Latest news with #UiTMShahAlam
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
RESTRUCTURING PTPTN LOANS
THE pathway to higher education isn't always paved in gold. Many face difficulties in pursuing their academic goals due to financial constraints, which is where the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) steps in to aid students in their educational endeavours. Loan holders or borrowers are required to repay their loans to ensure a continued stream of support for future generations, who go through the same struggles they once experienced. To this end, PTPTN launched its Lestari Pendidikan campaign last year, providing borrowers with flexible repayment options to alleviate their financial strain and ensure consistent repayments. Loan restructuring The loan restructuring scheme is intended to provide borrowers with the convenience of changing the structure of their repayment schedules based on their financial capabilities. This enables them to adjust monthly instalment amounts and loan periods, reducing the monthly burden for those experiencing financial difficulties or those who want to restore or take charge of their finances. To be eligible for loan restructuring, borrowers must meet several criteria, such as having high arrears loans with Ujrah or conventional status, or experiencing difficulties repaying their PTPTN loans. Zaidad Farhah Shaiful Akbar from Bentong, Pahang, who is a current borrower, shared that she has already successfully restructured her loan repayment period, and that the entire process, from start to finish, was 'very easy'. 'The restructuring has provided me with a more manageable repayment plan, which has significantly reduced my financial stress,' said Tharshini. 'After getting married, I was not employed for nearly two years. During that period, I faced some financial difficulties which made it challenging for me to make my loan repayments consistently,' said the 32-year-old. 'I contacted the PTPTN hotline directly to inquire about how to restructure my loan, and the staff were extremely helpful, providing me with clear guidance throughout the process. I did not have to visit any PTPTN branch, as everything could be done online.' Zaidad, who previously applied for the Shariah-compliant financing scheme, Ujrah, to pursue a Bachelor of Mass Communication (Hons), with a major in Broadcasting, at UiTM Shah Alam, added that the loan restructuring has been a relief for herself and her family. 'It has greatly reduced my financial burden. By allowing me to extend the repayment period, PTPTN has given me the opportunity and flexibility to manage my finances better,' she said. Meanwhile, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) graduate 33-year-old Ng Chai Yee, who currently works full-time and also manages a small side business, said that restructuring her repayments has significantly reduced her monthly financial burden. 'By allowing me to extend the repayment period, PTPTN has given me the opportunity and flexibility to manage my finances better,' said Zaidad Farhah Shaiful Akbar. 'One of the main challenges was financial instability right after graduation. My income was quite low during the first few years, so I had trouble making consistent payments,' she said. 'The restructured payment period has also given me peace of mind knowing I could commit to the repayment schedule comfortably.' Ng, who is currently raising a small family, added that she applied for restructuring through PTPTN's online portal, which made the entire process straightforward. She also shared that PTPTN officials were incredibly helpful during the restructuring process, as they carefully explained the terms, procedures and next steps, allowing her to fully understand the obligations of the new repayment period. Segi College Subang Jaya graduate Tharshini Subramanian echoed Ng's views, stating that the restructuring campaign has been a game-changer in managing her financial stability. 'When my initial loan repayment period began, I was not in a financial position to meet the monthly payments, which created a lot of stress for me, as I was still looking for a stable source of income after finishing my studies,' she said. 'Now, the restructuring has provided me with a more manageable repayment plan, which has significantly reduced my financial stress.' 'The process was quite smooth and efficient—it took less than two weeks to complete. I was able to start making my payments the following month. Overall, it was much easier than I expected, and PTPTN was very accommodating throughout the entire process.' The 35-year-old, who is a conventional loan holder, added that by restructuring her loan, she has afforded herself the financial legroom to consistently make repayments while pursuing her personal and professional goals. 'The lower monthly payments have made it easier to balance my budget and focus on my career goals, without the looming pressure of overwhelming debt. It's given me some breathing room to plan for my future,' she said. A shared responsibility While no two borrowers' lives are the same, with each going through their own struggles, consistent PTPTN loan repayment is essential for the national fund to continue aiding students in their pursuit of higher education. Local celebrity and television personality Awal Ashaari shared with The Star's Malay-language portal mStar that PTPTN loans gave him independence while he was pursuing higher education, without relying on his parents. 'When I was studying, I used to get an allowance from my parents. We weren't a rich family, so it wasn't always enough,' he said. 'When I got my PTPTN loan, the financial burden was no longer there. 'It was like having my own salary. I had enough to support my living expenses—for transportation, food and my coursework. It enabled me to study freely, without limitations or hesitation.' He added that handling repayments timely is essential to ensure no students are left behind in their pursuit of higher education. 'This is what I want to stress to all borrowers. If you're working and financially capable, spend a little bit of what you have to pay off your PTPTN loans.. It's not like they are asking for a complete repayment—it's actually done in stages. It's not until after a year of completing your studies that they send you the first repayment notice. 'It does not have to be large amounts either as every little bit counts. 'You can even make automated salary deductions to ensure that you don't forget.' Having been a borrower and loan-defaulter himself, Awal reiterated the profound impact that PTPTN loans have on one's educational journey. 'It was the driving force that enabled me to complete my studies,' he said. 'Many have a 'tidak apa' attitude towards loan repayments. But they should realise that PTPTN helped us to complete our studies, and when we finish studying and are financially capable, it is our duty to repay that kindness. 'We should remember the vital role this loan played in our education; without it, our paths might have been different. We might not be where we are today. When we see it in that light, the repayments don't seem like much at all.' Universiti Putra Malaysia senior lecturer Dr Chong Kok Fei, a marketing, financial management and consumer behaviour expert, shared that many young Malaysian graduates enter working life without any form of budget and tend to spend based on cash availability rather than structured planning. In financial planning terms, this means no cash flow planning, which often leads to delayed repayments because of insufficient savings. 'Financial literacy is absolutely critical. There is no proper planning, awareness and commitment to pay,' said Chong. 'Repaying PTPTN is more than just clearing an education loan – it's the foundation of long-term financial credibility and resilience. 'Timely repayments contribute positively to your credit report via CCRIS, improving eligibility for housing loans, car financing and even business credit. Some employers also conduct credit checks, which means that a clean PTPTN record reflects one's integrity and reliability.' 'In essence, a repaid loan is more than a cleared debt – it's proof that you can carry responsibility, delay gratification and stay true to your financial commitments,' he said. For more information, download the myPTPTN application for easier, faster and safer services.
Barnama
18-06-2025
- General
- Barnama
"A Day With A Journalist" By UiTM Exposes Students To Ethics In Journalism
By Nor Hayati Endan KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- Universiti Teknologi MARA's (UiTM) 'A Day with a Journalist' programme has effectively exposed journalism students to the real-world challenges and experiences of reporting through hands-on field experience alongside professional journalists. Journalism lecturer at the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, UiTM Shah Alam, Selangor, Fadzillah Aishah Ismail said the programme, which is an important component of the News Writing subject (Journalism Programme), allows students to gain firsthand reporting experience by shadowing journalists from both print and electronic media organisations in the field. "This programme has also successfully opened the minds and stimulated the interest of students to choose a career as a journalist after they graduate, because they have experienced first-hand working as a journalist, even if it is only for a day. "There are also journalists who allow students who tag along with them to produce news for the assignments, and some even share their 'bylines'. This really encourages the students' interest in going into journalism as a career,' she told Bernama. One of the participants, Ezureen Natasya Kahar Jaafar, 21, a journalism student at UiTM Shah Alam, said the programme instils journalistic ethics in every journalist and media practitioner. "While following a journalist from the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) for an assignment, she emphasises the need for every news report to be authentic and accurate, and that there should be no delay in sending the news," she said. For Kamelia Shaira Kamarudin, 21, who followed a journalist from Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) to an assignment, said, the programme taught her that every news report must be accurate and true to ensure information obtained by the public is authentic. "I was also exposed to the real situation of working as a journalist who has to travel to many places and meet people to obtain information, in addition to facing deadlines to complete a news story," she said.
Rakyat Post
28-04-2025
- Business
- Rakyat Post
Beauty, Brains, and Breaking Barriers
Subscribe to our FREE No matter how progressive the world gets, stereotypes still linger. Here's where Aqilah, a technopreneur and CEO of As students receive their exam results, and are anxious as to what their future holds, Aqilah and Fatin serve as shining examples of how hard work, passion, and determination can open up countless career opportunities, no matter what path you choose. Breaking stereotypes and inspiring the next generation of women Aqilah and Fatin exemplify the intersection of beauty and brains, redefining what it means to be a woman in today's world. They are not just successful in their respective fields; they are also leveraging TikTok to educate and inspire. TikTok has become an important platform for both 13th December babies 🎂 Next? Aqilah and Fatin are powerful role models, challenging societal expectations and encouraging young women to pursue careers in STEM, business, medicine, and most importantly, pursuing their passions. The future of women in these fields looks brighter with creators like them being in the field, proving that anything is possible. Empowering the future of electronics and tech education Ts. Nur 'Aqilah binti Zainuddin, 33, from Shah Alam, is a force to be reckoned with. With a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from UiTM Shah Alam and a consistent Dean's List record, she founded Aiszzy Electronics Sdn. Bhd., an electronics shop that goes beyond simple retail. Serving as a comprehensive hub for electronic components, education, and project development, Aqilah intended for it to empower individuals and foster innovation within the community. 'The idea behind Aiszzy Electronics started from my passion for electronics and technology since my degree study. 'I noticed a gap in the market, especially in terms of practical hands-on learning for studentsand hobbyists,' Aqilah explains. Aiszzy Electronics bridges this gap by providing specialised components and training, empowering students, educators, and industry professionals. Whilst being occupied with events, trainings, chief executive work and running Aiszzy Electronics, Aqilah is also responsible for the company's TikTok page. She takes charge of everything from brainstorming ideas to editing and posting, ensuring her content is both educational and engaging for a broad audience. 'My approach is to break down complex concepts into simpler, easier and digestable content for the audience,' she said. She focuses on the basics, building up to more advanced ideas with engaging visuals and relatable examples. Her videos even show her creating seemingly chaotic projects step by step for the audience to follow along. As a woman in the electronics industry, Aqilah has faced her share of challenges from facing stereotypes to being underestimated. 'However, I've learned to view these obstacles as opportunities to prove myself,' she said. Her ability to simplify technical information and create engaging content has made her a role model, not only for young women but also for people of all ages interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). 'I hope that our content inspires everyone, especially young women, to pursue their interests in STEM fields. 'I want them to know that technology isn't something to be intimidated by – it's something they can excel in,' she added. Notably, Aqilah's innovative approach to electronics extends beyond education. Her company's collaboration with a renowned fashion designer to create technological dresses for Aina Abdul and Aisyah Aziz at Anugerah Juara Lagu (AJL) 38 and 39 marked a significant milestone. 'Honestly, I never imagined I'd have the chance to work on something as big as AJL,' she reflects. This project, born from collaborations at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) 2023 and 2024, showcased the fascinating intersection of fashion and technology, highlighting Aiszzy Electronics' expertise in practical effects and technology. Looking forward, Aqilah envisions a future where more women take leading roles in technology. 'The future of women in technology is bright,' she asserts. 'My advice to young girls is to follow their passion and stay curious. Don't let anyone tell you that technology isn't for you. Learn as much as you can, be persistent, and seek out mentors who can guide you. Most importantly, believe in yourself and your ability to innovate and create,' Aqilah added. Her work is not just about teaching electronics; it's about inspiring a generation to push boundaries and explore the limitless possibilities of technology. Bridging the gap between doctors and patients on TikTok Fatin Najwan Daud, 29, a junior doctor in the emergency department and a content creator from Kuala Lumpur. Balancing a demanding medical career with her online presence, Fatin uses TikTok to share medical insights and personal stories. Her journey began with a cathartic video after completing her housemanship, leading her to share her experiences. 'Unbeknownst to me, it was a ubiquitous experience and a lot of people related to that content,' she recalls. From there, I gained more confidence to share and tell stories.' This confidence, she admits, was a long time coming. 'Since I was little, I always remembered myself being very energetic and extroverted. I have always recorded myself and talked to the camera but I never had the courage to post my content.' Her TikTok segments, 'Medical Corner' and 'Story Time', have become popular for their balance of entertainment and education. Fatin uses these segments to share medical anecdotes, aiming to bridge the gap between patients and doctors by humanising healthcare workers. 'My platform could be a way for me to share medical anecdotes or medical education to the public, especially when a lot of my frustrations at work come from the lack of public health awareness,' Fatin explains. She navigates a demanding schedule, juggling long hospital shifts with content creation, attending events, making time for herself and her relationship. Fatin has faced challenges as a woman in medicine, including being stereotyped and having her voice undermined. 'Some of my biggest challenges are having my voice being heard and acknowledged,' she said. 'Being patronised or stereotyped as a female in any stream of academia has been a long-standing norm in our society.' However, she has learned to assert herself and celebrate her achievements. Fatin's resilience in medicine clear as she candidly shares her initial medical school struggles. This experience, she explains, instilled a deep-seated fear as she entered her housemanship. However, each successful diagnosis, each well-executed management plan, and every life she helps save becomes a powerful reminder of her growth. These moments, she reflects, fill her with immense pride and joy, serving as a stark contrast to the insecure student she once was. Despite her past challenges, Fatin has evolved into a more confident and competent doctor – and trying her best with the given circumstances in healthcare, embracing her mistakes as learning opportunities and celebrating each step forward. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
