KUALA LUMPUR, 6 September 2024 – Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK) and Delivery Hero Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (foodpanda), in collaboration with Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) launched the GoGiggers Financial Literacy Programme 2024 today to provide awareness to gig workers on prudent financial management.
The programme was launched simultaneously with the signing of a collaboration note by AKPK’s Chief Executive Officer, En. Azaddin Ngah Tasir; Bank Simpanan Nasional’s Chief Executive, En. Jay Khairl Jeremy bin Abdullah, and Delivery Hero Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (foodpanda)’s Director of Operations, En. Shubham Saran.
AKPK always cares about the financial problems facing Malaysians from all walks of life in light of the current uncertainty in the global economy. This is in line with the concept of inclusivity firmly held by AKPK, that no one is left behind in attaining awareness and empowerment on financial literacy.
AKPK acknowledges the painstaking challenges facing workers in the gig economy, including foodpanda riders, deemed as the front liners which provide service to the people. Therefore, the GoGigglers Financial Literacy Programme 2024 is an appropriate initiative to reach out and guide the riders in facing current economic challenges.
AKPK’s General Manager, Education and Outreach, Pn. Nor Fazleen Zakaria in her welcome remarks said: “The move is in line with AKPK’s mission to empower individuals with knowledge on personal financial management so that they will be more disciplined and responsible and can smartly overcome their financial situation.”
A case study entitled “A Case Study of Foodpanda in Malaysia – Financial Behaviour of Gig Workers” by METLIFE which includes one thousand (1,000) states that more than half of the respondents spend within their means. However, only 30 percent (%) are regular savers, while another 61 percent (%) save occasionally. Other respondents attributed their non-savings or non-regular savings behaviour to insufficient funds.
Moreover, workers in the gig economy, including riders, missed out on many benefits attained by full-time workers. These include health coverage, retirement funds and paid medical leaves. Therefore, it is only fair that they are provided with awareness of the importance of proper financial management to ensure that they can sustain themselves when faced with unexpected circumstances. This programme also embeds elements of financial management that impress on a high level of discipline and commitment in inculcating saving habits and prudent spending among riders.
The GoGigglers Financial Literacy Programme 2024 is a specially-designed initiative which will benefit and provide exposure to more than five thousand (5,000) foodpanda riders on the importance of prudent financial management, among others, through sharing of infographics, edu-video, as well as JomBorak podcast.
“As we launch the GO GIGGERS GO RIDERS Campaign, I am proud to witness foodpanda Malaysia’s unwavering commitment to our delivery partners’ financial well-being. This partnership with AKPK and BSN is more than just a program—it’s a step toward empowering our riders with the knowledge and tools to navigate financial challenges confidently. Part of our Panda Hearts programme which is our flagship programme aimed at uplifting and supporting delivery partners. Our riders are the backbone of our operations, and through initiatives like these, we aim to support them not only in their work but in building a secure future for themselves and their families.” — Shubham Saran, Director of Operations, Delivery Hero Malaysia.
As a high-impact programme that targets the focus group, especially the foodpanda riders, those selected will be provided with intensive coaching for six (6) months through various educational means including gamification.
They will be monitored and evaluated, and their progress will be recorded to ensure that the coaching and guidance provided meet the programme’s objective, that is for the foodpanda riders to have adequate savings and emergency funds.
Meanwhile, our strategic partner BSN will provide the riders with a savings progress report for the duration of the programme. The report will be a milestone in determining the riders’ consistency in developing savings habits and emergency funds.
On 6 August recently, AKPK organised a face-to-face financial education programme with more than 100 foodpanda riders. BSN has also opened a counter to facilitate the riders in opening a savings account, in line with the programme’s objective. Other strategic partners present were Employee Provident Fund (EPF), Social Security Organization (SOCSO), CTOS, the National Cancer Society of Malaysia and SETEL.
A programme of this kind is a testament to AKPK’s continuous proactive approach to providing Malaysians with exposure and empowerment on financial literacy. As of June 2024, 13.2 million Malaysians from all walks of life have been exposed to financial education programmes organised by AKPK.
