UMPSA strengthens collaboration with PTPTN

PEKAN, 27 August 2024 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) has further strengthened its collaboration with the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) today.

The ceremony, held at the Banquet Hall, Tun Abdul Razak's Chancellery, UMPSA Pekan, was witnessed by UMPSA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin, and PTPTN Chief Executive, Ahmad Dasuki Abdul Majid.

According to Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin, this collaboration marks a new chapter that will see various areas of cooperation aimed at advancing the country's higher education.

“The main agenda of this collaboration focuses on enhancing the skills and knowledge of graduates to meet industry needs, ultimately increasing employment opportunities. This, in turn, will support the repayment of PTPTN education loans.

"Both parties will also work together to raise awareness about the importance of higher education, loans, and savings for a more secure future," he said.

He added that UMPSA will continue to serve as a spokesperson for both the student community and the local community.

“This collaboration will also involve a partnership programme with UMPSA alumni to support their career development and ensure strong ties with their alma mater. 

“Additionally, various community service activities will be further intensified,” he said. 

UMPSA also agreed to collaborate with PTPTN to promote a culture of saving through the National Education Savings Scheme (Simpan SSPN) among UMPSA’s community, through various programmes to be organized.

"UMPSA strives to be a model campus in promoting smart savings among its members,” he said.

He further noted that UMPSA will engage in research to develop new ideas aimed at increasing students' understanding of loan repayment and the importance of saving.

“UMPSA, through the Student Affairs and Alumni Department (JHEPA) and the UMPSA Foundation, always monitors the welfare of students and strives to improve the quality of education through various initiatives to enhance its educational ecosystem,” he said.

“With advanced research and learning facilities, extensive experience, and a team of experts across various fields, UMPSA will continue to collaborate with numerous parties to strengthen its network," he added.

Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie further stated that with a student body of nearly 17,231 and almost 2,000 staff from various states and countries, the welfare and well-being of the university’s community is a priority, especially given the challenges of managing a large population.

“Among the welfare initiatives introduced are Zakat Assistance, Student Death Charity Assistance, Disaster Assistance, Student Apprenticeship Scheme, Early Study Assistance, Early Education Incentives, and others.

"PTPTN's role in promoting SSPN savings is also seen as a welfare initiative that can assist students and their families in pursuing higher education. 

“With proper financial planning, graduates can rely less on loans and instead use savings to cover their education costs,” he said.

Meanwhile, PTPTN Chief Executive Ahmad Dasuki Abdul Majid reaffirmed PTPTN's commitment as an agency under the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) in providing education loans, managing loan repayments, and fostering a culture of saving.

“As of 31 July 2024, PTPTN has assisted a total of 4 million students, disbursing RM72.95 billion in loans. Of this, 33,702 UMPSA students have received nearly RM637 million in loans.

“This reflects PTPTN’s significant contribution in producing highly skilled graduates who become valuable assets to the country,” he said.

A total of 20,961 UMPSA borrowers have completed their studies, with an expected repayment amount of RM226.36 million. Of this, 18,762 borrowers (89.51%) have repaid a total of RM163.31 million.

He added that this cooperation will further strengthen the relationship between PTPTN and UMPSA.

“Through this MoU, PTPTN and UMPSA aim to foster collaboration and explore opportunities to raise awareness about the importance of SSPN savings and PTPTN loan repayments. 

“This will support research and the development of higher education, benefiting UMPSA students and graduates, particularly those who are PTPTN borrowers,” he said.

Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin expressed hope that the collaboration will bring significant benefits to UMPSA students, alumni, and the broader higher education sector.

Present at the ceremony were PTPTN Chief Operating Officer Mastura Mohd Khalid, PTPTN State Director of Pahang Sapiza Ajuhari, General Manager of Student Affairs and Alumni Department Haryani Abdullah, Director of the Centre of Alumni Relations Ts. Dr. Azri Alias, Director of A.D.A.B Academy Mohd Nizam Mohmad Kahar, and President of the UMPSA Student Representative Council, Muhammad Haykal Halid.

By: Naqiah Puaad, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMPSA Career Centre (UMPSACC)