PASIR MAS: The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) has helped fulfil the dream of an underprivileged student to pursue her studies at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) through a corporate social responsibility (CSR) contribution.

PTPTN chairman Datuk Seri Norliza Abdul Rahim, said the aid was provided to Vivian Koh Lik Ting, 20, who will be enrolling in a Bachelor's Degree in Tourism Entrepreneurship at UMK's Kota Campus in Pengkalan Chepa, Kota Baru.

She said the mission to assist the student was supported by UMK and the Raja Shamri Foundation (YRS), which highlighted Koh's plight. She had been forced to decline the university offer due to financial difficulties.

"Through this programme, PTPTN contributed RM1,000 in the form of a National Education Savings Scheme (Simpan SSPN) account to Koh as part of its CSR initiative.

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"We were informed that Vivian, the eldest of five siblings, grew up in a family facing extreme hardship. However, this did not deter her from achieving outstanding results in the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examination.

"She was offered a place at UMK's Kota Campus but had to turn it down due to financial constraints, as her family could not afford the tuition fees," she told Harian Metro.

Additionally, PTPTN will provide further assistance through the myWaqafPTPTN fund, a higher education endowment product formed through a strategic partnership between PTPTN and the Malaysia Waqf Foundation (YWM).

This initiative aims to diversify PTPTN's funding sources for higher education, aside from the existing student loans.

The primary goal of myWaqafPTPTN is to serve as a wealth redistribution instrument to develop education in the country by providing scholarship-like financial aid to students of all races through PTPTN's cash waqf.

Norliza expressed her belief that education is the foundation for individual and societal development. With this assistance, PTPTN hopes to ease the financial burden on students and offer them the opportunity to achieve their dreams.

"This contribution also reflects our commitment to the future of education in the country, and PTPTN welcomes the collaboration with UMK and YRS to make today's programme a success," she said.

As part of the "Ziarah Kasih" Programme, PTPTN visited and delivered aid to Koh at her home in Kampung Pasir Parit, Chekok, here.

Also present were PTPTN chief executive Ahmad Dasuki Abdul Majid, UMK deputy vice-chancellor (student affairs and alumni) Professor Dr Mohammad Ismail, and YRS chairman Raja Shamri Raja Husin.

In a show of concern, Norliza also held a video call with Vivian during the "Ziarah Kasih" Programme.

Meanwhile, Koh expressed her gratitude to PTPTN, YRS, and UMK for helping her realise her dream of furthering her education.

"I never expected to be given this opportunity and I promise to study hard to achieve success, so I can help improve my family's situation and make my father and mother proud."

Her parents, Koh Boon Thian, 44, and mother, Yeap Ai Chen, 39, were also present.

"Previously, I worked at a shoe shop in Tanah Merah to save money for university, but it wasn't enough. I considered applying to PTPTN if I enrolled at UMK, but I couldn't even afford to register.

"However, today PTPTN has helped me. I can't express how grateful I am, and I promise not to waste this opportunity," she said.