The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) has unveiled the LESTARIPendidikan campaign, an initiative to ensure higher education remains relevant and inclusive for future generations.
The campaign highlights the importance of borrowers' social and financial responsibility in safeguarding the sustainability of the fund.
PTPTN chairman Datuk Seri Norliza Abdul Rahim said the campaign was designed to ease the burden of repayment through flexible plans.
"The LESTARIPendidikan campaign includes the #PTPTNBoleh-Bincang initiative, allowing borrowers to negotiate flexible repayment schedules tailored to their financial capacity," she said at the launch of the campaign at Menara PTPTN on Monday.
Present was PTPTN chief executive Ahmad Dasuki Abdul Majid.
The campaign also introduced the #PTPTNSediaBantu initiative, a proactive approach to repayment.
#PTPTNSediaBantu aims to make it easier for borrowers to manage their loans and repayments by providing various service channels that are convenient, fast and secure.
"These channels can assist borrowers with inquiries or issues on loan repayments," Norliza said.
The LESTARIPendidikan campaign urges stakeholders such as universities, alumni and non-governmental organisations to cooperate and promote positive messaging about the social responsibility of repaying PTPTN loans.
"This campaign is built on four pillars: Transformation, Aspiration, Realisation and Innovation.
"Transformation aims to raise public awareness about PTPTN's role in providing inclusive access to higher education.
"Aspiration seeks to position PTPTN as a partner supporting students in achieving their education dreams.
"Realisation focuses on creating educational opportunities for future generations by maintaining the fund through responsible repayments.
Lastly, Innovation introduces new solutions such as the myPTPTN app to streamline payment and myWaqafPTPTN to improve loan management effectiveness," Norliza said.
Borrowers should see repayment not only as an individual responsibility, but also as a social obligation to ensure education remains accessible for future generations.
PTPTN said failure to repay loans jeopardised the fund and the future of thousands of students who need it.
"Through community support and collective action, we can ensure a robust and inclusive higher education system aligned with the nation's aspirations," said Norliza.
Highlighting the campaign's impact, Norliza noted the importance of repayments in supporting existing and new borrowers.
"Every repayment is an investment in the future of education for the next generation. With the repayments, PTPTN can continue to support 450,000 existing borrowers and 150,000 new borrowers annually, especially those from low-income families.
"This involves a substantial sum of more than RM3 billion each year."
Up to September, PTPTN recorded loan arrears totalling RM11.32 billion, involving more than 1.25 million defaulters.
To encourage repayment, PTPTN has sent reminder letters, issued demand notices and introduced flexible repayment mechanisms, such as loan restructuring plans.
The LESTARIPendidikan campaign reflects PTPTN's commitment to supporting the government's vision, including the Malaysia Madani concept, which prioritises wellbeing, social justice and sustainability.
In line with the Higher Education Ministry's National Higher Education Strategic Plan, PTPTN strives to ensure every individual, regardless of background, has the opportunity to pursue higher education without financial burdens.
"Through the collective support of society, we can sustain a higher education system that is both strong and inclusive.
"This aligns with aspirations for a progressive and united Malaysia," said Norliza.
The campaign reaffirms PTPTN's dedication to its mission of providing equitable access to education and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the fund.