Simpan SSPN turns savings into big dreams

BUKIT MERTAJAM: Beneath BMS 2026's colourful "Under the Sea" theme lies a simple message: start saving today so children can sail towards tomorrow.

For parents attending the Bulan Menabung Simpan SSPN (BMS) 2026 celebration at Mydin Bukit Mertajam here on Saturday, the message came to life through colourful costumes, children's performances, competitions, prizes and interactive activities.

But beneath the excitement was a more serious mission — encouraging Malaysians to prepare financially for their children's education from an early age.

Organised by the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), BMS 2026 is being held nationwide from Sept 25 to Nov 1, with celebrations taking place across 14 states at selected locations.

Held with World Savings Day on Oct 31, the campaign carries the theme "Under the Sea" and retains its tagline, "Jom Jadi Superhero Anak Anda!".

The concept likens a child's journey through life and education to an underwater adventure, where every new discovery comes with challenges and uncertainty.

For parents, Simpan SSPN offers one way to prepare for that journey by setting aside money before higher education expenses arise.

PTPTN chairman Datuk Seri Norliza Abdul Rahim said BMS 2026 was a means to strengthen awareness of the importance of education savings.

"BMS 2026 is not merely an annual celebration, but a platform to promote a culture of saving as an early preparation for children's education."

She said Simpan SSPN enabled parents to plan their children's education in a more organised and prudent manner, while supporting PTPTN's efforts to encourage a shift from borrowing towards saving.

The message resonated with visitors at the Penang celebration, including Mohd Hasari Hasan, 46, a Tenaga Nasional Bhd employee and father of four, who won RM15,000 in the WOW! Simpan SSPN Plus 2026 Draw — Cabutan WOW! Simpan SSPN Plus 2026, Series 2 category. Hasari, who started saving through Simpan SSPN in 2021, said he viewed it as a practical way to prepare for his children's education.

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"Simpan SSPN is not merely a place to save money. It is a platform for parents to make an early commitment towards their children's savings."

His decision to start early has become particularly meaningful as his eldest child, now 18, is studying banking at UiTM Raub, Pahang.

Hasari said the savings had helped with his child's education expenses, allowing him to prepare for university costs without relying entirely on a loan.

He now has Simpan SSPN accounts for all four children, aged between seven and 18.

His advice to other parents was straightforward: do not wait until your children are older.

"I urge parents not to wait until their children are older before opening an account. We can start saving small amounts for our children," he said.

Warehouse officer Chan Tat Beng, 48, said Simpan SSPN had been part of his financial planning for more than a decade.

The father of two children, aged 11 and 14, said he usually made a lump-sum contribution once a year, depending on his financial situation.

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"For me, it is an opportunity to keep some money safely for our children when they go to university. At least we already have some savings in hand," he said.

Chan was introduced to Simpan SSPN during a visit to Karnival Jom Heboh in Kuala Lumpur more than 10 years ago.

Teacher Norzipah Karim, 48, said she had also opened accounts for her two children years ago to prepare for their education, adding that one had since reached university age.

Customer service executive Siti Nor Aisyah Idrus, 40, from Juru, started saving for her five children in 2018 after learning about Simpan SSPN through a school group.

She makes regular monthly contributions under the Simpan SSPN Plus package and adds more whenever she receives additional income, such as bonuses.

"If I have extra money, I will put more into the children's savings," she said.

Mechanic Azhari Awang, 50, from Kulim, decided to open accounts after visiting the BMS event, saying it gave him the opportunity to act on a plan he had considered for some time.

IT manager Ininl Saminathan, 39, meanwhile, said he also planned to make monthly contributions towards his children's future education.

The parents welcomed the programme, saying it provided greater insight into saving for their children and should continue to be held.

As part of the campaign, PTPTN is promoting various benefits under Simpan SSPN, including income tax relief on savings of up to RM8,000 a year, free takaful protection for depositors, matching grants of up to RM10,000 for eligible families, competitive dividends, government-guaranteed savings and syariah compliance.

The BMS 2026 celebration also featured the presentation of certificates to nine primary schools participating in the Kelab Simpanan Pendidikan module in Penang, as well as prizes for Simpan SSPN campaign winners and the Simpan SSPN Got Talent competition.

PTPTN also presented the Anugerah Permata Inspirasi PTPTN to 11-year-old Nur Amira Safiah Mohamad Zafari, who won a gold medal for public speaking at the International World Innovative Student Exhibition in the United Kingdom.

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Norliza said the campaign's activities were designed to make financial education more accessible and engaging, particularly for younger Malaysians.

With its colourful "Under the Sea" theme, BMS 2026 seeks to turn the often-serious subject of financial planning into an experience families can enjoy together, while reminding parents that every ringgit saved today can help chart a smoother course towards their children's educational future.