PUCHONG: In an effort to foster financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills among young students, the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) hosted its inaugural MADANI Generation of Small Entrepreneurs Carnival at Sekolah Kebangsaan Puchong Utama 3. The event saw the participation of 100 students from 20 schools across Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya, marking a significant step in embedding a savings culture among the younger generation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, PTPTN chairman Datuk Seri Norliza Abdul Rahim emphasized that the carnival, organized in collaboration with the SK Puchong Utama 3 Parent-Teacher Association, aimed to nurture entrepreneurial potential and promote the habit of saving. The initiative aligns with the broader objectives of the MADANI Malaysia concept, focusing on sustainability, well-being, creativity, respect, confidence, and kindness. The carnival also served as a platform for promoting the SSPN Savings (National Education Savings Scheme) through various entrepreneurial activities.
Participants of the carnival, including students and teachers registered with the PTPTN Education Savings Club, engaged in a range of activities such as running sales stalls, participating in coloring and puzzle competitions, and enjoying a karaoke contest. PTPTN also set up a promotional SSPN Savings counter offering souvenirs for new account openings or deposit additions.
Norliza announced a corporate social responsibility donation of RM153,300 through the ‘Tabung Impian Kasih Simpan SSPN’ program, targeting members of the Education Savings Club nationwide. Furthermore, a SSPN Prime Savings Account with an initial contribution of RM100 will be opened for 1,533 active club members in 2024.
She urged all schools to register with the Education Savings Club to take advantage of benefits like the RM1,000 Education Savings Club Incentive, info corner sponsorship, and participation in savings competitions organized by PTPTN. Norliza reaffirmed PTPTN’s commitment, under the Ministry of Higher Education, to promoting savings through the SSPN Savings and reducing students’ reliance on loans.
The event was attended by several notable figures, including Datuk Wan Hashim Wan Rahim, PTPTN chief executive Ahmad Dasuki Abdul Majid, and other officials from the Ministry of Education.