PTPTN CONTRIBUTES RM81,500 AID TO UUM STUDENTS
UUM ONLINE: The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) has channelled financial aid amounting to RM81,500 to 163 students of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) who come from underprivileged backgrounds, thus alleviating their financial burden.
The Chairperson of PTPTN, Datuk Norliza Abdul Rahim, stated that PTPTN is committed to ensuring that no student is hindered from pursuing higher education due to financial constraints.
She emphasised that PTPTN has undertaken several high-impact programmes to enhance access to education, enabling these individuals to receive the necessary assistance.
"The MoHE-PTPTN Caring Educational Aid Programme was established with the purpose of offering living allowances to students, easing their financial burdens throughout their study period.
“Each student receives a one-off assistance of RM500, which is directly deposited into their respective accounts. This contribution serves as a motivation for them to strive for excellent results, secure good job opportunities, and improve their family's well-being in the future," she said during the inauguration of the MoHE-PTPTN Caring Educational Aid Presentation Ceremony at Seminar Hall A, Convention Centre, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM).
She further disclosed that up until 31 May 2023, PTPTN has provided assistance to a total of 3.82 million students disbursing a loan amount totalling RM69.62 billion. As such, she urged the students to fulfil their repayment obligations to sustain the loan assistance for future generations.
"With the increasing costs of university education every year, savings are the best way to support students in achieving their academic aspirations.
“The government introduced the National Education Savings Scheme (SSPN) to provide various benefits, including tax deductions, takaful protection, competitive dividends, and border grants," she added.
Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan, highlighted that as a public university with a mission to advance management education and become the eminent management university, the programmes organised should align with the university's mission of nurturing holistic leaders who are dedicated to serving the global community.
Therefore, sustainable efforts and initiatives must be intensified to support students, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, in both their academic and living needs at the institutions of higher education.
"The relentless on-ground efforts by PTPTN in approaching student communities to safeguard their welfare should be commended, and this kind of aid represents a sincere effort in easing the financial burden on students, ensuring their focus remains on their studies, and ultimately producing valuable human capital for the country," he said.
He also expressed gratitude to PTPTN for the aid, which not only easing the financial strain but also demonstrates the genuine concern of the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) and PTPTN in providing moral support to students, motivating them to continue their studies until completion.