THE recently launched Anak Emas Programme, a collaborative effort between the Penang government and the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPN), was well-received by parents, especially mothers, who are eager to contribute to their children’s educational savings from birth.
When the programme first started in June 2011, its model functioned as a one-off financial incentive of RM200 for children under the age of two.
Now, through PTPTN’s National Education Savings Scheme (Simpan SSPN Prime), parents can open a Simpan SSPN Prime account with RM100, or add more deposit to the account while another RM100 is given to the bank account of eligible applicants.
Siti Hajar Azudin, 28, a businesswoman, learned about the programme from her family members and praised the state government for enhancing the initiative.
“My son is now one year old, and I am so happy that I can start saving for his education from a very young age.
“Many benefits are being offered in this programme, and this is a golden opportunity for parents to start now rather than later,” Siti said during the launch of the programme on Aug 3 at Mydin Bukit Mertajam.
Her son’s name is Edith Hassan Mikhail Muhammad Hafiz.
Another parent, B. Keshni Devi, 29, a service adviser, has already envisioned the amount of money that she could save by the time her son, Kavvenessh Aravinderkrishnan, reaches 19, through this highly beneficial programme.
“My son is 15 months old, and by the time he is 19, there will be a lot of money, which can be used to aid his higher education fees.
“This way, parents need not worry about applying for education loans or facing the challenges of securing scholarships.
“I have also shared this platform with my colleagues, family members, and friends, and I hope they will all take this opportunity seriously for the benefit of their children’s future,” she said.
According to a news report, the state Social Development, Welfare, and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim stated that 2,162 accounts were opened in the first six months of this year (Jan 15 to June 30) with deposits amounting to RM216,200.
She applauded the encouraging response so far and has called for more parents to register for this programme, which not only allows them to save for their kids but also offers various other benefits.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix courtesy of The Star