Prelude

NTU Investment Interactive Club (NTU-IIC) is an exclusive academic club meant for the undergraduate population in Nanyang Technological University. Founded in 1999 by Mr Yap Boon Leong, the non-profit club was setup in response to the government's call for initiatives to develop a vibrant investing community.

From a small interest club in NTU to one of the largest students' finance society in Singapore today, the club has grown substantially through the progressive leadership of past executive committees, sound advice from our board of advisors, support from industrial partners & sponsors and most importanty, participation from our members.

Endorsed by the Dean of the Nanyang Business School, NTU's Students Affairs Office and industrial partners, IIC is poised to move on into the second decade of raising financial awareness.

With the aim to inculcate financial literacy amongst young Singaporeans, we are proud to work closely this year with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Singapore Exchange Limited (SGX), Securities Investors Association of Singapore (SIAS) and Citi-NIE Financial Literacy Hub.

Singapore Outreach

To better illustrate our strong committment towards such alliances, NTU-IIC has since the 1st September launched a new initiative called the Singapore Outreach. The Singapore Outreach, under the direct supervision of the President's Office aims to engage students and organizations outside NTU. The Singapore Outreach currently consist of I-Cube (A joint alliance of the investment clubs of NTU, NUS & SMU), I-Plus (A joint alliance between the financial literacy initiatives of the 5 polytechnics in Singapore), SIAS-NTU Students' Chapter (A special colaboration with SIAS where members of NTU-IIC automatically become student members of SIAS) as well as colaboration with the Citi-NIE Financial Literacy Hub.

As Co-Chair of I-Cube and Honarary Advisor to I-Plus, NTU-IIC hopes to pique the interest of youths in finance through our exciting and interactive financial events and activities.

Goals for the Next Decade

In conjunction with our 10th year anniversary, NTU-IIC has planned out five key objectives for the next decade: 

•    Contribute towards Singapore’s goal of becoming a leading Financial Hub – by investing in the financial quotient of our youths
•    Raise the awareness of our younger generation on financial literacy and investment knowledge
•    Provide students with the fundamental tools to start learning the ropes of investing
•    Foster ties between the students of our Universities, Polytechnics and Junior Colleges
•    Mould future leaders in the financial world.

These initiatives aims to answer the Government’s call for a ground-up approach in nurturing a vibrant investment community especially amongst the young.

Government's Support

We are very grateful for the unwavering support that the Singapore Government has shown to our initiatives and events. For example, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Minister Lim Swee Say was our Guest of Honour in the Launch of our OCBC Securities Stock Challenge 2006 and Senior Minister of State for Trade & Industry, Minister S. Iswaran graced the Prize Presentation & Closing Ceremony. Additionally, Acting Minister for Manpower, Minister Gan Kim Yong was our Guest of Honour for our SAXO Capital Markets Go-for-Gold Challenge.

All these financial literacy initiatives would not be possible without the support and encouragement of our Government

Financial Literacy - A Life Skill

Financial literacy is an essential life skill. It is vital that we continue to work with the various stakeholders to inculcate this skill into students who are the future leaders of our society. Our young should learn the importance of responsible decision making and develop good habits in financial matters from an early age.

By encouraging students to have good money management skills, sensible spending habits, and the awareness to grow their savings through prudent investments, students will be able to respond competently to various financial demands and challenges as they move into adulthood.  A high level of financial literacy is a critical attribute that will assist our students to achieve financial stability and a secure future.

Harnessing Technology

Furthermore, the rapid advancement in technology also facilities your financial learning. In the past, there were no online trading platforms. Buying and selling of stocks were done through a broker on the telephone. In this digital era, research materials are widely available online, online trading platforms are used by almost any retail investor and financial news can be found with a click of the mouse. Take advantage of current technologies in your quest in being master of financial literacy!

Conclusion

Finally, I would like to extend my warmest thanks to our sponsors,  board of advisors, students' advisory board, University, management committee, my Senior Vice President - Jeremy Teo and everyone who has made this possible.

I look forward to walking this exciting path with all of you during my term in office.

Yours Faithfully,

Melvin Tan

President
10th Executive Committee
NTU Investment Interactive Club

Co-Chair
I-Cube Alliance