STUDENTS GAIN BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF INDUSTRY DEMANDS AFTER PARTICIPATING IN ACE CAMP

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 (Bernama) -- Recognising that students from lower-income families often have limited exposure to information about the range of potential career pathways available, the Financial Industry Collective Outreach (FINCO) introduced ACE (Aspire Career and Education) Camp, an annual programme that serves as a critical final touchpoint for SPM-leavers to build their professional networks and better understand industry demands.

During the three-day camp, students build on their employability and communication skills through engaging in resume writing workshops, mock interviews, panel sessions with experts from the financial industry, workplace visit sessions, and other relevant activities.

In 2026, 96% of the 77 students who participated in the camp were able to state at least two next steps to achieve their post-SPM ambitions. Meanwhile, 98% were able to state at least one skill needed to achieve their post-SPM ambitions.

“Exposure to different industries helps students make better decisions about their futures. By understanding the range of roles, skills, and pathways available, they can identify what suits their strengths and interests, set clearer goals, and take more informed steps toward building the skills needed to pursue a meaningful career,” said FINCO’s CEO, Clare Walker.

This year, FINCO partnered with institutions from the architecture, aviation, education, financial, game development, law enforcement, and medical industries, to give students relevant workplace visit opportunities.

Real world exposure and skills-building opportunities through workplace visits

• Financial industry immersion: At AmBank (M) Berhad and Public Investment Bank Berhad (PIVB), students were introduced to various roles in banking and investment, including communications, marketing, human resources, group sustainability, trading, and compliance. They also participated in hands-on activities such as using trading computers, learning to read stock market data, conducting research on a Bloomberg terminal, and practising checking mock customer transactions.
• Creative and project planning skills: At Electronic Arts Malaysia, students learned about graphic designing and animation, as well as how a project team works together to launch a new product.
• Understanding qualifications and exploring different pathways: Through visits to the Brickfields District Police Headquarters, NU-SA Architect, Pusat Kreatif Kanak-Kanak Tuanku Bainun, Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) and Subang MRO, students were able to learn about the various roles available in these workplaces and the different pathways and qualifications that helped current personnel secure their  positions,  including the relevance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates in these industries.

The positive feedback from participating students highlights the impact of this exposure. As Umaira Qasrina binti Sudirman, 18, from Terengganu shared, “ACE Camp really opened my eyes to many things that I didn’t know about, including jobs that would still be relevant in the next ten years. I learned how to polish my answers and communicate during interviews, how people conduct themselves in the workplace, and I know more about different jobs that I’m interested in.”

ACE Camp students were also partnered with mentors from AmBank, BNP Paribas Malaysia Berhad, Citibank Berhad, Generali Insurance Malaysia Berhad, Manulife Insurance Berhad, and  Sun Life Malaysia Assurance Berhad who will journey with them until the end of the year, as students navigate their post-SPM life.

Commenting on the success of the camp, now in its third year, FINCO Chairman, Tan Sri Azman Hashim said, “This close collaboration with the financial industry is a key driver in ensuring students receive practical and sector-specific exposure that supports their transition from school to tertiary education or employment. It also highlights the industry’s commitment to nurturing a more informed, capable talent pipeline for the nation.”About the Financial Industry Collective Outreach
The Financial Industry Collective Outreach (FINCO) is a collaborative initiative pioneered by financial institutions in Malaysia with the guidance of Bank Negara Malaysia to provide underprivileged children and youth with the guidance and educational tools they need to achieve their life goals. FINCO seeks to achieve these objectives through inclusive educational initiatives under four strategic pillars - English Proficiency and Life Aspiration, Financial Literacy and Disaster Relief.