BAeK PTPTN A Lifesaver For Polytechnic Kuching Student’s Family

SHAH ALAM: The concern shown through the BAeK PTPTN Scholarship has brought new hope to Aiman Haiqal Mohamad Amir, 19, a Diploma in Business Studies student at Politeknik Kuching Sarawak, who had previously faced financial challenges after his father lost his job.

Aiman said he was grateful and touched when informed that he had been selected as a recipient of the scholarship, as the assistance came at the right time when his family was facing difficulties.

He said his father, Mohamad Amir Nen, 52, had previously worked as a factory worker but lost his job when the company he worked for was shut down due to bankruptcy approximately a week after Aiman began his diploma studies early this year.

“My mother, Sharifah Noralijan Wan Sadon, does not work, and our family is now relying on no stable source of income.

“This scholarship means a great deal to our family. It not only eases the financial burden but also serves as a lifeline that ensures I can continue my studies without adding more pressure on my parents,” he said.

He said the assistance allows him to focus fully on his studies without having to worry about financial problems or study costs.

“I no longer have to feel burdened thinking about how to cover daily expenses or buy reference books. This assistance indirectly gives me peace of mind to continue my studies without overly worrying about financial problems,” he said.

He said his dream is to venture into the corporate sector or business field and build a stable career in management or entrepreneurship.

“That goal is driven by my desire to change our circumstances and improve my family’s economic status in the future,” he said.

Meanwhile, Aiman also shared a message to other students from underprivileged families not to let financial constraints be an excuse to stop chasing their dreams.

“I am very grateful to have been selected as a recipient of the BAeK PTPTN Scholarship. This assistance not only eases my family’s financial burden but also gives me the motivation to study hard and achieve my goals.

“Thank you to the government and PTPTN for opening up opportunities for students like me to pursue higher education without being burdened by debt,” he added.

Earlier, during the tabling of Budget 2026 on October 10, 2025, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the PTPTN free scholarship/education initiative involving 5,800 children from poor families pursuing studies at public higher education institutions with an allocation of RM120 million per year.

Through the latest announcement under the Malaysia Higher Education Plan 2026-2035, the number of recipients for this PTPTN free scholarship/education initiative has been increased to 10,000 students from poor and hardcore poor families.

Through the implementation of BAeK PTPTN, PTPTN loans are converted into scholarships for poor and hardcore poor students registered in the eKasih database who are pursuing full-time diploma or bachelor’s degree programmes at public higher education institutions starting January 1, 2026.

This initiative is implemented to ensure that no eligible student is left behind from pursuing higher education at public higher education institutions due to financial constraints.

Sinar Harian