Latest news with #RM75.7
The Sun
14 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Academic Recognition Award motivates civil servants to pursue higher education
KUALA LUMPUR: The Academic Recognition Award (HPA) initiative, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is expected to motivate civil servants to enhance their knowledge and pursue higher academic qualifications. Lecturer at the Centre for Social Science Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said the HPA acknowledges the efforts of civil servants who pursue further studies at their own expense and sends a clear signal of support for human capital development. 'Many civil servants who continue their studies on their own may feel more appreciated because there is an official recognition from the government. The HPA is seen as an encouragement, showing that lifelong learning is valued,' he said when contacted by Bernama. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his address at the 20th edition of the Majlis Amanat Perdana Perkhidmatan Awam (MAPPA XX) yesterday, announced that HPA would be granted as a one-time financial incentive to civil servants in the management, professional, and implementation groups who completed their studies at their own expense. The HPA incentive is set at RM1,250 for a doctorate, RM1,000 for a master's degree, RM750 for a bachelor's degree, and RM500 for a diploma or equivalent qualification, with a total allocation of RM75.7 million expected to benefit 91,672 civil servants. Sivamurugan noted that, although the award does not fully cover the cost of studies, it serves as a symbol of appreciation alongside other support measures such as flexible working hours, access to loans or grants, career recognition, and collaboration with higher learning institutions to offer relevant courses. He added that initiatives like the HPA are expected to enhance the technical competence and knowledge of civil servants, foster a culture of continuous learning, and strengthen the public sector's competitiveness in the digital era and in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. 'This measure helps build the image of an administration that is committed to reform, civil servant-friendly, and prioritises human capital as a driver of national progress,' said Sivamurugan. For Nur Suria Iskandar, 28, a teacher at a primary school, the incentive provided a boost of motivation and enthusiasm, as she had long aspired to pursue a master's degree. 'I am sure many other civil servants, regardless of age, also wish to continue their studies but have been unable to do so due to certain factors. This incentive may serve as a catalyst for them to pursue that dream,' said Nur Suria, who has served for three years. Healthcare assistant Hasyimah Hashim, 42, said the HPA serves as a form of encouragement for civil servants to continue their studies and facilitate career progression. 'This incentive, along with initiatives such as the continuation of the APEL.Q programme for tuition fee assistance, will motivate civil servants to pursue higher-level studies,' she added. Psychology officer Ahmad Ibrahim Kamal, 41, said the HPA is an effort to empower civil servants to remain competent and continuously strive to enhance their knowledge. 'It is a good initiative, and hopefully it will be well-received by all civil servants,' he added. Muhamad Zakri Asyraf Muhamad Ishar, 24, a final-year Mechatronics Engineering student at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) who intends to join the government sector, welcomed the initiative as a form of appreciation for civil servants who continue their studies to improve service quality. 'This announcement shows that the government acknowledges the sacrifices of those who work while studying. Although the amount does not cover all costs, it demonstrates that their efforts are not in vain. 'For me, this is not just about the money; it is moral recognition that can open doors to promotion opportunities and better careers in the future,' he added. - Bernama
The Sun
14 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
HPA motivates civil servants to pursue higher education
KUALA LUMPUR: The Academic Recognition Award (HPA) initiative, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is expected to motivate civil servants to enhance their knowledge and pursue higher academic qualifications. Lecturer at the Centre for Social Science Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said the HPA acknowledges the efforts of civil servants who pursue further studies at their own expense and sends a clear signal of support for human capital development. 'Many civil servants who continue their studies on their own may feel more appreciated because there is an official recognition from the government. The HPA is seen as an encouragement, showing that lifelong learning is valued,' he said when contacted by Bernama. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his address at the 20th edition of the Majlis Amanat Perdana Perkhidmatan Awam (MAPPA XX) yesterday, announced that HPA would be granted as a one-time financial incentive to civil servants in the management, professional, and implementation groups who completed their studies at their own expense. The HPA incentive is set at RM1,250 for a doctorate, RM1,000 for a master's degree, RM750 for a bachelor's degree, and RM500 for a diploma or equivalent qualification, with a total allocation of RM75.7 million expected to benefit 91,672 civil servants. Sivamurugan noted that, although the award does not fully cover the cost of studies, it serves as a symbol of appreciation alongside other support measures such as flexible working hours, access to loans or grants, career recognition, and collaboration with higher learning institutions to offer relevant courses. He added that initiatives like the HPA are expected to enhance the technical competence and knowledge of civil servants, foster a culture of continuous learning, and strengthen the public sector's competitiveness in the digital era and in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. 'This measure helps build the image of an administration that is committed to reform, civil servant-friendly, and prioritises human capital as a driver of national progress,' said Sivamurugan. For Nur Suria Iskandar, 28, a teacher at a primary school, the incentive provided a boost of motivation and enthusiasm, as she had long aspired to pursue a master's degree. 'I am sure many other civil servants, regardless of age, also wish to continue their studies but have been unable to do so due to certain factors. This incentive may serve as a catalyst for them to pursue that dream,' said Nur Suria, who has served for three years. Healthcare assistant Hasyimah Hashim, 42, said the HPA serves as a form of encouragement for civil servants to continue their studies and facilitate career progression. 'This incentive, along with initiatives such as the continuation of the APEL.Q programme for tuition fee assistance, will motivate civil servants to pursue higher-level studies,' she added. Psychology officer Ahmad Ibrahim Kamal, 41, said the HPA is an effort to empower civil servants to remain competent and continuously strive to enhance their knowledge. 'It is a good initiative, and hopefully it will be well-received by all civil servants,' he added. Muhamad Zakri Asyraf Muhamad Ishar, 24, a final-year Mechatronics Engineering student at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) who intends to join the government sector, welcomed the initiative as a form of appreciation for civil servants who continue their studies to improve service quality. 'This announcement shows that the government acknowledges the sacrifices of those who work while studying. Although the amount does not cover all costs, it demonstrates that their efforts are not in vain. 'For me, this is not just about the money; it is moral recognition that can open doors to promotion opportunities and better careers in the future,' he added. - Bernama
Barnama
14 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
Academic Recognition Award Motivates Civil Servants To Pursue Higher Education
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 (Bernama) -- The Academic Recognition Award (HPA) initiative, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is expected to motivate civil servants to enhance their knowledge and pursue higher academic qualifications. Lecturer at the Centre for Social Science Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said the HPA acknowledges the efforts of civil servants who pursue further studies at their own expense and sends a clear signal of support for human capital development. 'Many civil servants who continue their studies on their own may feel more appreciated because there is an official recognition from the government. The HPA is seen as an encouragement, showing that lifelong learning is valued,' he said when contacted by Bernama. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his address at the 20th edition of the Majlis Amanat Perdana Perkhidmatan Awam (MAPPA XX) yesterday, announced that HPA would be granted as a one-time financial incentive to civil servants in the management, professional, and implementation groups who completed their studies at their own expense. The HPA incentive is set at RM1,250 for a doctorate, RM1,000 for a master's degree, RM750 for a bachelor's degree, and RM500 for a diploma or equivalent qualification, with a total allocation of RM75.7 million expected to benefit 91,672 civil servants. Sivamurugan noted that, although the award does not fully cover the cost of studies, it serves as a symbol of appreciation alongside other support measures such as flexible working hours, access to loans or grants, career recognition, and collaboration with higher learning institutions to offer relevant courses. He added that initiatives like the HPA are expected to enhance the technical competence and knowledge of civil servants, foster a culture of continuous learning, and strengthen the public sector's competitiveness in the digital era and in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. 'This measure helps build the image of an administration that is committed to reform, civil servant-friendly, and prioritises human capital as a driver of national progress,' said Sivamurugan. For Nur Suria Iskandar, 28, a teacher at a primary school, the incentive provided a boost of motivation and enthusiasm, as she had long aspired to pursue a master's degree.
The Sun
17 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
RM75m for civil servants pursuing higher education
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced a RM75 million financial incentive for civil servants who pursue higher education, including those furthering their doctorate studies using self-funded means. He said the amount would benefit more than 91,000 civil servants in the management, professional and support groups. He said those pursuing PhD studies would receive RM1,250, master's degree RM1,000, bachelor's degree RM750 and diploma or equivalent level RM500. He added that the assistance is aimed at easing the burden of civil servants who are upgrading their academic qualifications. 'Imagine studying on your own, reducing your wife's allowance just to pay for tuition. So, we're offering this small token of appreciation, although the budget involves RM75.7 million. 'At least once during their service we want to show that we encourage civil servants to improve themselves through their own efforts and initiative,' he said at the 20th Premier Civil Service Address yesterday. Anwar announced an allocation of RM3 million to strengthen the National Institute of Public Administration as a centre of reference for public service excellence in Asia and globally. He also announced the continuation of the APEL.Q @ Intan initiative for 2026, with a budget allocation of RM1.5 million. This initiative will cover tuition support for the APEL.Q Programme, providing up to 50% or a maximum of RM15,000 in tuition fee assistance, depending on which amount is lower.
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Financial incentives for civil servants pursuing higher education at own expense, says PM
PUTRAJAYA: Civil servants who pursue further studies at their own expense will receive financial incentives, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said the incentives, aimed at officers in the Management and Professional Group as well as the Support Group, would benefit more than 91,000 civil servants. Those pursuing doctorate degrees will receive RM1,250, followed by RM1,000 for master's degrees, RM750 for bachelor's degrees and RM500 for diploma or equivalent qualifications. Known as the Hadiah Pengiktirafan Akademik (HPA), Anwar said the financial incentive is provided to civil servants who begin and complete higher academic qualifications recognised during their service, using their own funds. 'Those who take the initiative to study on their own, we are giving them a small token of appreciation, with the total budget involving RM75.7 million. 'This will benefit 91,672 civil servants. It is given once in their career, showing that we encourage them to improve their capabilities on their own initiative,' he said when delivering his address at the 20th Majlis Amanat Perdana Perkhidmatan Awam here on Friday (Aug 15). Also present were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz.
