Children’s career in the future is something that is difficult to predict at the time of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Parents’ concerns in particular, about their children’s future are also heavily influenced by the perception that the effects of the global economic downturn also have an impact on the financial stability and well-being of society in Malaysia. It is not surprising when world organizations such as the United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), UNICEF, the World Bank, and several world agencies have pressed the panic button by introducing the Incheon Education 2030 Declaration in expressing their commitment to help a financial-based education system for severely affected countries.
Whether this situation worries parents or not, the cultivation of a new culture that is beneficial in the sense of new norms needs to be given attention to the development of children. Elements of creativity and innovation, high-level thinking skills (KBAT) and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) are among the important elements that become the approach in the National Preschool Standard Curriculum, especially in the 21st century. However, for the preparation of children’s education and skills from a career aspect, entrepreneurial and financial elements are also important in facing the challenges of life in the future.
Small Entrepreneur’s Interests and Talents
In order to encourage the early generation’s preparation for future career challenges, entrepreneurship education among children should be a useful practice in applying life based on real experience. In the efforts of the Malaysian Ministry of Education (KPM) through the Education Development Plan Policy 2020-2023 which emphasizes the aspect of continuing to prepare for a prosperous life in the future, the early generation is among the main practitioners who will be ready to face the increasingly challenging world of work. All success starts with a great idea and execution.
It requires effort and discipline through a talent at a high level that is nurtured from childhood. These children are able to highlight the characteristics of leadership, competitiveness, ability to make decisions and manage finances wisely to ensure effectiveness as an entrepreneur can be strengthened more comprehensively. This fostered spirit should be highlighted with interest so that it continues to flourish with a very helpful environment. This is where the role of educators and parents is important to create an environment that helps their development in the field of entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurial Culture in the Family
Education related to the basics of early childhood entrepreneurship should be more specific, involving direct involvement at home and developed more realistically. For example, the popular board game Monopoly which features housing and real estate business, should be able to be designed with children at home to give experience and skills in financial management matters played.
According to Consumer Finance Education Expert, University Putra Malaysia (UPM), Prof Dr Mohamad Fazli Sabri stated, that among the important elements of basic entrepreneurship for children that can be cultivated at home is involving financial education, savings and budgeting, readiness to face unexpected events, an introduction to money, the needs and wants of shared savings.
Digital Technology
When children are exposed to interesting and appropriate finance-related instruction and educational programs, to some extent it has an impact on their skills to manage finances wisely and prudently in the future. A business culture that is applied when young can actually give birth to potential entrepreneurs who can face career challenges in the future. Therefore, basic entrepreneurship education that is applied to children is an approach that can reduce the economic gap of society through the success of this generation.
That manages finances by taking advantage of today’s digital technology. Therefore, the role of parents is important to create an environment that helps the development of children in the field of entrepreneurship. Therefore, a new medium in forming a basic model of entrepreneurship practiced by parents in the form of digital information for children is very important for the purpose of continuous implementation and evaluation.