UB Shares Knowledge of Managing Finance to Migrant Workers in Malaysia

Photo of Yeney Widya Prihatiningtias While Giving Material to Indonesian Migrant Workers

Universitas Brawijaya (UB) in collaboration with Universiti Malaya carries out an HR development program by sharing the Knowledge of Managing Finance to Indonesian Migrant Workers in Malaysia, Sunday (13/8/2023). The activity aims to improve the life skills and education of migrant workers so that they are not squeezed into poverty in the future after they no longer work abroad. Community service activities were carried out at one of the shelters for Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) in Kuala Lumpur, namely at Madura Family Association (IKMA) office.

“From the initial acquaintance with IKMA members it was clear that they needed to be equipped with the ability to manage personal finances well,” said Head of Service Yeney Widya Prihatiningtias, DBA., Ak., CA from the Department of Accounting (FEB).

In his presentation, Yeney raised the issue of the importance of saving and investing for the future. In addition, Yeney also provides an overview of the various financial problems faced by migrant workers such as weak control over funds sent to families in Indonesia related to their allocation.

“There is also the trap of online loans (financial loans), and the ease of being fooled by the lure of multiplying money by fake charlatans which leads to loss of life. These things that seem simple can be important issues that should be known by those who so far only understand how to make money but lack experience in managing results,” he said.

Photo with Presenters and Migrant Workers

During the event, there were also a number of interesting questions from the participants, for example how to save money properly, how to invest in the most efficient way, and improve abilities and skills so that salaries can increase.

In the activity which was attended by around 30 migrant workers, Universiti Malaya collaborator Datin Izlin provided material on how to manage income to fulfill their needs and desires so that they remain sufficient.

Datin Izlin also shows the results of a survey in Malaysia regarding the percentage of the distribution of living expenses from primary, secondary, to tertiary needs.

When showing the results of the survey, Datin used a simulation of the income of the daily needs of a participant named Agus (24 years) who earns around 1,000 Malaysian Ringgit per month.

The survey was then matched with a simulation of income spending which showed that the survey results matched how Agus uses his income to fulfill his daily needs, from food needs to entertainment needs and buying cigarettes.

Photo of Collaborator from Malaya University Datin Izlin When Giving Material

Datlin said that the technical capabilities of migrant workers must always be improved by continuous learning. In addition, the ability to communicate is also important.

The Indonesian Embassy, represented by Hermanto, said he was happy to see the arrival of the team from Universitas Brawijaya and Malaya University who were holding community service activities at Tajhiz.

Hermanto said that activities like this need to be further encouraged in the future so that they can provide the benefits of knowledge and experience for migrant workers (PMI) because they really need informal coaching and training so they can continue to survive in Malaysia.

Tajhiz is an effort to return the bodies of migrant workers from Madura. One of the managers is named Shohenuddin who helps the international community service team connect with IKMA.

This Tajhiz (repatriation of the body) effort has been carried out for seven years. Since its inception in 2016 and its role has become increasingly visible since the COVID-19 pandemic era in 2020 – 2021, which has then grown rapidly until now. This business has also become a Limited Liability Company with the business name Tajhiz Service SDN. Bhd. and always cooperate and coordinate with the Indonesian Embassy.

In this activity, Yeney was assisted by Erie Awalil Fakhri from the Department of Management and Mirna Amirya, Ph.D., Ak., CA. from the Accounting Department of the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB).

Meanwhile, collaboration with Universiti Malaya has been established since 2022 through collaboration on curriculum development in the Accounting undergraduate study program as well as research collaboration through collaboration grants with universities that are included in the QS 100 World University Ranking (YNY/OKY/UB PR/ Trans. Iir).