Latest news with #Mara-sponsored
New Straits Times
11-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
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.
The Star
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Franchising, TVET and tourism ties to be strengthened
LONDON: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi concluded his working visit to the United Kingdom, generating renewed enthusiasm to strengthen ties in the areas of franchising, education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and tourism between the two nations. The Deputy Prime Minister said a joint committee between Malaysia and the UK franchise associations would be formed to enhance cooperation between the two countries. The committee needs to be formed to provide greater market exposure for Malaysian companies, he added. 'We feel there is a lot of potential for Malaysian companies to establish and expand their franchises in the UK, especially in terms of halal products, be they food and beverage, education, cosmetics or even traditional Malay medicine. 'The committee must be formed immediately and I will monitor its performances every six months through the Cabinet committee on franchise, which I chair,' he told reporters towards the end of his four-day visit here. Ahmad Zahid said the decision was made following a dialogue session with franchise players from Malaysia and the UK. The Deputy Prime Minister, who also held a dialogue session with tourism industry players, said engaging with the various industries was an important step, instead of depending solely on government-to-government talks. 'What is more important is business-to-business as well as people-to-people engagements. 'I feel such engagements will have a big impact on the two countries,' he added. On the TVET front, Ahmad Zahid, who gave a public lecture at University College London during his working visit, said Malaysia is laying the foundation to become Asean's TVET Certification and Excellence Hub, particularly in high-impact sectors like aerospace, green energy, advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity. 'TVET's intake has reached 436,285, with 53.5% of SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) school-leavers choosing the course. 'Some 94.5% of graduates successfully obtained jobs. 'To further strengthen this achievement, Malaysia will send teaching personnel for further studies through global cooperation with the UK to expand relations with industries and ensure marketability,' he said. Ahmad Zahid expressed optimism about enhancing bilateral ties with the UK in the areas of TVET, rural development and renewable energy. The move aims to bolster resilience against global climate change, following his meeting with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed. 'I also reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment towards expanding cooperation with UK academic and industrial institutions, and also touched on cooperation on rural transformation,' he added. During his meeting with Malaysian students, particularly those sponsored by Mara, Ahmad Zahid expressed his pleasure at their enthusiasm regarding the transformative policy on TVET introduced by the government. 'I reiterated that the students, especially the Mara-sponsored ones, must not only gain knowledge abroad but they must return to Malaysia and contribute to the country,' he said. The Deputy Prime Minister departed for Geneva for a working visit.
The Star
03-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Door to US education not closed
PETALING JAYA: Malaysian students planning to further their studies in the United States can continue submitting their applications as usual, the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has confirmed. However, the embassy stressed that there is a distinction between submitting an application and securing a visa. 'Student and exchange programme visa applicants may continue to apply, and it is important that they are fully truthful in their applications,' the embassy said when contacted yesterday. This clarification comes amid reports that some Malaysian students are reconsidering their plans to pursue higher education in the United States, following policy changes introduced by the Trump administration. Students worldwide, including Malaysians, have expressed anxiety as the United States reportedly prepares to temporarily suspend US student visa appointments. Their concerns were heightened following reports that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had instructed US embassies to halt the scheduling of student visa interviews, as the administration moves to expand social media screening for applicants. The US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur gave an assurance that no previously scheduled appointments have been cancelled. 'For those without an appointment, we recommend continuing to monitor for the availability of new slots,' it said. Foreign students intending to study in the United States are typically required to attend an interview at a US embassy in their home country before a visa can be approved. On May 22, the Trump administration banned Harvard University from enrolling international students. A US judge has subsequently blocked the move but the uncertainty among students remains. The Harvard Club of Malaysia (HCM) has backed the university in opposing the move by President Donald Trump, saying: 'We at the Harvard Club of Malaysia fully support our alma mater's stand and affirm our commitment to openness, inquiry, and service — principles that not only define Harvard, but also our enduring role in society.' 'To isolate institutions of learning from the world is to undermine the very foundation of human progress,' said the HCM. Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that Mara-sponsored students initially bound for further studies in US universities this year will probably be sent to the United Kingdom instead. The United Kingdom seemed to be the best choice given its facilities and Mara's close cooperation with the universities there, he told reporters in London where he is on a four-day working visit. Asked about Public Service Department-sponsored students who are slated to pursue their studies in the United States, Ahmad Zahid said he would discuss with the Chief Secretary to the Government and PSD director-general on the matter.
New Straits Times
02-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
US policy shift an opportunity to explore education elsewhere
LONDON: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that policy and systemic changes in the United States (US), including in the education sector, should be viewed as opportunities to explore the advantages of education in other countries. Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said this includes exploring new opportunities in the United Kingdom (UK), which has long established educational cooperation with Malaysia. "We know that Mara (Majlis Amanah Rakyat) has decided to stop sending its sponsored students to the US. My approach is this: when there is a threat, there is always an opportunity. We have to look at the other side of the coin. "In situations like this, I believe the UK education system, which we are familiar with, can be put to good use," he said. Zahid, who is also National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Committee chairman, said this during a press conference after chairing a meeting with the Malaysian delegation in conjunction with his four-day working visit to the UK starting today. Yesterday, Mara chairman Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki announced that Mara will stop sending its sponsored students to the US starting this year, following the introduction of new policies and directives under President Donald Trump. Previously, the Trump administration issued an order to halt the processing of all foreign student visas and was reportedly considering screening new applicants based on their social media posts. Zahid also said he would use his working visit to broaden cooperation in the field of TVET, particularly in exploring new areas such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, robotics and green energy in collaboration with UK universities. "There are many new technology sectors, especially in green energy, that have already been implemented here and from which we can learn. We hope programmes like 'training the trainers' (ToT), for example, will bear fruit once they have undergone courses here," he said. Among the key items on Ahmad Zahid's itinerary in the UK are meetings with representatives of leading institutions such as University College London, delivering a public lecture on Malaysia's TVET direction and engaging with Mara-sponsored students.
The Star
02-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
No more US varsities through Mara
LONDON: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) will stop sending its students for further studies in the United States starting this year. Mara chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki ( pic ) said the decision was made in view of uncertainties over policies under the US administration. 'A total of 131 Mara students are supposed to further their studies in the United States in October. 'However, given the uncertainties now, we do not want to place any risk on our students (by sending them there),' he told reporters here yesterday. Asyraf Wajdi is in London as part of the delegation of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is here on a four-day working visit until Wednesday. He said the students, who were supposed to go to the United States this October, would be sent to top universities in other countries. 'Among the countries being considered are Australia, New Zealand, Japan and China,' he said. 'We are also considering sending them to local universities.' Asyraf Wajdi said counsellors had been assigned to discuss with the students on their prospective destination. 'The most important thing is that we don't want to demotivate them. 'The counsellors will guide them to renowned universities in other countries,' he added. He said Mara was studying the impact of the US policies on its 266 students currently in the United States and would make a decision once the study was completed. Asyraf Wajdi also said that Mara would work closely with Cambridge University for the benefit of its students and educators. He said he has held discussions with Cambridge representatives, relaying to them that 12 out of the 57 Mara junior science colleges (MRSM) had Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). 'The students' performance is very encouraging, with 147 of getting straight As in IGCSE subjects. 'They (Cambridge representatives) were excited when we shared these facts with them.' In turn, Asyraf Wajdi said Cambridge representatives had agreed to visit MRSM to give students an orientation on Cambridge. 'In that sense, successful students can be prepared early.' Asyraf Wajdi said Mara has also agreed to embark on a research collaboration with Cambridge and to provide co-funding in areas such as quantum technology and artificial intelligence. 'We will send our lecturers for five master's and PhD courses in Cambridge. 'The university will sponsor another five. 'Our ultimate aim is to increase the capacity and competency of our educators so that our students get the best education.' Mara had also agreed to conduct leadership courses that could produce professors and lecturers who were not only active in academics but in industries too, he said. 'The training module will be developed by Cambridge.' On another matter, Asyraf Wajdi said three universities in the United Kingdom had agreed to offer discounts of between 10-20% in tuition fees for Mara-sponsored students. The universities are Warwick, Birmingham and Edinburgh. 'Both Warwick and Birmingham universities have agreed to offer 20% discounts in tuition fees for Mara students while Edinburgh offered a discount of 10%,' he said. 'For example, the discount is about £6,000 per year at Warwick University. 'So for three years, this will amount to £18,000. 'This would mean a total of RM103,000 in savings for those three years,' he added. With the discounts offered, Asyraf Wajdi said Mara could look into the possibility of increasing student allowances to help ease their cost of living. 'I met with students in the Sheffield and Manchester universities. 'The feedback I received is that their cost of living has increased significantly,' he added.
