【Hong Kong, 12 September 2018】The Hong Kong Association of Banks ("HKAB") and The Boys' & Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong (BGCA) today launched "Financial Interactive Theatre 2018", a series of theatrical performances, which will be staged at 18 primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong to promote responsible money management attitudes and behaviours among students.

Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Government of the HKSAR, Ms Diana Cesar, Chairperson of HKAB, and members of the HKAB Committee were joined by more than 100 students from S.T.W. Dr. Catherine F. Woo Memorial School and QualiEd College at the launch ceremony. Officiating guests shared with the students their personal experience and useful tips on how to start managing money responsibly and effectively from a young age.

Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Government of the HKSAR, said the Government has been encouraging the banking industry to realise the concept of financial inclusion so that the public can enjoy convenient banking services while also understanding the importance of prudent and smart financial management. He thanked the Hong Kong Association of Banks for fulfilling corporate social responsibility actively, and co-organized the "Financial Interactive Theatre" with BGCA to educate young people about the knowledge and importance of universal finance. It is expected that more companies and professionals will follow HKAB, to rebate the community by fostering various charity events.

Ms Diana Cesar, Chairperson of HKAB said, "The Hong Kong Association of Banks aspires to be a good corporate citizen. To this end, we strive to give back to the community through sharing our knowledge and expertise. We want to give the younger generation the right ideas to manage their personal finances through the "Financial Interactive Theatre". Teaching our students about finance and money management will help them save and spend sensibly in later life. I would like to thank the HKSAR Government and the schools for partnering with us, The Boys' & Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong for developing this drama series, and the Investor Education Centre and our member banks for contributing their expertise."

HKAB's Financial Interactive Theatre 2018 will perform at 18 schools in different districts between September 2018 and January 2019, reaching over 5,000 students from Primary 4 to Secondary 3. The audience will be invited to join the performance and play an active role by helping the characters make money management decisions. The performance will not only motivate students' participation, but also encourage students to reflect on their attitudes in everyday finance.

Over the years, HKAB has brought together member banks to give back to society through a range of initiatives under its "We Care, We Share" banner. Apart from the "Financial Interactive Theatre", HKAB has also run community programmes by teaching senior citizens how to use ATMs and hosting financial management skills workshops for low-income families.

The Hong Kong Association of Banks
12 September 2018

Photo captions

Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Government of the HKSAR, said the Government has been encouraging the banking industry to realise the concept of financial inclusion so that the public can enjoy convenient banking services while also understanding the importance of prudent and smart financial management.

 

Ms Diana Cesar, Chairperson of HKAB says that HKAB hopes to help students develop a responsible attitude towards money and equip them with the skills for managing their own finances through the "Financial Interactive Theatre".


Officiating guests share their experience in personal financial management with students at the launch ceremony. From left: Ms Mary Huen, representative of HKAB Committee; Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Government of the HKSAR; Ms Diana Cesar, Chairperson of HKAB; and Mrs Ann Kung, representative of HKAB Committee.


Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Government of the HKSAR (middle) and 12 representatives of HKAB Committee jointly officiate at the launch ceremony of the "Financial Interactive Theatre 2018".


The Hong Kong Association of Banks and The Boys' & Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong launch the "Financial Interactive Theatre 2018" today. A series of creative theatrical performances will be staged at various primary and secondary schools to promote a positive financial management attitude.

About HKAB

The Hong Kong Association of Banks ("HKAB") was created by The Hong Kong Association of Banks Ordinance, Cap.364 ("Ordinance") in 1981 to replace the Exchange Banks' Association. The Ordinance provides a framework for the Government to exchange views with the banking sector for the further development of the industry.

Roles of HKAB include:

• to promote the interests of fully licensed banks in Hong Kong and after consultation with the Financial Secretary to make rules for the conduct of banking business;

• to be a focal point for consultation on law reform, new legislation and regulatory matters;

• to form a sounding-board for the Government and other relevant bodies on general business and banking issues;

• to offer a channel of communication among its members and with third parties; and

• to promote best practice to members and provide information service.

For more information about HKAB, please visit http://www.hkab.org.hk

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