showing increased financial confidence among locals but continued struggles in long-term savings and intergenerational family wealth planning.
The poll yielded a financial wellbeing index of 58.0 out of 100, higher than the previous edition's 53.1. The youngest adults aged 18 to 35 recorded the highest score at 62.7, whereas the age group 50 to 60 scored 53.5. Younger respondents identified higher short-term financial freedom as a priority, yet longer-term planning was found to be underdeveloped.
Among parents of Generation Alpha kids children born after 2010, 58% anticipate providing financial assistance at least until age 25. Yet, only 37% have set up savings plans for their children. While many parents reported wanting to support their children's personal development, only a third had taken any tangible actions.
The study also showed limited knowledge and application of wealth transfer vehicles. Although the majority of respondents intend to transfer family wealth, 63% expect the inheritance to last only two generations. Additionally, only 13% claimed a high level of knowledge about trust structures as long-term wealth management tools.
