with a wider spectrum of financial offerings and are exposed to greater temptations to take on debt. financial education is therefore a vital life skill ; one that must be developed from an early age. it was with this motivation that the bank initiated a number of efforts to enhance the financial competence of malaysians through a nationwide savings campaign that was launched in 1996. this involved several key financial education initiatives for students and households in malaysia, including the school adoption programme that was supported by the ministry of education and the financial industry. more recently, it has progressed to the integration of financial education into the school curriculum. this has been made possible through the successful collaboration between bank negara malaysia and the ministry of education. ladies and gentlemen the compilation of caricatures in financial lateracy is organised according to specific money management themes while the exhibition allows visitors to experience and appreciate the fine works of datuk lat while highlighting key money management messages. the timeless caricatures showcased in financial lateracy also embodies the true essence of a multicultural malaysia, depicting the diversity of our people, cultures and traditions. of significance is the bis central bankers ’ speeches influence that his works have had in promoting social harmony and benevolent values that bring the diverse people of malaysia together. most malaysians have grown up with his drawings. his works have touched on so many aspects of the lives of malaysians, providing us with powerful insights into the social and political scenes of this country. the power of story telling by datuk lat transcends beyond the drawing of cartoons. he is among the artists who have been observers that are the most honest and critical of developments in our society. through their sensitivity and expression, we are reminded of the things that we often take for granted, and sometimes highlighting how we fall short from attaining our fullest potential as a nation. datuk lat is one of such artists. a number of datuk lat ’ s artworks adorn bank negara malaysia ’ s premises since the 1980s, reflecting the challenges we face as a central bank in ensuring a sound and robust financial system, in a light - hearted manner. this publication of the financial lateracybook aims to preserve these works for the benefit of our future generation. financial lateracy is also a way for the bank to express its heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to datuk lat for his continuing support of our financial education initiatives. today, financial lateracy pays a tribute to datuk lat ’ s enduring legacy in this important endeavour. ladies

and gentlemen the financial lateracy exhibition is taking place during a time when more than 200 global policy makers and practitioners in the area of financial education from all parts of the world are gathering here in sasana kijang to participate in the meetings of the international network on financial education and in the high level global symposium, a network under the oecd, to explore new paths and ideas in advancing financial literacy. i am certain that the works of datuk lat will continue to inspire not only malaysians but many others from foreign shores in this important cause through his unique brand of humour and poignant reflections of our society. bis central bankers ’ speeches