Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), in collaboration with the UNS Fintech Center, organizes a guest lecture entitled “Sustaining Financial Well-Being: Do Financial Literacy, Financial Behavior, and Financial Education Matter?” featuring Prof. Mohamad Fazli Sabri from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).

Held in Room 4202 of the Bachtiar Effendi Building, FEB UNS, the event is attended by master’s and doctoral students, as well as lecturers. The guest lecture aims to expand the understanding of the significance of financial literacy, financial behavior, and financial education in shaping sustainable financial well-being.

In his presentation, Prof. Fazli Sabri states that financial well-being is not solely determined by income level but also by an individual’s ability to manage finances, cope with economic pressures, and achieve long-term financial goals. He emphasized, “Financial well-being is not just about having enough money, but about having control, confidence, and the freedom to make sound financial decisions.”

Based on research conducted in Malaysia, the Malaysian Financial Literacy Index (MYFLIC Index) increased from 56.5 in 2015 to 59.1 in 2024. However, financial behavior and attitudes toward financial management show a declining trend, indicating a persistent gap between knowledge and practice.

Prof. Fazli further highlights that approximately 1 in 4 Malaysians experience financial shortfall due to rising living costs, alongside a high number of bankruptcy cases predominantly affecting the productive-age population. In this context, strong financial literacy and sound financial behavior play an essential role in building economic resilience at the individual and household levels.

Furthermore, he emphasizes the importance of adopting a behavioral approach in financial education so that individuals are not only aware but also capable of acting prudently in financial matters. He noted, “Financial literacy must be activated through behavior. Knowledge alone is not enough without good financial habits.”

Through this guest lecture, participants gain insights into the relationship among financial education, financial behavior, and financial well-being, as well as how digital literacy and financial technology innovations contribute to strengthening society’s economic resilience in the modern era.

This activity also reflects FEB UNS’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), by advancing financial literacy, responsible financial behavior, and sustainable financial inclusion.