Use tax break to help schools, Amir urges alumni

Finance Minister Amir Hamzah Azizan, a former student of St John's Institution, called upon alumni of public schools to utilize a new tax break to contribute to a fund supporting schools. At an alumni dinner, the finance minister highlighted that the 2027 federal budget offers a tax deduction of up to 10% of total income for donations toward the Tabung Sumbangan Wang Awam Sekolah. This fund aids in covering school operations, facility repairs, equipment purchases, and student programs.

Amir emphasized the importance of generous contributions from alumni and encouraged alumni associations to extend their support beyond financial aid. He stressed that former students, who have experienced the values and character-shaping learning process, should strive to provide the same opportunities to future generations. "Most of us have been blessed with the privilege of being in school.

Most of us have picked up the ethos that has made us different. What we want now is to embed the same ethos, same opportunity and the same privilege to the future generations that come," Amir stated.