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Recently, the School of Accounting and Finance (SoAF) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) organised an insightful educational visit to Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery; bringing together students for an experiential learning opportunity centred on Malaysia’s financial system, digital payment ecosystem, financial technology (FinTech) developments, and financial inclusion.

Led by Ms Kavitha Arunasalam (Senior Lecturer, SoAF at APU), alongside several lecturers from SoAF, the visit provided students with valuable exposure to Malaysia’s financial landscape, while allowing them to connect concepts covered in their academic programmes with real-world developments in the financial services industry. 

Exploring Innovation in Digital Finance

The visit commenced with an informative talk titled “Insights into Digital Payments, FinTech Innovation, and Financial Inclusion Initiatives,” delivered by representatives from the Financial Development and Innovation Department at Bank Negara Malaysia.

The session introduced students to the evolution of digital payments in Malaysia; providing insights into how technological advancements have transformed the way individuals and businesses conduct financial transactions.

The representatives also discussed emerging fintech innovations and the regulatory considerations surrounding developments within the financial sector; helping students understand how innovation is balanced with the need to maintain a secure and stable financial ecosystem.

In addition, the session explored initiatives aimed at promoting greater financial inclusion; highlighting efforts to improve access to financial services across different segments of society.

Through these discussions, students gained a broader understanding of how digitalisation, innovation, regulation, and accessibility are shaping Malaysia’s financial landscape.

Exploring Malaysia’s Financial History and Currency

Following the talk, students explored the Art Gallery, Numismatics Gallery, Islamic Finance Gallery, Bank Negara Malaysia Gallery, and Economics Gallery, where they learned about Malaysia’s artistic and cultural heritage, the history and development of currency, the principles of Islamic finance, and the country’s economic and financial landscape.

Also, the students explored the RM1 Million Tunnel; an interactive exhibit that provided students with a visual representation of the physical value of Malaysian currency.

Together, these experiences gave students a broader understanding of Malaysia’s financial and economic landscape, while connecting historical knowledge with practical perspectives on currency and its role within the financial system.

Strengthening Financial Knowledge through Experiential learning

The educational visit to Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery demonstrated the value of experiential learning in helping students connect academic knowledge with real-world financial developments.

The experience further enhanced their awareness of the evolving financial services industry, while providing valuable perspectives on how technological and economic developments continue to shape the future of finance.