KUCHING — The Program Galakkan Menabung Simpan SSPN Negeri Sarawak 2025 took place today at Ang Cheng Ho Multipurpose Hall, aiming to nurture a savings culture among Sarawakians for the sake of their children’s educational future.
The event was graced by YB Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Premier of Sarawak and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, alongside YB Dato Ir Lo Khere Chiang, Batu Kitang assemblyman and Chairman of SUPP Batu Kitang Branch. The initiative, organised in collaboration with Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional (PTPTN), received an enthusiastic response from the local community.
While PTPTN is widely known for providing student loans, it also offers a dedicated savings scheme — Simpanan SSPN — designed to encourage parents to save early for their children’s education. The scheme provides attractive incentives, tax reliefs, and competitive dividends, making it an excellent financial planning tool for families.
Speaking at the event, Datuk Amar Dr Sim highlighted that education and talent development are vital for nation-building, regardless of one’s socioeconomic background. He also emphasised Sarawak’s continuous efforts to empower its people through educational support and financial assistance.
Among the state’s major educational initiatives is the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), which will begin in 2026 for Sarawakians studying at state-owned institutions such as Swinburne Sarawak, Curtin Sarawak, UTS, ICAT, and CENTEXS. Under this scheme, students from low-income households (B40) will receive a stipend of RM15,000, along with an annual pocket allowance of RM1,200 for all Sarawakian students in Malaysia, and RM600 travel support for two trips home per year for those studying in Peninsular Malaysia.
Additionally, the Endowment Fund Sarawak (EFS) offers RM1,000 to every Sarawakian newborn, reflecting the state’s long-term commitment to education from birth.
Dr Sim also acknowledged the contributions of Yayasan Sarawak, established in 1972 with an initial fund of RM20 million, which has since grown to over RM2.3 billion in assets as of 2022. Over five decades, Yayasan Sarawak has supported more than 1.9 million Sarawakians, many of whom have gone on to become successful professionals worldwide.
Yayasan Sarawak’s programs today include scholarships, free school transportation, uniform aid, tuition support, and various academic excellence awards such as the Sarawak Premier’s Special Award (AKPS) and Excellent Graduate Award. It also owns and manages several tertiary institutions and international schools under its portfolio.
In his closing remarks, Dr Sim encouraged parents to make full use of the Simpan SSPN scheme, stating that every Sarawakian should take advantage of the opportunities available to ensure a brighter educational future for their children.
