​Foreword

From Spark to Flame –

Financial Education in the Time of Pandemic

We are most delighted that after a year of break the “IFPHK Financial Education Leadership Awards” (The “FELA”) is coming back in full swing. Since its establishment in 2018, the Awards has recognized 36 companies and hundreds of individuals for their restless effort in raising the financial literacy of the public. Over the years, FELA has gone from strength to strength, evolving into a reputable award that gathers and recognizes financial education efforts.

The world has spent most of the last two years fighting the COVID-19 pandemic that has traumatized the economics and communities. While we are recovering and adapting to the new normal, some unsung heroes have been delivering financial knowledge all along, traditionally or new-normally. They are the true believers in bettering lives through financial inclusion and advancing this idea.

To showcase the versatility of these achievers amidst growing uncertainties and mounting challenges, a special criterion is named “COVID-19 Pandemic-specific Initiatives”. It reminds us that financial education should be forward-looking and initiatives should be evolved constantly.

Early this year, the IFPHK has commissioned a survey on retirees’ actual expenses and has found out that finances get retirees jittery and they go to friends and family for advice instead of professionals. There is much catching up to do in terms of retirement planning education. Thus, we have specially named one of the criteria to be a retirement-centric focus, hoping to raise awareness of this.

“From Spark to Flame” is the theme for this year’s award. We believe financial education initiatives that start together will gradually build up to a stronger force. Through patience and persistence, we would grow to bring better prospects for the community. Join us in this journey.

Dennis Lau

CEO, IFPHK