Latest news with #Aina
The Sun
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Malaysian Youths Overspend Due to Digital Triggers, Stress
PETALING JAYA: Young Malaysians are overspending at alarming rates, driven by rising living costs, emotional triggers and the ease of digital payments. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia psychology professor and deputy dean Dr Siti Aisyah Panatik told theSun that youths, particularly those aged 18 to 30, exhibit distinct spending patterns shaped by urbanisation, lifestyle choices and varying levels of financial literacy. On average, a student in Malaysia spends between RM1,500 and RM1,700 monthly, while a working professional spends approximately RM2,700 to RM2,900. These expenses generally cover essentials such as food, housing, utilities, transport, personal care and healthcare. She noted that risky spending is often driven by impulsivity, sensation-seeking, difficulty delaying gratification and peer comparison. 'Many people also use shopping as emotional relief, commonly referred to as retail therapy,' she said. She warned that platforms such as TikTok and Instagram amplify the problem through influencer marketing, lifestyle envy and fear of missing out. 'This creates a culture in which material success is equated with happiness,' she said, adding that emotional spending can be difficult to recognise. Warning signs include regretting purchases, shopping when feeling down or consistently spending beyond one's means. She also said overspending may point to deeper mental health issues such as depression, ADHD or bipolar disorder. 'Those with ADHD may act impulsively and struggle with planning, while individuals with depression might shop to boost their mood.' She added that compulsive shopping or oniomania, is now recognised as a behavioural addiction marked by repeated, uncontrollable urges to shop despite negative consequences. Proven psychological techniques, including cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness, can help individuals curb emotional spending. Aina, a 25-year-old private sector employee earning RM3,200 a month, admitted she spends over RM2,200 monthly, mostly on food deliveries, online sales and trending beauty or lifestyle items she rarely uses. 'I spend RM18 on coffee every other day, RM400 on skincare and makeup I haven't even opened, and way too much on things just because they are viral online.' By month's end, she barely has RM50 left to save. 'I keep telling myself I'll do better next month, but the cycle just repeats. I know I'm living beyond my means but it's hard to stop when spending feels so easy.' A recent study by the Financial Industry Collective Outreach (Finco) found that poor financial literacy is leaving youths vulnerable to impulse spending and short-term gratification. Finco chief executive Clare Walker explained that the convenience of digital financial services creates a 'painless' experience that fuels unhealthy habits, particularly among teens. According to its Money SENse 2023 survey, 75% of students aged 16 to 19 have only low to moderate financial knowledge, limiting their ability to make sound long-term decisions. 'More than 65% admitted they preferred spending for instant gratification over planning for the future.' The survey also revealed that while many youths manage basic financial tasks, they struggle with more complex topics such as investment risks, insurance and income tax. 'Only 40% understood investment risks and just 37% knew how insurance premiums work.' Walker emphasised that financial education should begin early – ideally before the age of seven – when core money attitudes start to form. 'Parents play a crucial role by modelling habits such as saving, comparing prices and delaying gratification.' She said Finco promotes practical steps such as tracking monthly expenses, pausing before impulse purchases, recognising emotional triggers and setting aside small amounts for treats to avoid larger splurges. 'Teachers must also be equipped to teach financial literacy, especially in the context of digital finance and scams.' To support this, Finco launched the Train-the-Trainers programme in 2024 with the Financial Education Network and the Education Ministry. The initiative aims to train over 10,000 teachers, particularly those working with B40 communities, to help students build financial confidence. 'Recognising your financial habits and seeking help – whether from banks, credit card providers or agencies such as the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency – can be a powerful first step towards lasting change,' she added.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Emotional spending habit trapping youths in debt
PETALING JAYA: Young Malaysians are overspending at alarming rates, driven by rising living costs, emotional triggers and the ease of digital payments. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia psychology professor and deputy dean Dr Siti Aisyah Panatik told theSun that youths, particularly those aged 18 to 30, exhibit distinct spending patterns shaped by urbanisation, lifestyle choices and varying levels of financial literacy. On average, a student in Malaysia spends between RM1,500 and RM1,700 monthly, while a working professional spends approximately RM2,700 to RM2,900. These expenses generally cover essentials such as food, housing, utilities, transport, personal care and healthcare. She noted that risky spending is often driven by impulsivity, sensation-seeking, difficulty delaying gratification and peer comparison. 'Many people also use shopping as emotional relief, commonly referred to as retail therapy,' she said. She warned that platforms such as TikTok and Instagram amplify the problem through influencer marketing, lifestyle envy and fear of missing out. 'This creates a culture in which material success is equated with happiness,' she said, adding that emotional spending can be difficult to recognise. Warning signs include regretting purchases, shopping when feeling down or consistently spending beyond one's means. She also said overspending may point to deeper mental health issues such as depression, ADHD or bipolar disorder. 'Those with ADHD may act impulsively and struggle with planning, while individuals with depression might shop to boost their mood.' She added that compulsive shopping or oniomania, is now recognised as a behavioural addiction marked by repeated, uncontrollable urges to shop despite negative consequences. Proven psychological techniques, including cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness, can help individuals curb emotional spending. Aina, a 25-year-old private sector employee earning RM3,200 a month, admitted she spends over RM2,200 monthly, mostly on food deliveries, online sales and trending beauty or lifestyle items she rarely uses. 'I spend RM18 on coffee every other day, RM400 on skincare and makeup I haven't even opened, and way too much on things just because they are viral online.' By month's end, she barely has RM50 left to save. 'I keep telling myself I'll do better next month, but the cycle just repeats. I know I'm living beyond my means but it's hard to stop when spending feels so easy.' A recent study by the Financial Industry Collective Outreach (Finco) found that poor financial literacy is leaving youths vulnerable to impulse spending and short-term gratification. Finco chief executive Clare Walker explained that the convenience of digital financial services creates a 'painless' experience that fuels unhealthy habits, particularly among teens. According to its Money SENse 2023 survey, 75% of students aged 16 to 19 have only low to moderate financial knowledge, limiting their ability to make sound long-term decisions. 'More than 65% admitted they preferred spending for instant gratification over planning for the future.' The survey also revealed that while many youths manage basic financial tasks, they struggle with more complex topics such as investment risks, insurance and income tax. 'Only 40% understood investment risks and just 37% knew how insurance premiums work.' Walker emphasised that financial education should begin early – ideally before the age of seven – when core money attitudes start to form. 'Parents play a crucial role by modelling habits such as saving, comparing prices and delaying gratification.' She said Finco promotes practical steps such as tracking monthly expenses, pausing before impulse purchases, recognising emotional triggers and setting aside small amounts for treats to avoid larger splurges. 'Teachers must also be equipped to teach financial literacy, especially in the context of digital finance and scams.' To support this, Finco launched the Train-the-Trainers programme in 2024 with the Financial Education Network and the Education Ministry. The initiative aims to train over 10,000 teachers, particularly those working with B40 communities, to help students build financial confidence. 'Recognising your financial habits and seeking help – whether from banks, credit card providers or agencies such as the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency – can be a powerful first step towards lasting change,' she added.
Sinar Daily
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
Performing Asean 2025 theme song a career highlight for Aina Abdul
Aina said the process of interpreting and delivering the song gave her a deeper appreciation for the theme of Asean unity. 07 Jun 2025 05:04pm Singer Aina Abdul - BERNAMA FILE PIX KUALA LUMPUR - Singer Aina Abdul described the opportunity to record the theme song for the Asean Summit 2025, 'Our Land Our Home' - centered on the theme of unity - as a profound and meaningful milestone in her artistic journey. According to Aina, whose full name is Nurul Aina Abdul Ghani, the experience of working with veteran composer Datuk Mokhzani Ismail and lyricist Rafiza Rahman added tremendous value to her growth as a singer. "I only lent my voice but I feel truly honoured to perform this powerful song. It's in English and there were challenges in pronunciation and the detailed musical notation," she told Bernama. Recorded at the RTM studio under the guidance of a vocal director and the lyricist herself, the 31-year-old artiste admitted that the technical approach required a high level of discipline, especially in adhering strictly to the notation. "I usually sing according to how I feel, but this time I had to follow the notation note by note. It was challenging but it taught me to be more meticulous and to respect the composer's work," she said. Singer Aina Abdul - BERNAMA FILE PIX Aina said the process of interpreting and delivering the song gave her a deeper appreciation for the theme of Asean unity. The 'Puas Sudah' singer said through the storytelling-style lyrics, she came to understand the noble values and unique cultural identities of Asean member states. "This song opened my eyes to the beauty and richness of cultures beyond Malaysia. It reminded me that music has the power to unite us, regardless of borders," she said. Aina, who won the Best Performance award at the 39th Anugerah Juara Lagu, said the experience of recording the song shifted her perspective on the role of music in conveying powerful messages and fostering unity. She described music as a universal medium capable of transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries, making it an effective tool for regional solidarity. "We shouldn't underestimate the power of music to bring people together. This song proves that music can cross borders and deliver a powerful message, not just to Malaysians but to listeners across Asean," she added. - BERNAMA More Like This
The Sun
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Performing ASEAN 2025 theme song a career highlight for Aina Abdul
KUALA LUMPUR: Singer Aina Abdul described the opportunity to record the theme song for the ASEAN Summit 2025, 'Our Land Our Home' — centered on the theme of unity — as a profound and meaningful milestone in her artistic journey. According to Aina, whose full name is Nurul Aina Abdul Ghani, the experience of working with veteran composer Datuk Mokhzani Ismail and lyricist Rafiza Rahman added tremendous value to her growth as a singer. 'I only lent my voice but I feel truly honoured to perform this powerful song. It's in English and there were challenges in pronunciation and the detailed musical notation,' she told Bernama. Recorded at the RTM studio under the guidance of a vocal director and the lyricist herself, the 31-year-old artiste admitted that the technical approach required a high level of discipline, especially in adhering strictly to the notation. 'I usually sing according to how I feel, but this time I had to follow the notation note by note. It was challenging but it taught me to be more meticulous and to respect the composer's work,' she said. Aina said the process of interpreting and delivering the song gave her a deeper appreciation for the theme of ASEAN unity. The 'Puas Sudah' singer said through the storytelling-style lyrics, she came to understand the noble values and unique cultural identities of ASEAN member states. 'This song opened my eyes to the beauty and richness of cultures beyond Malaysia. It reminded me that music has the power to unite us, regardless of borders,' she said. Aina, who won the Best Performance award at the 39th Anugerah Juara Lagu, said the experience of recording the song shifted her perspective on the role of music in conveying powerful messages and fostering unity. She described music as a universal medium capable of transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries, making it an effective tool for regional solidarity. 'We shouldn't underestimate the power of music to bring people together. This song proves that music can cross borders and deliver a powerful message, not just to Malaysians but to listeners across ASEAN,' she added.
The Sun
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Performing ASEAN 2025 theme song a career highlight for Aina
KUALA LUMPUR: Singer Aina Abdul described the opportunity to record the theme song for the ASEAN Summit 2025, 'Our Land Our Home' — centered on the theme of unity — as a profound and meaningful milestone in her artistic journey. According to Aina, whose full name is Nurul Aina Abdul Ghani, the experience of working with veteran composer Datuk Mokhzani Ismail and lyricist Rafiza Rahman added tremendous value to her growth as a singer. 'I only lent my voice but I feel truly honoured to perform this powerful song. It's in English and there were challenges in pronunciation and the detailed musical notation,' she told Bernama. Recorded at the RTM studio under the guidance of a vocal director and the lyricist herself, the 31-year-old artiste admitted that the technical approach required a high level of discipline, especially in adhering strictly to the notation. 'I usually sing according to how I feel, but this time I had to follow the notation note by note. It was challenging but it taught me to be more meticulous and to respect the composer's work,' she said. Aina said the process of interpreting and delivering the song gave her a deeper appreciation for the theme of ASEAN unity. The 'Puas Sudah' singer said through the storytelling-style lyrics, she came to understand the noble values and unique cultural identities of ASEAN member states. 'This song opened my eyes to the beauty and richness of cultures beyond Malaysia. It reminded me that music has the power to unite us, regardless of borders,' she said. Aina, who won the Best Performance award at the 39th Anugerah Juara Lagu, said the experience of recording the song shifted her perspective on the role of music in conveying powerful messages and fostering unity. She described music as a universal medium capable of transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries, making it an effective tool for regional solidarity. 'We shouldn't underestimate the power of music to bring people together. This song proves that music can cross borders and deliver a powerful message, not just to Malaysians but to listeners across ASEAN,' she added.
