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PTPTN Launches AKAR 2026 to Develop Talent and Financial Literacy
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Culture & Society

PTPTN Launches AKAR 2026 to Develop Talent and Financial Literacy

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • PTPTN has launched the AKAR 2026 program to foster financial literacy and talent development among students.
  • The national initiative, running from July 2025 to September 2026, involves 40 schools across 14 states.
  • In Penang, PTPTN distributed RM48,200 in Simpan SSPN accounts to 482 students as an incentive for early savings for higher education.

The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) is strengthening its commitment to education and human capital development through the strategic AKAR 2026 creative aspiration program. Organized by Yayasan KRU in collaboration with PTPTN and several government agencies, the initiative aims to cultivate a saving culture via Simpan SSPN, uncover creative talents, and raise awareness about the importance of financial planning for education from a young age.

Initiatives like this are believed to help shape a generation that is not only creative and competitive but also responsible towards environmental sustainability.

— Datuk Seri Norliza Abdul RahimSpeaking about the AKAR 2026 program's alignment with national aspirations.

The nationwide "Jelajah AKAR 2026" tour will span from July 13, 2025, to September 26, 2026, engaging 40 schools in 14 states. Recent stops have included Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Putrajaya, Selangor, Pahang, Perlis, and Kedah. In Penang, the program reached five schools: Sekolah Kebangsaan Permatang Tok Mahat, Sekolah Kebangsaan Pengkalan Jaya, Sekolah Kebangsaan Tasek Gelugor, Sekolah Kebangsaan Lahar Yooi, and Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Gelugor.

PTPTN Chairman Datuk Seri Norliza Abdul Rahim stated that the AKAR 2026 program aligns with national aspirations to nurture a balanced generation in knowledge, creativity, character, and values. She believes such initiatives help shape competitive and responsible young individuals. During the Penang leg, PTPTN contributed RM48,200 to Simpan SSPN accounts for 482 students, with each receiving RM100 to encourage early savings for higher education. Prizes for a National Month coloring contest were also awarded as Simpan SSPN Prime credits.

I want to ask that attention not only be given to Tabung Haji's management until 2020. UJSB also needs to be looked at and audited.

— Datuk Siti Aminah AchingDuring a parliamentary session regarding the audit of Urusharta Jemaah Sdn. Bhd. (UJSB).

The Penang tour, held from August 6-8, 2026, was attended by PTPTN leadership and Yayasan KRU President Datuk Norman Abdul Halim. PTPTN anticipates AKAR 2026 will continue to serve as a strategic platform for talent discovery, financial literacy enhancement, and promoting savings habits among youth, ultimately fostering a generation that is both creative and financially responsible.

We heard allegations that UJSB made profits and could pay bonuses to its officers, even though the assets taken were from TH. Is this true?

— Manndzri NasibQuestioning the financial management of UJSB and its handling of TH assets in the Dewan Rakyat.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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