FINCO’S ACE CAMP PREPARES STUDENTS FOR POST-SPM JOURNEY, CAREER ASPIRATIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 (Bernama) -- Building on the success of last year’s Aspire Career and Education (ACE) Camp, where alumni actively applied the skills they gained, the Financial Industry Collective Outreach (FINCO) expanded the initiative this year, hosting 77 post-Form 5 students from across Malaysia.

The three-day camp, held from April 15 at the International Youth Centre, aimed to equip students with the tools to build their professional networks, set clear short- and long-term goals, and develop essential skills and knowledge to pursue higher education and career aspirations.

By the end of the programme, 96 percent of participants were able to identify at least two concrete steps towards their post-SPM goals, while 95 percent could name at least one key skill needed to achieve them.

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FINCO chief executive officer Clare Walker highlighted the importance of providing students with practical, skill-building opportunities as they transition from school to higher education or the workforce.

“While identifying relevant skills is crucial, the chance to practice them builds confidence for real-world challenges. This camp is designed to provide that essential hands-on experience," she said in a statement today.

She noted that students who understand how their short-term goals align with their long-term career ambitions, and who are equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions will be better prepared to navigate the evolving job market.

In addition to mock interviews and job shadowing sessions, participants also gained deeper insights into their chosen career paths through networking with 75 industry professionals from fields such as architecture, aviation, finance, medicine, and technology.

A panel discussion further enriched the experience, featuring guest speakers including Malayan Banking Berhad chief executive officer Datuk Khairussaleh Ramli, Generali Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad chief of People and Organisation Lee Jo Wen, and Manulife Insurance Berhad chief marketing officer Marilyn Wang.

The session offered students valuable perspectives on the soft skills employers seek and what hiring teams look for during interviews.

Khairussaleh said it was an honour to speak at the event and shared reflections on his career journey, encouraging students to pursue their goals with courage and clarity.

“I’m grateful to pass on these lessons to the students, who positively seek to carve out their future,” he said.

Financial industry volunteers who signed up as mentors will continue to support the students throughout the year, offering ongoing guidance and advice as they navigate their education and career paths.

FINCO chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim expressed encouragement at the growing number of financial industry volunteers participating in this year’s ACE Camp.

“It shows recognition of its role in developing future leaders and its ability to effectively address the skills gap between school and the workforce,” he said.

This year’s camp saw the participation of financial industry volunteers from AmBank (M) Berhad, BNP Paribas Malaysia Berhad, CIMB Bank Berhad, Deutsche Bank Malaysia Berhad, Generali Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad, Hannover Rueck SE, Manulife Insurance Berhad, Maybank, and Public Investment Bank Berhad.

One of the participants, Nur Izzah Zulfah from SMK Sultan Ibrahim (1), Kelantan, said the mock interview session with her mentors boosted her confidence, enhanced her communication skills, and helped her prepare for real-world scenarios in an engaging and supportive environment.

Nur Syazwina Syazni from SMK Dato' Mahmud Paduka Raja 1, Kelantan, shared that her mentors provided constructive feedback, corrected her mistakes, and offered practical tips she could apply in future applications.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Aziz Akhtar Alwi, who travelled from SMK Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, said he gained valuable skills and insights from the experience.

“The camp gave us the chance to speak up and suggest ideas. It also taught us how to seize opportunities in the real world,” he said.

ACE Camp is part of FINCO’s Life Aspiration pillar, which has reached over 27,000 upper secondary students nationwide since its launch in 2017.

Participants are post-SPM students selected after taking part in FINCO’s Post-SPM Pathway Workshop and other skills-based sessions.

These workshops are primarily conducted in schools with a high concentration of B40 students, reflecting FINCO’s commitment to providing equitable access to quality educational opportunities for all youth.

-- BERNAMA