Education Financing For STEM Students To Help Produce Highly Marketable Graduates

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- The provision of educational financing specifically for students taking science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses at public institutions of higher learning (IPTA) aligns with the government’s aspiration to produce highly marketable graduates.

 National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) chairman Datuk Seri Norliza Abdul Rahim said the initiative demonstrated the government’s commitment to encouraging more students to pursue studies in STEM fields, which are critical elements for driving the country towards becoming a high-tech nation by 2030.

In a statement today, she noted that PTPTN, as an agency under the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), welcomed the initiative unveiled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the tabling of Budget 2025 yesterday.

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Norliza said that the Prime Minister, through the budget, had announced various incentives, which included financing not only for PTPTN educational funding but also for the National Education Savings Scheme (SSPN).

“In its efforts to encourage savings for children’s higher education, the government has agreed to extend the income tax relief incentive on SSPN savings until the assessment year 2027.

“Through the Ikhtiar Geran Padanan Ihsan (GAPAI) Initiative, the government has agreed to expand the criteria for granting a matching grant of up to RM5,000 based on the savings of students pursuing studies at higher education institutions (IPT) to families with incomes of up to RM6,000, compared to the previous limit of RM4,000,” she said.

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Norliza expressed hope that Malaysians would continue to choose the SSPN Savings Scheme as their primary option for saving for higher education, in line with the government’s efforts to provide savings benefits through the incentives outlined in Budget 2025.

“Malaysians are fortunate to have a MADANI government that is deeply concerned about meeting the needs of its people, particularly in providing financial assistance for children to pursue higher education for a brighter future,” she said.

-- BERNAMA