KUALA LUMPUR, The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) hosted the 2024 Semarak Kasih Merdeka PTPTN Carnival for the second time today in Penang, following the overwhelming response to the inaugural event.

This on-ground event is part of PTPTN’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, aimed at celebrating National Month while promoting a culture of saving within the community.

In its statement, PTPTN emphasised that the carnival also instills the value of independence through sound financial planning, enabling the public to achieve financial freedom, which in turn leads to mental and emotional liberation.

‘As an agency under the Ministry of Higher Education, PTPTN has provided excellent savings instruments to encourage the public to save for their children’s higher education, thereby reducing dependence on education loans.

‘When these children grow up, they will be free from student loan debts, as their studies will be funded by their Simpan SSPN savings,’ the statement added.

Th
e carnival was launched by Bayan Baru member of parliament Sim Tze Tzin at Giant Bayan Baru, Penang, and attended by PTPTN’s chairman Datuk Seri Norliza Abdul Rahim, board member Datuk Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar, and chief executive Ahmad Dasuki Abdul Majid.

During the event, mobile devices were donated to 10 underprivileged students to assist them with their studies.

There was a line-up of activities, including entrepreneur and partner exhibitions, the Jualan Rahmah sale, an archery clinic, e-sports games, a colouring competition, and a costume contest.

There was also a PTPTN Genius IQ segment, prize draws, and a special appearance by the PandT mascot, as well as a Simpan SSPN promotion booth, offering exclusive souvenirs for opening an account or topping up deposits.

‘PTPTN hosted a ‘Ngopi’ session with Norliza, providing insights and information about its role, functions, and Simpan SSPN,’ the statement added.

Norliza stated that the highlight of the carnival is the Larian Kasih Merdeka PTPTN 2024, a five-ki
lometre run that includes raising flags at every house in the Bayan Baru residential area, in line with the 1 Rumah 1 Jalur Gemilang initiative promoted by the Ministry of Communications for this year’s National Month celebrations.

‘Independence should be understood not just as freedom from colonial rule. True independence is the community’s struggle to enjoy a better quality of life, to possess a strong sense of identity, and to foster love for the country.

‘Independence also conveys the message about the importance of the community having sound financial planning to be free from the burden of debt,’ she said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency