Kuala lumpur: The Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT) Foundation today introduced five new educational initiative programs aimed at enhancing the education, skills, and welfare of Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) personnel’s children and families. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin emphasized that these initiatives are designed to safeguard not only the assets but also the educational and skills development of MAF personnel’s families.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the first of these initiatives is the e-Perkasa Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2025 Programme, developed in collaboration with Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI). This program will benefit 652 students attending schools outside military camps, providing each selected student with a free device sponsored by BHIC AeroServices Sdn Bhd, Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd (BHPetrol), and Perbadanan Perwira Niaga Malaysia (Pernama).
The Defence Minister elaborated that the second initiative, known as the ‘Sentuhan Elit SPM’ Programme, targets 658 students from six schools within military camps. This program includes intensive SPM tuition, exam workshops, and career guidance sessions.
The third initiative, the “Kemahiran Keluarga Tentera (K2T)” programme, offers tertiary-level education and skills training access to MAF personnel, Armed Forces Family Welfare Body (BAKAT) members, and their children. It includes 22 short courses, such as culinary and makeup, with sponsorships for MARA educational institutions covering fees up to RM3,000 per person, supported by Pharmaniaga Berhad.
The fourth initiative, the MADANI Education Savings Programme, is a collaboration with the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN). It provides a one-off RM50 SSPN Prime Savings account contribution to 3,775 Year One students of serving military personnel, totaling RM188,750.
The fifth and final initiative is the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Programme, developed in collaboration with Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). TalentCorp focuses on raising STEM awareness and career guidance, while USM develops the STEM learning module, coordinating its implementation with other universities.
The launch event also featured corporate social responsibility contributions totaling RM3.2 million from Affin Bank Berhad, BHPetrol, and Kemalak Group Sdn Bhd, aimed at empowering the defence generation’s future. Distinguished attendees included Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari, Chief of Defence Forces Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, and other senior officials.