KUALA LUMPUR: The National Higher Education Fund Corporation's (PTPTN) annual signature programme, "Bulan Menabung Simpan SSPN (BMS) 2022" has received encouraging response from depositors and the public.
Lee Yung Chok, 34, the winner of "Cabutan WOW! 25 Tahun PTPTN" Series Draw, Silver 1, said he did not give much thought to the programme.
"I thought the programme would benefit my daughter only in the long run, hence I did not expect to win. I am happy that my little effort for my children has yielded good results.
"I would like to urge all parents, especially first-time parents, to join the programme as it offers a lot of benefits.
"It's fine if you can save only a little every month. You can see the result later, especially when you need it most."
Another winner, Nurul Huda Wahab, 39, said she started saving for her children in 2011 when she completed paying her PTPTN loan.
"I finished paying my PTPTN loan and was advised to open an account for my children's fund."
"Immediately I opened accounts for my children. That way, they will not have to apply for loans when they pursue their tertiary education.
"Even if they apply for loans, the funds could be used for other educational expenses."
To participate in the draw, the public need to open a new Simpan SSPN account or make an additional deposit into Simpan SSPN Plus or Simpan SSPN Prime.
Meanwhile, housewife Christina Flora, 31, described the programme as "beneficial" and "convenient"as it provided numerous advantages for first-time parents like her.
"It's good that I could save for my children's education and their future.
"You also get tax relief of up to RM8,000 annually. I don't think any other bank provides such benefits.
"Hence, I immediately signed up for the programme and encourage other parents to do so too."
Father of three Mohd Farhan Hussin, 35, said the programme was a good platform for parents to manage their children's finances.
"It is a bit difficult for me to consistently save for my children's education, especially when we are facing economic uncertainties.
"Hence, the programme is a good platform for parents to start planning for their children's finances. You can start with as little as RM30.
"The competitive dividend offered is also a plus point for us (parents), as we do not have to fork out so much money. We can just let the money grow."
Another depositor, Faizah Mohd Zuli, 38, said the programme enabled parents to be more disciplined in terms of their children's savings.
"When you save yourself, you have the tendency to take the money out for emergency purposes.
"However, with this account, by the time our children turn 18 years old, they will have financial independence and security.
"It serves as an important reminder for parents to be more disciplined.
"We cannot predict what the future holds, but at least we know that our children's future is secure."