Bangkok--13 Dec--SET
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) gives great importance to developing knowledgeable investors. As financial products and markets become more sophisticated and complex, investor education is essential for protection and market development. For this reason, SET established Thailand Securities Institute (TSI) to boost financial education among a range of target groups, including children, youth, students, securities professionals and the general public. TSI will have reached six million people by the end of this year, SET Chairman Mr. Vijit Supinit said at a recent Investor Education Workshop in Phuket.
SET has collaborated with the Ministry of Education in curriculum development and publishing textbooks and teaching manuals. The Exchange also provides e-learning facilities and set up Family Know-How Co., Ltd. to manage Thailand’s first 24-hour TV channel focusing on finance and investment, as part of its policy of outreach to the general public.
The World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), International Forum for Investor Education (IFIE) and SET co-hosted the recent Investor Education Workshop in Phuket as a response to massive global demand. Market development and access to the Internet over the last decade has greatly increased the number of retail investors. Pension fund involvement in world markets brings with it an even larger number, WFE Secretary-General Thomas Frantz said.
The increasing proportion of retail investors internationally is illustrated by the US experience, where households accounted for nearly 57% of total equities investors in 2005 - four times the number recorded in 1983. Retail investors held 88% of mutual funds in the U.S.A. Similar growth is reflected in the U.K. and Australia. Thus, we have the demand for investor education and protection, covering both risk and return. As financial products become more sophisticated, investors need to understand what they’re investing in and how to make informed financial decisions. Adequate knowledge and information can protect them from unwise risk exposure. In co-hosting this workshop, IFIE hopes the sharing of ideas will lead to them being ‘exported’ among exchanges internationally, and the further development of investor education, IFIE Chairman Nick Bannister stated.
At the Workshop, held during December 6 — 8, participants exchanged views and experiences on issues such as financial literacy, investor education for adults, planning for retirement, effects of the internet and information technology, and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) education.
For more information, please contact the Corporate Communications Dept.:
Ladawan Kantawong Tel: 0-2229-2036 / Kulvida Jintakawong Tel: 0-2229-2037 /
Nattaporn Boonprapa Tel: 0-2229-2049 / Watsamon Saowakhonsathien Tel: 0-2229-2797