100 USM ASNAF STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM PTPTN-UDA SAKURA PROGRAM

NIBONG TEBAL, 18 May 2026 - Asnaf students from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) were among the beneficiaries of the Program Sinar Kasih UDA Cares - PTPTN (SAKURA), a strategic collaboration between the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) and UDA Holdings Berhad aimed at easing the financial burden of higher education institution students nationwide.

The programme was part of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative implemented to expand access to higher education while promoting the culture of saving and educational financial planning among the community.

The initiative also marked the continuation of the strategic collaboration established between both organisations since 2024, in line with their shared aspiration to strengthen the national higher education agenda and foster a caring culture within society.

According to PTPTN Chairman, Dato’ Seri Norliza Abdul Rahim, the contribution is hoped to help ease students’ financial burden while motivating them to remain focused on their studies.

“I would also like to extend my appreciation and gratitude to UDA Holdings Berhad for its contribution and concern, which reflects the strong synergy between PTPTN and UDA Holdings Berhad in promoting the culture of care and saving among the community,” she said.

Dato’ Seri Norliza also called for the support and cooperation of government agencies and private organisations in cultivating the practice of saving in the country, while welcoming more strategic collaborations for the benefit of future generations’ education.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of UDA Holdings Berhad, Dato’ Sri Ahmad Fuaad Kenali, said the SAKURA Programme is expected to support more balanced human capital development and contribute towards nurturing future generations who are competitive and resilient.

He added that through the programme, UDA Holdings Berhad channelled RM240,000 in zakat wakalah contributions to benefit 1,200 asnaf students from selected public universities, polytechnics, and community colleges throughout Malaysia.

“The contribution was directly credited into Simpan SSPN Prime accounts, with each student receiving RM200,” he added.

At the same event, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Student Development Affairs and Alumni, representing the USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Wan Ahmad Jaafar Wan Yahaya, said that in today’s increasingly challenging educational landscape, support from various parties such as UDA Holdings Berhad and PTPTN is crucial in ensuring wider access to higher education.

According to him, USM greatly appreciates the concern and initiative shown, which not only assist students financially but also educate the younger generation on the importance of financial planning and cultivating saving habits from an early stage.

“I sincerely hope that the contribution received by the 100 USM asnaf students will be utilised wisely, particularly for educational purposes and continuous self-development,” he said.

Also present were the Director of USM's Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Engineering Campus, Professor Ir. Dr. Mariatti Jaafar @ Mustapha; the Director-General of the Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education (JPPKK), Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), Dr. Shamsuri Abdullah; PTPTN Chief Executive, Ahmad Dasuki Abdul Majid; Chief Financial Officer of UDA Holdings Berhad, Farizal Zainudin; and Director of PTPTN Penang State Office, Muhammad Muhsin Abdul Rahman.

Text: Siti Faizah Abd Halim/Photo: Muhammad Taufik Abdul Rahman