Penang: The 2026 Anugerah Kreatif Aspirasi Reka (AKAR) Tour continues to serve as a platform to uncover students' talents and creativity, while fostering a culture of saving and raising awareness of the importance of early financial planning for education.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) chairman Datuk Seri Norliza Abdul Rahim highlighted that the AKAR programme was more than just a colouring and drawing competition. It provided a platform to build students' confidence, encourage creative thinking, and instil awareness of the importance of environmental preservation.
She further explained that the programme, organised by Yayasan KRU in collaboration with PTPTN, the Ministry of Education, the Community Development Department, and the Department of National Unity and National Integration, aligns with the country's aspiration to nurture a well-rounded younger generation equipped with knowledge, creativity, positive character, and noble values.
'I believe every child has their own potential and unique qualities. Some may excel academically, while others demonstrate talent in art, design, painting, music, and various other fields. What matters most is that we provide the space, opportunities, and support needed to nurture their potential from their school years,' she said at the AKAR 2026 Tour programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Pengkalan Jaya.
The event also saw the presence of SK Pengkalan Jaya headmistress Rohayu Ali Musa, PTPTN senior general manager Wan Zawiah Wan Abu Bakar, and Penang PTPTN Office director Muhammad Muhsin Abdul Rahman.
Norliza emphasized that close collaboration between the public, private, and education sectors through such programmes could serve as a catalyst for the development of the country's human capital. The AKAR 2026 Tour, taking place from July 13 to September 25, involves 40 schools nationwide, with five schools in Penang selected to host the programme.
She also mentioned that winners of the Colouring Competition held in conjunction with the National Month celebrations received prizes from PTPTN, credited into their respective Simpan SSPN Prime accounts. During the AKAR 2026 Tour in Penang, PTPTN channelled RM48,200 in contributions for the opening of Simpan SSPN accounts for 482 students from the five participating schools, with each recipient receiving RM100 to encourage early savings for education.
Norliza reaffirmed that education is the best investment for a child's future, stressing the importance of early financial planning to ensure opportunities for higher education without financial burdens. PTPTN aims to strengthen various initiatives, including Simpan SSPN, to help the public make early financial preparations for education and expand access to higher education through programmes such as the Anak eKasih PTPTN Scholarship (BAeK PTPTN) and myWaqafPTPTN.
She expressed hope that the AKAR 2026 Tour would continue to serve as a strategic platform to uncover students' talents and creativity, strengthen financial literacy, and inculcate saving habits in preparation for higher education.