PTPTN's Smart Next Gen Programme Builds Students’ Financial Footing

SHAH ALAM, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- The Smart Next Gen programme by the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) is part of the fund’s efforts to help higher education students build a strong financial footing and prepare for the working world.

PTPTN chairman Datuk Seri Norliza Abdul Rahim said the programme, held today at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, reflects the fund’s commitment not only as an education loan provider but also in fulfilling its social responsibility to students.

The initiative equips students with relevant skills to boost employability while teaching financial management in line with current needs, she said.

“Early awareness of debt management, the importance of saving and prudent financial practices needs to be instilled in students. This enables them to make informed decisions, including choosing savings instruments that offer various benefits and long-term returns,” she said at the programme at Dewan Mawar Qaseh, UiTM Shah Alam.

Also present were UiTM deputy vice-chancellor for SME Development and Entrepreneurship (MASMED) Assoc Prof Dr Badrul Isa, along with senior management from PTPTN and UiTM.

Norliza said the programme is a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative that shares knowledge and experience while helping students prepare for post-graduation life.

In addition to focusing on financial literacy, including savings planning and debt management, the programme featured engaging sessions by motivational experts and experienced panellists, offering practical guidance and inspiration to develop students’ competitiveness.

“This aligns with PTPTN’s role in guiding students not only academically, but also in managing their future financial standing,” she said.

A Sembang Santai session was also held, featuring Norliza in conversation with well-known influencers Athirah Kamaruzzaman (Tyra Kamaruzzaman) and Muhammad Noor Zakaria, popularly known as MadNor, who shared insights on financial literacy for university students.

The programme continues earlier student empowerment initiatives, including the Financial Literacy and Career Preparation Programme in 2022 and 2023, as well as the Campus to Career with PTPTN programme in 2024.

It emphasises prudent financial planning and the development of sustainable financial habits among students.

PTPTN remains committed to strengthening its CSR programmes in education, in line with its mission, Peluang Kejayaan Anda (Your Opportunity for Success) and its tagline PTPTN Prihatin: Kami Kongsi, Kami Bantu (We Share, We Help).

Taufik Haikal Razlan, a third-year student from UiTM’s Faculty of Civil Engineering, said the programme offered valuable insights through the Financial Literacy session by Hanis Zulkifli and the Sembang Santai session, which provided perspectives on financial management from three different angles.

“One of the panellists, MadNor himself, reminded students not to be careless in spending on unproductive matters, but to use money wisely for future needs,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nur Izyan Najwa Mohmad Nazer, 21, a second-year student at UiTM’s Faculty of Computer Science and Mathematics, said the programme offered practical guidance in managing finances during and after their studies.

“All the sessions today were informative, not just the Sembang Santai session, which offered valuable input for my peers and I. We were also introduced to new products related to mywaqafPTPTN, which we may contribute to once we start working,” she said.

-- BERNAMA