[Sponsored Report] KB Financial shows responsibility via education

Students pose as they successfully complete the KB Star Economics and Finance Camp. Provided by the company

With the ambition of becoming the nation’s No. 1 corporate citizen, KB Financial Group provides economic and financial education to the public.

As a leading corporation in the industry, KB Financial emphasizes that corporate social responsibility should be based on a company’s field of expertise. Thus, the KB Star Economic and Financial Education Program kicked off in 2012. Initially, elementary, middle and high school students were educated at their schools during visits by KB Financial employees.

Up to last year, these sessions alone allowed 245,000 students to learn the basics of economics and finance.

When face-to-face education is not an option, online classes can be accessed free of charge through the company’s website (www.kbfg.com/kbresearch).

In 2013, the company decided to expand education so that university students, soldiers, homemakers, the elderly, North Korean refugees and the disabled people can all benefit from the program.

The company believes that focusing on marginalized populations, who would otherwise receive little or no financial education, is paramount for the program to be truly successful.

The company also makes it a priority to offer a diverse selection of materials that attendees will find interesting. For example, some sessions utilize games so that understanding the information is easier, and online education comes in the form of cartoons that younger students can easily understand.

Furthermore, in order to encourage visits to the program’s website, there are events that make the learning process more enjoyable. Visitors get quizzed or are asked to share material on their social networking sites. In return, they are rewarded with prizes.

As a result, there has been a high rate of satisfaction. Ninety-eight percent of the students responded that they are willing to continue learning through KB Financial’s programs. Even the educators responded that they were pleased with the quality of the provided textbooks, lecture materials and games.

The instructors, who are perhaps the greatest contributors, are current and former employees of KB Financial. Approximately 880 staff members participated so far. This is because the company strongly encourages its community to donate their talents to program. In short, professionals who have real-life experience and expertise have made the program possible.

KB Financial will continue educating the public and investing in the development and diversification of its programs. The company recognizes the importance of corporate social responsibility and aims to continue on as a leader in giving back to society.

By Bae Jahyung [bae.jahyung@joongang.co.kr]