The renewed commitment aims to reach an additional 40,000 students across Asia by the end of 2027 through its award-winning financial literacy programme, JA SparktheDream.
Designed for students from age nine through their early teens, JA SparktheDream combines financial education with social and life skills through interactive games, digital activities, and classroom sessions. These sessions are supported by FWD volunteers in eight markets across Asia. The next phase of the initiative will also incorporate new elements to support mental health resilience, while increasing engagement with parents and educators.
“Children are the most important asset any community has — they’re our inspiration, future leaders and innovators,” said Cathy Knezevic, Group Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at FWD Group. “Financial literacy empowers people to make better decisions and supports long-term economic and social development. We’re proud to continue our partnership with JA to help more children develop these vital skills early in life.”
The FWD-JA partnership, first launched in 2022, has already exceeded expectations. From 2022 to 2024, the programme reached over 37,000 students, surpassing its initial goal by 49%. According to programme data, 88% of participants improved their understanding of money management, while 80% reported increased awareness of community needs. Additionally, more than 1,650 students took part in the JA SparktheDream Social Challenge, applying their skills to solve real-world issues in their communities.
“Our partnership with FWD has provided tens of thousands of students with access to practical and impactful financial education,” said Asheesh Advani, CEO of JA Worldwide. “We’re excited to build on this foundation and empower even more young people to become financially capable and socially conscious.”
Originally co-developed by FWD and JA, the JA SparktheDream programme was piloted in Hong Kong SAR and Singapore in 2022 before expanding to eight markets: Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Over its first three years, the initiative engaged nearly 900 classes and was supported by more than 800 FWD employee volunteers.
The programme has received multiple accolades, including a Silver Award at the 2023 Investor and Financial Education Awards in Hong Kong SAR, a Bronze Stevie® Award for Innovative Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards in the Philippines, and a Special Mention at the 2024 Bisnis Indonesia Corporate Social Responsibility Awards.
