(From left) Datuk Dr Haji Megat Sany Megat Ahmad Supian, Datuk Norliza Abdul Rahim and Ahmad Dasuki Abdul Majid at the launch of BMS 2023 which aims to improve savings practices among parents.
BMS 2023 empowers parents to save for their children’s higher education
THE National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) recently launched Bulan Menabung Simpan SSPN (BMS) 2023 in conjunction with World Savings Day which falls on Oct 31.
Held annually since 2018, this year’s on-ground event took place over four consecutive days (Sept 28 to Oct 1) at Sunway Pyramid Mall in Selangor, and was officiated by PTPTN chairman Datuk Norliza Abdul Rahim.
Present were Higher Education Ministry deputy secretary-general (policy) Datuk Dr Haji Megat Sany Megat Ahmad Supian, PTPTN chief officer Ahmad Dasuki Abdul Majid, and the PTPTN management board.
BMS is PTPTN’s signature programme aimed at encouraging the practice of saving, while Simpan SSPN is PTPTN’s savings product for Malaysians.
Themed Robotik: Ke Arah Transformasi Dunia Pendigitalan, the 2023 BMS zooms in on the role of robotics and technology in the advancement of knowledge in the digital era.
This aligns with PTPTN’s digitalisation agenda, which focuses on encouraging the use of the myPTPTN app for borrowers and Simpan SSPN depositors to facilitate easier, faster, and safer transactions.
The winners of the Action Song Simpan SSPN 2023 were awarded a Simpan SSPN Prime acount with RM3,750 in savings.
A slew of exciting activities were held during the event, which encouraged the participation of parents, teachers and school children, such as the Simpan SSPN Colouring Contest, the Simpan SSPN Action Song Contest, the PTPTN Esport Challenge (PUBG Mobile), the Simpan SSPN Got Talent, and the Robomission and Innovation robotics programmes.
The event also featured a draw with a total cash prize of RM75,000 shared by 66 winners, and performances by Didi and Friends, as well as celebrities including BMS 2023 spokesperson, actress Mona Allen.
BMS 2023’s tagline Jom Jadi Superhero Anak Anda reflects PTPTN’s effort to encourage savings to ensure that every parent becomes a hero for his/her child, by having financial plans for their higher education and reducing dependency on loans.
According to Norliza, in the 19 years since Simpan SSPN’s inception, the deposits have consistently shown significant growth every year.
As of Aug 31, 2023, total Simpan SSPN deposits amounted to RM15.81bil, with a total of 6.04 million accounts – proving that Simpan SSPN is the best savings product for parents in Malaysia, she said.
Norliza Abdul Rahim presenting a certificate of appreciation to one of the strategic partners of BMS 2023.
“Based on the impressive deposit collection over the past five years of organising BMS, I am optimistic that BMS 2023 will receive encouraging support from the public,” she said, adding that this year PTPTN aims to collect RM220mil in Simpan SSPN deposits for BMS 2023.
Norliza believes that with the support and cooperation of various parties, as well as the implementation of promotion strategies, the target is achievable. “The success of the BMS programme from 2018 to 2022 sets the highest standard for PTPTN to achieve this goal,” she added.
Simpan SSPN offers various privileges and benefits to Malaysians, including tax relief of up to RM8,000 per year, takaful protection for depositors, competitive dividends, “Geran Sepadan” of up to RM10,000 for eligible families, as well as shariah-compliant, and government-guaranteed savings.
Apart from the event, PTPTN is organising various initiatives to promote savings, including the Cabutan WOW! Simpan SSPN 2023, as well as its BMS road tour across 14 states, which will run till Oct 31.
For more information about BMS 2023, visit www.ptptn.gov.my/ BMS202
