A Day with EPF at UTAR Kampar Campus empowers staff with retirement planning insights

‘Retire and enjoy life’ has always been a recurring concept in many minds. Yet, to enjoy life comfortably at retirement age requires a substantial nest egg, which is built from an early age through consistent planning, informed decisions, and a clear understanding of available financial tools.

According to recent reports by the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), nearly 74% of active EPF contributors save less than RM100,000 in their accounts upon retirement. Although the savings level is improving, many are still on track for a retirement that may not fully support their future lifestyle, falling well short of EPF’s recommended basic savings target of about RM390,000 at age 60 by 2030.

Staff members at Kampar Campus accessing a range of services provided at the EPF mobile counter

While a sustainable salary is essential, financial literacy and prudent planning are equally important in ensuring long-term financial security. Supporting the saving initiative, the Division of Human Resource (DHR), UTAR, organised A Day with EPF at UTAR on 29 April 2026 at its Kampar Campus.

Beyond strengthening staff members’ understanding of financial planning and retirement preparedness, the initiative, held in collaboration with the EPF Ipoh Branch, also aimed to inform them about the latest EPF products and services.

The ongoing briefing sessions for Malaysian (left) and expatriate staff members

Ms Sharifah Nabilah explaining the contribution schemes offered by EPF

During the event, EPF Ipoh Branch Relationship Advisor Ms Sharifah Nabilah binti S. Sharuddin Shah conducted briefing sessions for both Malaysian and expatriate staff members. The session provided the latest information about EPF products and services, including i-Akaun facilities, nomination processes, contribution schemes, and retirement planning strategies.

Besides learning about the benefits and procedures of utilising EPF services, a key highlight from the sessions was the explanation of monthly budget allocation strategies. In this regard, Ms Sharifah Nabilah advised participants to allocate at least 20% of their monthly salary to savings, no more than 30% towards debt commitments, and around 50% for daily expenses.

While the recommended monthly personal savings are set at 20% by EPF, she nevertheless suggested that participants allocate more funds to savings whenever possible, highlighting the habit as key to building long-term financial security and resilience. In addition, she shared the differences between good debt and bad debt, emphasising that good debt typically contributes to long-term value or income generation, whereas bad debt often involves high-interest liabilities that depreciate quickly and do not generate income.

Complementing the briefings, an EPF mobile counter was set up at the venue to provide convenient, on-the-spot services. Staff members took the opportunity to carry out account-related transactions, update personal information, register for i-Akaun, and seek direct consultation from EPF officers.

Retirement may still be decades away for many workers, yet the key to a sustainable departure from work lies in discipline—early saving. Coupled with rising costs of living, the notion rings ever truer, signalling not just organisations such as UTAR and EPF, but also individuals to take proactive steps in strengthening their financial preparedness and future well-being.