Mara, Higher Education Ministry closely monitoring students in US amid policy changes
PETALING JAYA: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) will work closely with the Higher Education Ministry to monitor Mara-sponsored students currently in the United States, in light of new policies under President Donald Trump's administration.
Its chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said existing students in the US have been minimally affected so far, and he hopes the situation remains that way.
"The Higher Education Ministry has issued a statement that the impact on current students is minimal. However, in Mara's context, we have decided to postpone the sending of new students.
"So far, the ministry has given its assurance that there will be no adverse impact (on current students), and we are working closely together. That is important, as this involves a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement.
"We hope there will be no implications, though we remain concerned. Policies can change at any time, but most importantly, we do not want to expose our students to further risk," he told reporters after launching the Mara-Petronas Automotive Entrepreneur Development Programme (PUMP) here today.
Also present was Petronas Lubricants Marketing Malaysia chief executive officer Mohd Zameer Zahur Hussain.
Asyraf said Mara will also meet with around 200 students currently undergoing preparatory courses at Mara colleges before being sent abroad.
"With the new policy under President Trump, we believe it is more appropriate and wiser to send them to countries with lower associated risks," he said.
On May 28, AFP reported that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had ordered the suspension of student visa processing as the Trump administration intensified vetting of applicants' social media activity, according to an internal cable.
This marks the latest move targeting international students, a major source of revenue for US universities, following Rubio's cancellation of hundreds of visas and efforts to prevent Harvard University from admitting non-American students.
On June 1, Asyraf had announced that Mara would halt the sending of sponsored students to the US this year.
Meanwhile, Asyraf, who is also Umno secretary-general, said turnout at recent Umno branch meetings had been overwhelming compared to previous years.
He expressed confidence that the momentum would continue into the divisional meetings, ahead of the Umno General Assembly in August.
"Usually, when the branches have held their meetings with such remarkable and encouraging turnout, the divisional delegates' meetings will also be just as impressive, God willing," he said.
The Umno Divisional Delegates' Meetings are currently being held from June 9 until July 27.
The Umno Branch Conferences were held from April 7 to May 25, 2025, while the Umno General Assembly is scheduled to take place from Aug 20 to 23, 2025.
On the PUMP programme, Asyraf said 30 entrepreneurs would receive support this year under the strategic initiative which aims to to empower Bumiputera entrepreneurs in the motorcycle maintenance and repair industry through the MotoExpert brand.
"Mara is offering structured technical training, rebranding of premises, and business financing facilities of up to RM300,000.
"In addition, participants will receive support in terms of spare parts supply chains, image enhancement for their premises, and the development of a more efficient and competitive workshop operating system," he said.
The programme is expected to boost sales by up to 30 per cent and aims to transform at least 20 Bumiputera motorcycle workshops by 2026.
The initiative is also expected to create more job opportunities, particularly for graduates of TVET institutions in the motorcycle maintenance and repair sector, while increasing their potential to own workshops.
The programme is open to graduates from Mara TVET institutions or other institutions who have operated a motorcycle workshop for at least six months, with an annual turnover exceeding RM360,000.
Participant selection will be conducted through seminars and interview sessions in the middle of this year.
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