You are never too young to learn to save.

To inculcate the saving habit in the young, the Association of Banks (ABS) and MoneySENSE have started a two-year programme to encourage primary school students in Singapore to save.

Pupils of Hong Kah Primary School captivated by the message and story of "Saving - The Sensible Habit."

MoneySENSE is a national financial education programme launched by Mr Lee Hsien Loong, then Deputy Prime Minister and chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), in 2003. This is MoneySENSE's first programme for primary school students.

Among other things, the programme, called "Saving - the Sensible Habit", teaches students the difference between "needs" and "wants" and the virtues of living within your means and saving for a rainy day. The programme is also supported by the Ministry of Education.

Mrs Ong-Ang Ai Boon, Director ABS, said: "We have always believed one is never too young to learn about managing money. For the young children, we want to bring home the message of the importance of savings in an endearing and interesting manner."

So Act 3 Theatrics, a local theatre group, has created a 30-minute interactive skit to bring key messages, such as being prudent and spending within your means, to the students. The skit will be performed in over 170 primary schools in this year and the next.

Mr Shane Tregillis, chairman of MoneySENSE Financial Education Steering Committee and deputy managing director (market conduct), MAS, said: "Reaching children early in life can play a critical role in helping them inculcate sound financial habits."

Schools interested in bringing this programme to their students can contact Act 3 Theatrics directly to make arrangements. Plrease call Ms Diana Padillah (Tel: 6463 9040; email: diana@act3theatrics.com).

?? More information on MoneySENSE is available on www.moneysense.gov.sg.

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