Latest news with #Sivamurugan
The Sun
a day 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
a day 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
a day 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.
Sinar Daily
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
Umno must give youth the opportunity to make decisions
This step is crucial for Umno to keep pace with the evolving nature of today's political landscape, which is no longer driven by rhetoric. Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi attended the 2025 Lumut Umno Division Delegates Meeting at Dewan Merdeka, Manjung Municipal Council recently. Bernama FILE PIX SHAH ALAM – Umno should open up greater opportunities for youth to actively participate in the party's decision-making process by involving them directly in leadership teams that work collaboratively to interpret and communicate the party's ideals in a way that speaks to the younger generation. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) political analyst Professor Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said this approach should be supported by the introduction of progressive policies that align with the aspirations of today's youth. Doing so, he said, would encourage young voters to assess political affiliation based on values and direction rather than personal loyalty to individual figures. Umno must ensure that no significant generational gap exists. Inset: Sivamurugan He emphasised that this step was crucial for Umno to keep pace with the evolving nature of today's political landscape, which was no longer driven by rhetoric. 'The reality is that politics is dynamic and no longer static. Umno must respond to this dynamism through substantive transformation, moving beyond mere historical values or legacy, though those still have their place. 'Umno must ensure there is no significant generational gap and instead build a leadership continuity that includes the systematic development of future members,' he told Sinar on Monday. He was responding to recent remarks by Umno vice presidents Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, who both called on the party to adopt a fresh strategy to win over younger voters. Umno vice president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. Bernama FILE PIX Johari emphasised the need for Umno to move away from politics rooted in nostalgia and instead embrace a more dynamic and forward-looking approach, acknowledging that no political party can realistically expect to secure a clear majority in future general elections. Wan Rosdy, meanwhile, highlighted the importance of adopting fresh strategies to reclaim lost seats, including the Kepala Batas constituency in Penang, ahead of the upcoming 16th General Election. Building on this, Sivamurugan echoed the concerns raised by the party's senior leadership. He stressed that Umno must also remain consistent in advancing an inclusive and progressive narrative that focuses on real, everyday issues affecting the public. 'The issues frequently raised require strong commitment, such as the cost of living, taxation, education, housing, healthcare, digitalisation and democracy. 'In the meantime, Umno should practise a form of moderate, realistic politics, humble and empathetic without compromising its ongoing defence of Malay-Muslim principles, but doing so through a more innovative approach suitable for the current age of artificial intelligence (AI),' he said. He added that communication is now the most vital element in politics, as it needs to connect with people's hearts and emotions. Therefore, he said, networks and communication channels must be built to enable sincere, trustworthy and integrity-based engagement.
